Photography

Troubleshooting Common Digital Camera Issues

2011-07-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Basic Principles For Making Money in Photography

2011-07-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

How To Shoot Fireworks

2011-07-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Professional Studio Photographers

2011-07-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tips for Better Digital Photography

2011-05-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Digital photography is quickly replacing film photography. While there are some hobbyists and even professional photographers that still shoot film photos, the many advantages of digital photos are winning over more photographers on a daily basis. Digital photography tends to be easier and faster to shoot. In addition, it gives the photographer more options in shooting the pictures, editing the photos and even printing and ways of sharing the photos. If you're ready to be a better digital photographer, here are some tips to get you shooting higher quality photos.

Tip #1 Be Aware of the Background

Not only do you have to be conscious of the subject you are shooting, but you also need to be aware of the objects or scenery in the background. The awareness helps you to keep trees from seemingly growing out of people's heads or a passing vehicle that draws the attention away from your subject. Even if it means moving the subject you are shooting over a couple of steps or adjusting the angle at which you take the photo, it can make all the difference in the outcome of the picture.

Tips #2 Use Available Lighting

If your digital camera has an option to turn the flash off and there is sufficient natural lighting, then switch the flash off. In general, the flash on a camera is harsh and it reflects in the color quality of the digital photography. Camera flash can make human skin look pale or can distort colors and make subjects blurry. Indoor photographs may not provide enough light for the picture to turn out, so you may need to use the flash. In these circumstances, shoot away from windows or bright lights inside of the home or area to avoid overexposure of what you are shooting as well.

Tip #3 Shoot at a Slight Angle

Rather than take the photo straight ahead, shoot at a slight angle. Even a three-quarter angle toward a person's face permits you to see more of the person's features and expressions than if you shoot the photograph right in front of the subject's face. Shooting subjects at a slight angle also has a slimming effect on the person that you are shooting and how they turn out in the photograph.

Tip #4 Focus

Not only can you use the focus feature on a digital camera, but you can also move closer or further away from what you are shooting to bring the subject into focus. When you get a little closer to your subject, the subject tends to fill more of the frame of the camera, and ultimately the photograph. This allows you to enhance the photograph and avoid taking photos with too much of a background and not enough of the subject you wanted to capture in the first place.

Tip #5 Avoid Dead Center Subjects

Never put the subject of your picture in the dead center of the frame. Instead, put the subject slightly off center; not a lot but just a little. When shooting a group of people, draw an imaginary line in the center of the group. Then, shift slightly to the left or the right of the imaginary line to take the picture.

Following these tips won't turn you into an award-winning photographer overnight. What it will do is get you on the right path to taking better and more powerful photographs that others will comment on for years to come. Digital photography may remain your hobby or you may be able to make a little cash from selling your photographs. Either way, these tips will get you where you want to be.

Flaunt Your Photos on Canvas

2011-05-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Photos on canvas can make any room look good. They can add a personal touch to your home and maybe even make you remember good times. By putting your photos on canvas, you are saving them from a life hidden in the back of old closet and becoming full of dust.

There are a multitude of companies on the internet advertising the fact that they have the ability to put photos on canvas. There are also a lot of companies advertising massive discounts to put your photos on canvas for you.

So many people today take a digital camera with them everywhere they go. They take some really great photos have a quick look at them at the time, then later in the course of the day, they may go back and relook at them or show some friends then completely forget all about them. If the photos are really lucky they may make it from the SD card all the way to be stored on the computer and then filed away not to be seen again.

By putting your photos on canvas you have the chance to relive that special fun day over and over again. Every time you look as you walk passed it, it will surely bring back not only the memories, but it may bring a smile to your face again. Memories can bring back a wealth of emotions, why not cherish these emotions and memories and hang them throughout your house.

Because canvas prints do not weigh as much as traditionally framed photo prints, they are easier to put up and easier to move around. It also means that you can move them around a lot easier if you have to move house.

If you are stuck when it comes to picking a gift for someone who is close to you and or your family, you really should consider a printed canvas as the gift. Not only are they relatively a low cost option, they are said to be long lasting and almost guaranteed to be hit. Your gift will definitely be unique and totally original if you chose a personal photo to have printed. This would be the best personalized gift you can buy for someone that they can share with everyone else.

You can still order a printed canvas if you are running low on time to come up with the perfect gift. Many of the printers are able to do an order for you in just a couple of days.

I love scrapbooking. I enjoy cutting, pasting, designing and writing tags on my photos. My scrapbook defines me, each and every pages reflects my bubbly personality. Another great idea of keeping photos aside from scrapbooking is photos on canvas. I had a friend who converted her photos on canvas and the results are awesome.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chynee_Diaz

Take Advantage of the Flexibility of Photo Canvas Prints

2011-05-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

A photo canvas print, sometimes also known as a stretched canvas print, is usually printed utilizing one of your selected photos or pictures onto weaved canvas. The actual canvas will be stretched over a gallery quality framework and spacers are applied to guarantee the absolute best quality over the greatest time period. The flexibility of canvas prints and also the capability to add your own personal image causes them to be the most attractive methods to show pictures around the house and even in the workplace.

Family Photographs And Vacation Photographs

Making use of your own photograph or pictures permits you to show family pictures, or images of one's favourite locations or functions. Canvas prints, printed right on to weaved canvas, have got fantastic colour clarity and remarkable photo reproduction so you're able to enjoy really clear, realistic photos that may be shown proudly on your own wall. After all, family photos and vacation photos are not the only style of picture you might use either.

Custom made And Existing Paintings

Art work will come in numerous shapes, dimensions, and types. Should you design your own or get royalty free design and use a digital file that contains the image then you can definitely also use your much-loved art work and get this converted to a visually gorgeous bit of wall art work. Stretched canvas is the perfect material for presenting art work, whether it is of photographic level of quality or paint based.

Getting Creativity From Nature

You could think about printing images of one's much-loved pets, plants, or perhaps your cherished car or truck. A lot of canvas printing businesses could help you with any kind of digital picture, although normally, the bigger the required canvas the greater quality and the bigger the image need to be to start with; this can help to make sure that you obtain the absolute best results once the canvas is fully gone.

Motion picture And Sporting Collectibles

Maybe you have your favourite film celebrity or sports personality? Find a very good photograph of them, copyright laws permitting, and get this printed on to a big canvas - fantastic for your home theatre or home fitness space. Perhaps movie or sports collectibles could be transformed into unbelievable looking canvas prints. Measurements differ substantially from smaller sized 35cm canvases up to noticeably bigger versions which measure several metres in width. Even so if you plan to but a canvas you'll be able to choose the correct size and dimension to suit your needs.

Giving Canvas Prints As Presents

Image canvas prints not just are excellent bits of wall art work for your house. They may be presented as presents to other people or they may be utilized to help customise any kind of space and definitely help to make that space your own. Opt for a photograph or graphic that is certainly highly relevant to the area, the recipient, and any design theme that you wish to stick to and find the photography and select the proportions to suit.

Some other Photo Gifts

Along with canvas prints, you will find there's wide array of additional photo gifts and photo items which could be customized to feature your own selection of picture. Additional photo items which work nicely in your home include photo blocks, that are fundamentally the modern-day equivalent of a framed image, along with stuff like folding screens, roller window blinds, as well as customized wallpapers. They could also assist add colour and character in any room of your house and even your work.

10 Creative Macro Photography Project Ideas

2011-05-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for some interesting and out of the ordinary project ideas for your close up or macro photography? Want to break away from the usual flowers, leaves, plants and mushrooms? Tired of bugs, butterflies and spiders? All of those can make great close up subjects, but certainly not unique ones. Here are a few macro photography project ideas that may inspire your creativity:

1. Cutlery. Knives, forks and spoons can make great macro subjects. Arrange like pieces together to create lines and patterns.

2. Feathers. Feathers are beautiful close up. The central shaft creates a strong line which may be curved or straight, while the rest of the feather provides a soft texture. Use bird feathers that you find or purchase, or pluck one out of your down pillow or duvet!

3. Water droplets. This one is a classic, but be creative, and find your water on unusual surfaces like a wire fence, a cobweb, or a rear-view mirror. Early morning dew makes almost any subject magical. In the Spring or Fall, your can look for frost instead of dew.

4. Glass. Close up photos of fine crystal glassware can yield wonderful abstracts filled with curved lines and reflections. For added fun, place glasses side by side, or one behind the other to create lines where they overlap. You can fill the glasses with colored water for even more creative images. Finally, you can add a sheet of clear, but textured glass (available for purchase at stained glass craft stores) in front of your glassware. The possibilities are endless.

5. Foil reflections. While you have your glasses full of colored water, why not pull out a sheet of kitchen foil, or some shiny silver craft paper? Use your macro lens to shoot down into the foil and capture the reflections of the colored water in its folds and creases. This exercise is a tricky one, and requires patience, but the results can be very rewarding.

6. Fruit and vegetables. They're not just good for your diet! Fruit and vegetables make great macro photography subjects. Try kernels of corn on the cob, citrus slices, or go for more exotic fare like dragon fruit. You can place translucent slices on a lightbox for a clean, bright white background. You can also photograph the fruit or vegetables on plates in complementary colors.

7. Rust and Peeling Paint. Fascinating rust patterns can be found on an old car, or even a metal garbage can in the park. Peeling paint graces old fences and walls. Most people pass by such items without a second glance. Not you! Break out your macro lens, and reveal the hidden beauty. Just beware of harsh shadows if you are photographing in bright sunlight.

8. Car Details. The sleek lines of shiny chrome and trim on a polished car can provide hours of photographic entertainment. You can photograph your own car, but don't be shy about taking your camera to an antique car show. Car owners are usually proud of their vehicles, and won't mind your photographing the details.

9. Animal Bits. The texture of fur on your pet dog, or the wrinkled skin of an elephant at the zoo, can make a great close up shot. Paws, claws and teeth are fun too, as long as you keep out of harm's way. Finally, eyes always make compelling subjects. Shoot close ups of the eyes of your dog or cat (or a person, too!).

10. Tissues. For some high key abstracts, and a really unusual subject, try photographing a tissue. With a little imagination, the lines and shadows formed by the soft folds can create some intriguing images.

For a bonus, take a fresh look at ordinary objects around your home, such as light bulbs, shoe laces, book pages, clothes pegs, straws, holiday ornaments, or pencils. Try to find interesting patterns, lines, shapes, and colors, and create a little close up magic.

I hope these ideas inspire you to get out there with your macro lens and start shooting!

If you want to learn more about taking macro photographs, be sure to check out my two eBooks. They are filled with helpful tips, useful information, and spectacular, full color images to inspire you to create better close up photography.

To find a wealth of photography tips designed to improve your pictures, visit my photo tips website at http://ultimate-photo-tips.com/. Whether you're looking for the answer to a specific question, or just want to explore and learn, Ultimate Photo Tips has hints and techniques to hone your skills and boost your creativity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Waterhouse

Photographic Filters - The Ins and Outs

2011-05-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

In the good old days of film photography the only way to achieve many effects on your photos was with the use of specialized glass (or plastic) filters, fitted to the front (or in some cases slotted into the rear) of camera lenses prior to taking the photo. Fortunately in the modern digital world some of these filters are still used and while many of the old effects can be reproduced in a digital darkroom, others still require the photographer to do the work prior to post processing.

If you speak to most photographers (either professional or amateur) chances are they will probably have some kind of filter in their camera bag, even if they don't use it. While there are too many different types of filter to list them all in detail, a rundown of the most popular would be a good place to start giving advice:

Protective filters: Usually a UV or a Skylight filter, both often employed to protect the end element of a lens from slight knocks (it is far cheaper to replace a filter than a lens!). One word of warning though, filters of this type are often bought cheaply, but this seems strange to me, people will pay thousands for expensive camera lenses and then place a cheap piece of glass at the front, often affecting the image quality of your final photo.

Polarising filters: One of the most popular and useful filters, these are used to eliminate or reduce glare from water etc. as well as to give the appearance of more vivid blue in skies, and are a must for landscape enthusiasts.

Neutral Density filters: These filters reduce the available light reaching the lens, allowing slower speeds to be used in bright conditions (excellent for showing the movement in water), and come in a number of strengths. There are two types of ND filter, a full ND where the whole filter is one dark colour, or graduated ND where the colour effect is started midway through the filter, these being used to allow for skies to not be over exposed while exposing correctly for foreground objects.

Special effects filters: The final types of filter are where you could go really mad, there are so many different variations to choose from, from starburst filters - creating striking bursts of light, to various coloured filters - giving the chosen colour cast to the whole image (Tobacco used to be very popular), these are worth investigating in more detail for a fuller picture, their numbers are vast and the different effects produced staggering, they are however, often filters that can easily be replaced with modern software.

Once you have chosen the style of filter you want to use, you also have to choose from the different types (and manufacturers). There are two very distinct types of photographic filter available;

Circular filters that screw onto the front element of your camera lens, these require many different sizes to fit your different lenses, but individually are usually inexpensive.

Square filters these slot into specially made filter holders, the huge bonus with these is that with different adaptors this allows you to use one filter on many lenses, as well as stack them up (generally these square filters are of a much higher quality than the circular ones) You also have the benefit of being able to alter the starting position of the filter (depending on what area you want the filter to affect). There are many specialist manufacturers such as Cokin or Lee (the two most famous and popular manufacturers), in fact way too many to mention.

As with all things photographic it is for you to decide what would best suit your needs, in terms of type or style, and what suits one persons budget may not suit another, further research on particular brands is highly recommended (and easy in the internet world).

Digital Vs Film Photography: Which Is Best?

2011-05-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Photography, like many other creative outlets, is constantly surrounded by an ongoing debate- which is best, film or digital photography? There are many who are beginners to photography that may be unsure which type they should take up, fearing that they are not learning the 'correct' form of photography. However, when it comes to photography, there is no right or wrong in terms of which type creates the best images.

There are some avid photographers who may not agree with this statement, but just as each artist has a preferred medium, each photographer will have a preferred method of photography that best creates the images they desire and suits their creative flair. However, each form of possesses its own advantages and disadvantages.

There are many who initially opt for digital photography as they believe it is a much easier method. Although this can be true in the sense that you do not need to load and develop a film yourself, in order to create professional and captivating images, you will need to have a thorough understanding as to how your digital camera works and how to effectively use media to alter and manipulate your images. However, there is the added benefit that your images, once captured, will be saved onto your camera memory. When using film, all images will be saved onto the film itself and should it become damaged or inadvertently exposed to light before it has been rewound; all images will be lost instantly. Nonetheless, there are many film photographers who believe that film photography is much easier as there is no reliance on technology to capture, edit and develop their images.

Another benefit of digital photography over film is that the photographer can view their images as they are captured, using the screen implemented into the apparatus. This allows them to learn as they capture each image which can save valuable time during the editing stage. However, there are many film photographers who may argue that by not being able to view each image instantly, their skill is heavily relied upon. There could also be the argument that film photography allows for more trial and error and is a less relaxed or lazy form of photography. However, mistakes can be costly in terms of films and photography paper whereas mistakes made with digital photography can be easily deleted from your data stick.

Once you have taken your images, whether using a film or digital camera, you will then be ready for the development stage. Digital cameras allow us to take images and then alter these into either color or black and white images or even a combination of both. With film, you are limited by the type of film you have used. Once you have developed your film (either by yourself or by using a professional service), you will need to invest in special chemicals and equipment in order to expose the negative to photographic paper and then develop, stop and fix the image. When using digital photography, you will only require the use of a computer and software that will allow you to manipulate your images and print them off. In this respect, digital photography will be much quicker and in some cases, even cheaper. However, just as digital photography will allow you to add effects that are not possible with film, the same can be said with film photography.

When deciding which type of photography is best, this will be determined purely by the photographer themselves. They may prefer to work in a more mixed media way, combining their film images with paint, ink and so forth. Others may wish to achieve a more modern or intricate image which will require the use of digital media. In order to decipher which method is best suited to you, it is advantageous to dabble in both means and see which you prefer the most. It is only by stretching the boundaries of film and digital photography to their absolute limits that you will fully understand how each can be utilized in order to create fantastic images.

Learn Digital Photography - Keys to Effective Photography

2011-05-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Each one of us wants to become more effective in our photography. That could be winning a competition, selling your images or just taking great photos to put on your wall. So, what is effective for one might not mean effective for another. And, the person who determines how effective is...? You! How do you increase the effectiveness of your photography? Here are a few keys that have helped my students become more effective.

1. Plan

This is just so simple to do. The old adage, "those whole fail to plan, plan to fail" is so true with photography. Happy snappers just don't get the images that are stunning and fit in the context of effective photography. Before you decide to go out and shoot make sure that you sit down, even if for just five minutes, and plan what you are going to do. What type of image are you going to shoot, where do you want to go and for how long. A simple plan will increase your effectiveness quite dramatically.

2. Make a specific time

If you are serious about your photography, whether it be for pleasure or to make a career out of it, set a specific time to go out and shoot. Tagging a shoot at the end of a busy day or rushing off a few shots before going off to work is not an effective use of your photography time. It deserves your full and undivided attention. In addition to this specify how long, an hour, two hours or even just thirty minutes. Then give it your full and undivided attention.

3. Implement something new

Effective photography means learning a new technique or method so why not try to implement something you have just learnt and see how it turns out. Treat it as a project or assignment. Better still enroll in a free online course or buy a book with assignments at the end of each chapter. Use these assignments as the basis of your photo shoot.and put into practise your new knowledge. If you are more experienced then use it to brush up on your rusty techniques.

4. Get some advice

If you have a friend who is more experienced than you or you are part of a photography club, then seek out their advice. Find out where you are lacking in skill or technique and ask them to show you how they do it. I always look to those more experienced than me for help despite being a photography teacher. Never stop learning and always be teachable.

5. Evaluate

This to me is one the most important things you can do as you learn digital photography. Look at what you are doing and then evaluate it. If you aren't too sure then get others to help. Be careful who you ask as some people will say anything so as not to offend or hurt your feelings. Positive criticism is essential to uplift your level of competence. When you are trying out new techniques, print out the image and compare it to your textbooks or course material. Whatever you do keep on learning.

Effective photography begins in the mind as you actively pursue a course of action to increase your ability and skills. Be prepared to plan, set a time and then evaluate your progress. Happy shooting!

A Brief Guide to Camera Supports

2011-05-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

As any photographer will inform you, keeping your camera stable is of up most importance if you want to take sharp images. Now many photographers will be able to hand hold their camera and lens combinations steady enough to get the photo they are after, but those who can not or those who need long exposure times will find that this is where good support comes in very handy, and we have to rely on support from inanimate objects, like monopods, tripods or bean bags.

There are many manufacturers of camera supports these producers have numerous types of tripods, monopods and head units, they come in a huge array of heights and weights, and each one is designed for a certain purpose. Exactly what suits your needs is something you have to establish yourself (I can't help there I'm afraid). But here are some useful tips; long lens users (usually 400mm or higher) often find that a gimble head is the best supporting system, used on a heavy tripod, yet this would not be suitable for if you were using a short lens for portraiture, then again sports photographers would often find the space needed for a tripod would not be available so would opt for a monopod to add support but not use valuable space.

Then again the wildlife photographer, again, may prefer to use a specialist bean bag as support, providing them with an easier to transport tool, which allows them to get into different positions (including very low down), and use what is around them as support. There are generic types available but as I have said your support system really needs to be specific for the job you want it to do.

The two most important things to remember when choosing a tripod or support system are Weight and Stability you will very likely be carrying the support around with you so you do not want anything that is too heavy, yet it MUST be stable! These days Carbon fibre tripods are a popular choice as they offer light weight but stable options, but they come with a hefty price tag, so as with everything in photography, the choices are vast.

Often a bean bag is seen as a lightweight yet stable option for photographers (usually wildlife photographers with large lenses but not always) they can be used almost anywhere, from being laid on the floor, to hung over car windows or balanced on walls. There are many manufacturers out there, but this can also become a photographer's DIY project.

7 Reasons to Pay a Professional Photographer

2011-05-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

There are many good reasons to employ a professional photographer to capture your wedding, event or special occasion rather than relying on a friend or relative to do so, even if they have a sophisticated camera.

Here are just seven of them:

1. Time

Time is a key ingredient in producing good images and when you pay a professional photographer, one thing you can almost be certain of is that you will get more of their time than you would from a friend or relative. The photographer will, before the photo shoot, spend time at a pre-shoot, meeting or client interview, visit the location if he or she does not already know it, and then in final preparation take time to select, clean and check the equipment needed. After the shoot the professional photographer will take the time to check, help you choose, process and then present your images. At the end of this process, the discerning photographer will take the time to ensure the client is happy with the finished result.

Like good do-it-yourself, consistently good photography relies on good preparation. Hence the professional photographer will have taken considerable time of many years to perfect their:-

2. Craftsmanship

It is often tempting to think of photography as a simple skill. After all, anyone can take a photograph, right? This maybe true and sure enough, with automatic cameras that handle the focusing of the lens and exposure settings for you, even the most inexperienced person will be able to take good photographs.

A professional photographer will not rely on a camera's automatic settings to take the photographs unless they know the conditions are favourable to using them, and even then they are most likely to use one of the camera's automatic semi-automatic modes. Why is this important? Simply because automatic cameras can easily assess the amount of light being reflected by a scene and set their own exposure, but the camera doesn't really know how much how bright the scene should be, hence a camera can produce a lighter image when photographing a dark scene and a darker image when photographing a light scene. The averaging that the camera uses can easily lead to subjects being underexposed or overexposed.

The cameras metering will be adequate for most situations, but consider a bride in a white dress set against a dark church setting. The camera on automatic settings will average the scene and generate an exposure that does not allow for the fact the church setting is darker than normal. This results in the detail on the brides dress being over exposed and therefore not visible in the final pictures.

This is why I say, choosing a friend or relative to take pictures of a special occasion or an important event is a gamble. And that's without mentioning image composition or lighting technique! An area where the difference between inexperienced and professional photographers is even more significant.

3. Equipment

A consumer dSLR camera - good enough in it's own right for a hobbyist, not built for a demanding professional. It is often said, when taking good photographs, that the most important thing is the person taking the pictures. After all, a good understanding of photography and a good level of creativity are the main assets when consistently creating good photographs. That is not to say, however, that the equipment a photographer uses is unimportant. In fact, when hiring a professional photographer, some peace of mind should surely come with the fact that they have the right kit to get the job done, even in the most adverse conditions.

Professional cameras and professional lenses are manufactured to higher standards than their consumer counterparts. This not only means they deliver better results, especially in low light conditions, but it also means they are more resilient to an every day work load. Professional photographers will carry a wider range of equipment in order to create a wider range of images in a wider range of conditions. They will also know how to better maintain their equipment in order that it should remain in optimum condition such that image quality is never compromised.

4. Reliability

Discussing professional photography equipment leads nicely onto reliability. This on one hand means having dependable equipment and on the other contingency plans for transport to a venue and illness.

When discussing reliability, we are skirting around a small minefield when it comes to asking a friend or relative to photograph your wedding, celebration, event or special occasion. The professional photographer would not entertain the idea of turning up at a wedding without at least one spare camera. In fact he or she will shoot continually throughout the day with two cameras and still have a third one with them in their luggage. Professional photographers will have a range of spare lenses so that they can continue to take the pictures you would expect in the case of their standard zoom developing a fault. This is one of the reasons I carry a set of prime lenses in varying focal lengths, although I rarely use them. Professional photographers will carry a significant number of spare batteries, spare flash guns, even a large number of spare memory cards. There's not use filling one large memory card over the course of a day's shooting only to find it has been corrupted by the end of the day. Professional photographers will regularly switch to a freshly formatted memory card at each key point during an event in order avoid this scenario. Professional photographers will ensure that they backup the pictures they have taken at the earliest opportunity so that they can always be recovered in the event of a failure or corruption. Many photographers will also keep those images archived resiliently for many years after an event, allowing the replacement of photo products supplied to clients if it becomes necessary.

In planning their arrival for an event or shooting engagement, conscientious professional photographers will go the extra mile to ensure they arrive on time, setting off the day before if the engagement is a considerable distance away from their base. If a photographer experiences a sudden illness or bereavement when due to attend a special event such as a wedding, they will often have a network of photography contacts they can call upon in order to provide contingency. These contacts will often be with which your photographer has an arrangement making sure, as far as possible, that your special event is still covered and neither quality nor service level are compromised.

5. Responsibility

Working in the capacity of 'official' photographer at an event like a wedding is quite a responsibility and, to an inexperienced person, can be quite nerve-wrecking. If the inexperienced photographer is not in the least slightly anxious, then it is possible they don't realise the responsibility they have. There are many key moments throughout the day, running right from the bridal preparations through to the first dance at the evening reception. The photographer has to be on hand, poised and ready to capture all of these images with the correct settings already dialed into the camera. He or she has to remain fully alert throughout the entire day; when one eye is peering through the view finder, the other eye has to remain attentive to everything else that is going on in and around the scene in order to ensure that any unscheduled defining moments of the day are not missed.

The professional photographer is aware the wedding day, for the couple getting married is both busy and emotional and often the pictures taken reveal the day to them through the eyes of an observer, allowing them to notice key details they were not able to see themselves. The same goes for the best man, the ushers, the brides maids and the immediate family of both the bride and groom who all have their part to play.

The friend or relative asked to take pictures actually sacrifices their invitation to attend the wedding as a guest because their day will be spent undertaking what is, if executed properly, very demanding work.

The same is true of many other events and special occasions. Often the hosts will spend a considerable sum on hiring and decorating a venue, putting money behind the bar and also providing refreshments in order to give all the attendees an enjoyable time. If you have invested to make an event special, why not consider paying a professional to record the occasion providing you with something unique to treasure it by?

6. Perspective & Presentation

Quite often the family friend or relative put in the position of "professional photographer" will simply pass the pictures onto the the hosts or guests of honour at any given special event just as images on a CD. Contrarily, a professional will be able to offer a range of finished products ranging from Photo-DVDs featuring high resolution slide shows to large scale canvasses going via complete luxury albums and photo frames designed to preserve a prints quality over a long period of time.

In fact, the experienced photographer will be able to recommend products based on their experience, steering you away from suppliers who are unreliable either quality or service wise. If you have requested an album, the photographer will be thinking about the album design even prior to the event framing shots that will complement each other when they appear on the same spread and arranging the photos so that they tell the casual observer a story.
If the special event is a christening or a wedding celebration, the photographer knows that the photo products have to stand the test of time in order to still be presentable in thirty, forty or even fifty years time. For that reason too many photographers will go for post-processing and presentation which truly is timeless, subject of course to consultation with the clients.

There is no substitute for that experience a photographer gains when putting products together and the difference it makes shooting with them in mind. Better still, the photographer will be re-telling the story of your day through the eyes of an impartial observer.

7. Protection

If it all goes wrong, what protection do you have? Professional photographers should not be operating without insurance. At the very least they should have third party liability cover so if there is an accident in which an injury or worse is sustained because of a photographer's actions, for example a guest tripping over a tripod leg, their is suitable recourse for the injured party. This is not to say that photography is dangerous (it usually isn't) and it's not to say that photographers are careless, but it is never the less an important thing to have that peace of mind. Further more, the proprietors of many venues will insist that anyone working on behalf of their client has adequate third party liability insurance.

The second type of insurance a photographer should have is professional indemnity insurance. This type of insurance provides protection to the photographer in case of a client suing them as a result of a failure to meet professional obligations.

Finally, a professional photographer will have drafted up a set of terms and conditions making it clear on what basis he or she is working for you.The should also layout the photographer's obligations to the client and also the clients obligations to the photographer. It is important to know exactly what you are getting when you instruct someone to take photographs for you, irrespective of whether you are paying them. If a photographer fails to to fulfill their obligation, the terms and conditions can be of immense value in any potential litigation. Finally, if any electronic image files are to change hands, you will know in advance what you can and can't do with them in-terms of copyright and rights to reproduction.

In Conclusion

When considering whether or not to hire a professional to capture your special occasion, there are many many good reasons to do so. If your budget will not stretch to it, then go ahead and ask a friend, relative to take pictures. However if you can afford a professional, it's important to understand what you get in return for the fee to pay. And that should be something which enhances the experience and the memory of your special occasion, both in the preparation, the event itself and finally in terms of receiving something afterwards that is striking and enduring by which to remember the occasion.

Erotic Nude Photography: Using Wide-Angle Lenses For Fantastic Fetish Shots

2011-05-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

In photography, a "normal" lens is defined as having a field of view most similar to that of the human eye. Traditionally, a 50 millimeter lens has been considered a "normal" lens. Consequently, any focal length other than "normal" can result in a distorted perspective (at least in comparison to how the human eye views the world).

A wide angle lens will create a perspective that appears to add more "depth" to an image. Objects closer to the camera will appear larger than normal, and objects farther away from the camera will appear smaller than normal.

In contrast, more narrowly angled lenses (telephotos) can give a "flattened" perspective to an image. This flattened perspective can result in objects that are some distance from each other to appear as though they are actually quite close to each other. This is quite a difficult concept to describe in words. However, with a little experimentation, you will find that it's quite simple to see how different focal lengths can create different perspective distortions.

At this point, I would certainly understand if you are a bit confused regarding how distorted perspectives can be used effectively in the creation of nude or erotic images. However, as you progress, I assure you that the concept will become more clear to you. For now, I want to give you some insight into perspective by explaining how it can be helpful in the creation of a specific type of erotic photograph:

A popular niche within the adult photography market focuses on the feet of models (in other words, "foot-fetish" shots). Fans of this niche like the emphasis of the photographs to be on the feet. However, these fans often don't want shots that show the feet only. Instead, they want to see the entire model; with the feet being the primary thrust of the picture. This effect can be accomplished in different ways.

My preferred way is to use a wide-angle lens. By using a wide-angle lens and taking the shot from fairly close to the feet, I'm able to emphasize this part of the body in a very interesting way.

More importantly, since I'm able to emphasize feet with this method, it stands to reason that I'll also be able to emphasize any other section of the body by using the same method. This technique is very important to know because, trust me, there are specialized fetish markets for just about every part of the body you can imagine.

Photoshop Cloning - The Clone Tools

2011-05-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

One of the most important skills to master in Adobe Photoshop is how to clone. The real trick, is that there are more options you can use, than just the Clone Stamp Tool. You also have the Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool. Once you get those under your belt, there are more advanced tools that you can use, like Content Aware, and Vanishing Point. Now that I have brought them to your attention, Let's take a look at these in some detail.

Even if you are an experienced professional retoucher, not knowing when to use the right tools can cause more damage than good. If you only know how to use the Clone Stamp, because you have been using it for 20 years, you are really missing out on what Photoshop has to offer these days. You should really watch some tutorials and bring your skills up to par.

If you are new to Adobe Photoshop, then you really need to learn how to use each of the tools available to you. Some work better than others, and you will learn by trial, error, and watching video tutorials. Ideally, you should make sure you are watching new, and updates Photoshop CS5 tutorials. If you make a mistake and watch a video for CS3 or CS4, then you will me missing out on the new features the tools may offer.

Clone Stamp Tool - The Clone Stamp, or Rubber Stamp Tool, is the oldest, and most effective of them all. Mostly, this is because you, the retoucher, are inn complete control. It takes years to truly master the art. But, once you figure it out, there is little you can not do.

Spot Healing Brush - The Spot Healing Brush Tool will clean unwanted markings from an image. This brush will create its own sample area, from the pixels around the marked section, and try to match in the texture. This brush works wonders on gradients, steady patterns, and other predictable areas. Unfortunately, of you anywhere near another textured area, you will definitely start picking up unwanted patterns.

Healing Brush - The Healing Brush tool is another one that allows you to fix imperfections such as dust and scratches. Unlike the Spot Healing Brush, you are allowed to select your own area that you want to sample from. Photoshop will then blend the sampled area.

Patch Tool - The Patch Tool retouches the image using a sampled area. It works as a combination of the Healing Brush with the Lasso Tool. It does not matter how big, or small, of an area you are working with, this tool does an amazing job of removing the unwanted blemishes, but keeps the texture, pattern, and color behind.

Content Aware Fill - The Content Aware Fill is about altering, modifying, or otherwise masking objects in a selected area. Since this another completely automated tool, you have no control over the results.

Vanishing Point - The Vanishing Point Filter is great for cloning in perspective. Once you lay out the grid, you can then, quite easily, clone in 3-D space. It works along a dimensional plane, and is great for architectural needs.

Even if you know how to use one, or two of these Adobe Photoshop Cloning Tools, you are really missing the big picture. Each one of these works great in one situation, but not in another. To become a skilled retoucher, you really need to learn how to use them all.

DSLRs Camera and Video Format

2011-05-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Most newer DSLRs (Digital single-lens reflex camera) and all mirror-less interchangeable-lens models offer HD video capability. Some offer 1080 Rill HD and others offer 720 HD. The 1080 format provides videos 1920 pixels wide and 1020 lines deep.The 720 format provides videos 1280 pixels wide and 720 lines deep. Most cameras also offer SD video, which measures 640 pixels wide and 480 lines deep (fewer lines deep with some cameras). When viewing videos on an HD television or full screen on a computer, higher-resolution video generally looks sharper and clearer with less artifacts.

Some video-capable DSLRs (Digital single-lens reflex camera) and mirror less cameras provide a choice of frame rates. Common ones include 30 fps, 24 fps and 60 fps. The faster the frame rate, the smoother action sequences appear. The 24 fps real matches the frame rate of professional motion pictures, and some feel this provides a more "cinematic" look. For pro video work, you'll want the variable frame rate capability. Note that the NTSC video standard for 24 fps is actually 23.976 fps, 30 fps is actually 29.97 fps, and 60 fps is actually 59.94 fps. Some cameras really shoot 30 fps and 60 fps; for pro work, this is less desirable than cameras that shoot 24, 30 and 60 fps at the NTSC 23.976, 29.97 and 59.94 fps rates, respectively.

You'll also notice a word press " or "i" following the frame rate, 1080/30p, for example. The "p" means "progressive" video, which displays one full image at a time at the specified rate. The "i" means interlaced video, which displays the odd-numbered lines, then the even-numbered lines of the image. Progressive video handles motion better than interlaced, provides entire frames for freeze-frame or still-image grabs, and has fewer artifacts. Video-capable DSLRs (Digital single-lens reflex camera) and mirror less interchangeable-lens cameras output progressive video.

Some information about DSLR cameras and how to work:

The simple operation of a DSLR (Digital single-lens reflex camera) is as practices: for viewing purposes, the mirror reflects the light approaching through the attached lens up wards at a 90 level angle. It is then reflected 3 times by the roof pentameter, correcting it for the photographer's eyesight. (Note that the diagram down below incorrectly exhibits a non-roof pentagram. ) Through exposure, the mirror putting together swings upward, the aperture narrows (if ended down, or placed smaller compared to wide open), shutter starts up, allowing that lens to project light on to that image sensor.

DSLRs camera

Capturing A Moment

2011-05-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

Photography uses radiation-sensitive mediums such as photographic film or electronic image sensors to create pictures. The first photographic camera was invented in the nineteenth century and was able to capture detail in ways that other art mediums could not. This detail could be used as information about the world, politics, war and law. It could be used to prove things and capture people as their true selves.

Over time, photographic technology and processes have evolved. Pictures can be captured on peoples phones, can be shared on the internet and can be developed in a number of ways. People use cameras as a form of art as well as to capture moments and convert them into lasting memories.

These moments might include:

1. The birth of your child:

The first ever picture of your child is something that you will cherish forever. And it's really not only their first ever picture, but all of the pictures that trace their early life. Young parents seem to always have their photographic or video cameras out, as little ones change so much every day.

2. A hot air balloon ride:

There are a number of sports that involve flying through the sky, including skydiving and bungee jumping, but neither of those are really optimal for taking photographs. Hot air balloons however, are the perfect place to take photographs. You can get wonderful shots of the Earth below you, the skies above you and the world around you.

3. A trip abroad:

Travellers visiting a new place would be silly not to bring their cameras along with them. Sure you'll have memories but to really capture the essence of the place it's always a great idea to take pictures. That way you'll never forget the streets you walked on, the buildings you saw, or the people you spent time with. Adventurers on ski, surf, mountain biking holidays or more are bound to find themselves in places they are unlikely to ever return, on days they will never see again.

As mentioned above, photography is also an artistic medium (and not just one to capture memories). Black and white photography continues to be very popular despite the fact that colour film has been available for a long time. With only two shades to work with, details are often more pronounced and pictures are given an older, sometimes more mysterious, feel. Whether you're trying to hold on to a once in a lifetime moment, an artist, or both, cameras can help you achieve what you want.

Professional Negative Scanning Service to Digitize Old Photos

2011-05-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Photos are very good examples of reviewing the good times and events of the past life. Sometime these old photos get deteriorated due various reasons. Digitizing the old photos is a very good way to preserve them for a very long time. This can be done by scanning the negatives of these old photos and converting them into beautiful pictures. There are two ways to scan negatives. Either you do it at home or take the help of professional negative scanning service.

Scanning negatives at home can save some money but it will consume a lot of time and there is no guarantee for quality. The best way to get your memories digitized is hiring a professional scanning service to make sure that you get the best results without spending a lot.

Scanning the negatives of your old photos is a very easy way to convert them into digital ones in a very cost effective way without any hassles. Normally, if you scan negatives at home it takes a very long time as your scanner will be of basic model which consumes a lot of time making it a very frustrating job.

If ever you want to scan the negatives at home, the scanner should have the adaptor to scan negatives, and this will definitely increase the price of the scanner. Hiring the service of a professional scanning service will definitely saves a lot of your effort, energy as well as your money.

A professional scanning service takes care of everything and provides the best quality images, much better than you might get if you scan them at home. The professionals will have installed machineries and equipments of very latest and high technologies to provide optimum quality images from the negatives. The outcomes of these equipments are in best quality with very high resolution and format.

Specialists at the negative scanning service use a lot of sophisticated alternatives while scanning the negatives. They use the latest tools in scanning, editing and retouching your pictures which cannot be possible when you scan at home.

There are some people who think hiring professional scanning service as waste of time and money. While few of them try to scan the negatives using the basic function scanners, few other use digital cameras and try to take the pictures of the negatives. What this people do not understand is the difference between a negative and a slide. Never try taking the pictures of negatives as the result is nothing bur disaster.

The best and the most hassle free, cost effective and effortless way to scan negatives is to hire a professional scanning service. You can contact someone at the photo studio or search the internet for local negative scanning professional as they will have all the required devices and equipments to give you the best quality images.

The prices for the negative scanning service of your precious memories may vary depending on the quantity and quality of negatives, but it is by far the most valuable way to get the best out of the negatives of old photos for a reasonable price.

Photographing the Abstract

2011-05-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Abstract photography is defined as photos that are not clearly recognized. In other words, the parts are not recognized as being parts of a whole.

Abstract photography is best suited for macro photography, but it doesn't have to be. On several occasions I have taken photographs of parts of a subject simply because of the available vibrant color.

Some of my favorite photo subjects are found at carnivals. I have several shots of those old wooden horses found at carnivals, parts of signs, parts of vending machines etc.

The idea is to find a specific part that has a discernible pattern or texture and if the color is vibrant even better. The shot should be pleasing to look at, it should bring intrigue to the equation and make the viewer ask " what is this? I want to see more!

Some of the best subjects are found in the leaves of plants (fresh or dry) and the petals as well as the stamens of most flowers. Note: for special effects when photographing dry leaves, use a gold reflector to add warmth to the shot.

Tree bark offers ample opportunity to show pattern and texture. Insect wings, specially butterflies, are specially suited because they most always have a clear pattern and often also have vibrant colors as well. Pebbles are a good source too. Bird feathers make great subjects because of their repetitive patterns, although you would have to photograph the feathers by themselves and not on a bird. Close ups or macros, due to the magnification will make even the sightless movement a blur so the uses of a good solid tripod is essential.

A technique that I have used on more than one occasion is to photograph the eye of marionettes, characters at carnivals statues and so on. They lend themselves very easily as conversation starters and our brain will immediately focus on the eyes. Next time you look at a photo, see where your focus falls on first (assuming that eyes are present in the photo).

Keep in mind that the key is to show only portions of the subject that are not clearly discernible as part of a whole (you can't tell what it is). Include patterns, if repetitive then better. Use color, vibrant colors work best. Make it a documentary; start with abstracts, then take shots that show more and more of the subject until it finally becomes clearly visible and recognizable.

Glass cups, jars, colored windows, colored marbles, these are excellent for abstract photography. Here is a sample of one of my most successful shots: a tall glass, filled with soda and ice cubes, placed on a dark board that has a small hole and which is illuminated from below and shot from above. Try it as an experiment and get in close. The room must be dark with only the light of the illuminated glass being the only source of light. This is a simple set up but illustrates the essence of abstract photography.

Other subjects can be a piece of string, parts of a painting, cloths, clay pots, parts of figures and ceramics. The list goes on but you get the idea.

Although not all abstracts need be of close ups, if you decide on doing macro photography, then the use of macro lenses or magnification filters, a solid tripod and a ring flash are items that you should not be without.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Photographing-Abstracts

Luis E Gonzalez
Long time Miami resident, enjoys photography and has been doing so for over 20 years. Currently employed in the social services industry in career development. Graduate of the University of Miami with bachelors degree and concurrent doctorate degree.

Varied experience in many fields, such as US. Navy reserve member during the operations Dessert Storm & Iraqi Freedom, State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer, Public School Teacher, Retail Management.

I am dedicated to sharing my photography experience with everyone.
You may reach me at luisegonzalez1961@hotmail.com

http://hubpages.com/profile/LuisEGonzalez

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luis_E_Gonzalez

Tips for Photo Booths

2011-05-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Photobooths have become a hot item to have at your wedding or event. In this article I'll present some tips to help make your photo booth as memorable as possible. As a photographer I work with my clients to ensure that their event is as memorable as possible. Clients that are willing to work closely with their wedding vendors can ensure that their guests have the best experience possible.

The first thing you need to be sure of is that you've chosen a photo booth that has a skilled photographer. Many companies simply rent out a poorly built booth that is essentially a big box with a poor camera inside. An open air booth in a studio style will really help the atmosphere of your event, particularly when the photographer is able to help your guests get creative and have fun. Professional equipment will create stunning images that entertain and capture the memory. High resolution images make it easy to create large prints, so make sure the photo booth operator is able to accomplish this.

Tips for a great photo booth experience:

1) Setup the booth in a space that isn't too crowded, allow 10x20 feet of room

2) Have custom props that match your event's theme. A skilled photographer and photo booth operator will have their own props for your guests, but adding your own props really sets your booth apart.

3) Let everyone know that the it is open. Often the DJ or MC can announce this. This is particularly important if the booth is in a separate room.

4) Have a guest supervise children, particularly those under 10.

5) Create a collage out of the photos that are created. The photographer should be able to provide this service. This can provide a great summary of the event and of the action that took place within the photo booth.

6) Provide at least one plug in for the operator. The photo booth studio lights require external power in order to function. Some times a battery pack can be utilized for an outdoor setting, talk to your photographer.

7) Book early! It's not unusual for me to be booked months in advance. Even a booking a year in advance isn't out of the question for a peak summer date.

8) Relax, have fun, and enjoy the event! Your guests will remember your wedding as the one in which they had a blast!

Photography - Types of Services Offered

2011-05-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Photographers have a lot of responsibility when it comes to capturing precious moments in life. Experienced photographers are there to help you catch all of them. Professional photography services include:

Portraits: Portraits can be done for any individual, family, or corporation. Some people like to coordinate outfits to have photographs of their family designed to go perfectly inside of their home. You can also have a portrait done to feature yourself in front of something that is very important to you. Whatever the case may be, you can clearly state the way you'd like to see your portrait and your chosen photographer can do their best to capture the image for you.

Head shots: If you're thinking about a modeling or talent profession, you will most likely be required to present head shots. Head shots show off some of your personality and characteristics professionally when introducing yourself in the industry.

Wedding Photography: Professional wedding photography captures the true essence of your wedding so that you may look back on it exactly the way it was. Photographers can capture the whole wedding so that you can look back on the carefully chosen decor, smiling faces of your family members, and friends.

Sports Photography: Your child may not want to forget his winning team he played on or maybe you'd like to scrap book it. Photographers can catch an athlete in his or her most talented moment or show off your skills in a way that you never thought possible. The photographs can be valuable when you are trying to promote your team or just keep the special moment for yourself.

Senior photography: Senior portraits mark a memorable point in your life. Your senior portrait represents who you were when you started to venture out into the real world. Professional photographers can capture you just the way you are so that you can always look back and see how much you've changed.

Maternity and newborn photography: The goal of maternity photography is to portray the beautiful qualities of motherhood and shows the best assets of the soon to be mother. You can even finish the collection by having your newborn photographed for you to have throughout life and show to your friends and family.

Architecture Photography: Sometimes people request architecture photography to show the beauty of their home or business to frame or put inside of adds.

Some pictures are pricey but worth it. Specific photographers may offer special discounts for people who are wanting to be photographed that are in the military or participate in the Olympics. You just have to ask during the consultation. When you pick a photographer, make sure that you enjoy the images that they have because their style will be incorporated into your own pictures.

Working With Nude Models: Posing Secrets And Techniques

2011-05-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

The particular type of shoot you're doing, combined with the market you're potentially shooting for, will have the most significant influence on the poses you will want to get from a model within each set of images. For example, if you're hoping to sell a specific set of pictures to a magazine or website such as Hustler or Hustler's online presence (or the thousands of other sites that feature similar content) you'll definitely need to include a large number of explicit, open-leg poses. In contrast, if you're shooting for an outlet that features "Fine-art" nude photography, there is little, if any, need to include explicit poses.

Additionally, poses that will work well when shooting "Teen" pics are very different from the ones that will work well when shooting "MILF" pics. For example, in this specific case, you would want to shoot the teen model in poses that help to emphasis the simple beauty and innocence that fans of this style desire. However, when shooting older women, you'll typically want the poses to be more overtly sexual and explicit.

It's important to know that you can easily shoot more than one unique image while the model remains in a single pose. For example, your first shot of a specific pose might include the model's full body; however, on your next few shots, you might want to zoom in on a specific body part to capture a close-up from the same pose. Additionally, as you can imagine, the same pose from a model can appear very different by simply altering your shooting angle.

Obviously, it's up to you to determine how explicit you want your work to be. However, if one of your desires is to make money with your photography as quickly and easily as possible, you'll probably want to focus on creating images for the "Adult" market (the market for "Fine-art" work is small by comparison).

Thus, if you want to shoot for "Adult" publications and websites, you'll have to include poses that contain a great deal of explicit sexuality. As I mentioned earlier, these sets require a large number of "spread-shots" and similarly erotic poses.

The type of poses that you capture on specific shoots need to be consistent with the market you are shooting the pics for. In order to learn what poses work well for different types of shoots, I suggest you do the same thing that every photographer has done: Study the work of others and experiment with different ideas. Only by studying the work of others can you eventually create a style of your own. In other words, not even Jimi Hendrix started out playing the guitar like Jimi Hendrix.

You will benefit greatly if you study the techniques that are used by photographers whose work you admire. Try to identify the subtle methods they use to make great images. If you don't have any favorite photographers at this time, simply study the magazines, websites, or galleries where you would like to see your own work appear.

A few of the photographers whose work I admire greatly are Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, and Sante D'Orazio. Primarily, these men are known for their fashion and portrait work. However, they all have an amazingly creative touch and an uncanny ability to inject a strong sense of sexuality into everything they shoot.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Tripod

2011-05-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

By Jeffrey Kontur Jeffrey Kontur
Level: Basic

With an interest in photography extending back more than 25 years, Jeff teaches photography workshops near his home in Delaware. Most recently his emphasis has ...

Most people tend to think of tripods as being a "unit". In reality, most full-sized tripods can be purchased as two parts: the legs and the head. These parts may come in various configurations so that you can customize the tripod that best suits your style of shooting, your budget and even your height!

You'll want a much smaller, lighter weight tripod for hiking than for studio work. You'll need a sturdier tripod for star trails or time-lapse images than for simple landscapes. You may need a more flexible tripod in confined spaces than if you always shoot in wide open areas.

Legs

Height - Legs may be purchased in various sizes and strengths (how much weight they can support.) Very compact models may not even go up to waist height, versus super stretch models that can extend tall enough for a basketball player to use without having to bend over. For any tripod you plan to use on a regular basis, the ability to raise the camera slightly above your head is a must-have feature, in case you are standing uphill or on some elevated surface.
Low - If you shoot small subjects (such as flowers, mushrooms and the like) then it's also important that the tripod be able to get your camera low to the ground and hold it steadily in place. This may be different from simply collapsing the legs. Some tripods offer reversible center posts for mounting the camera upside-down between the legs. Others have clever designs where the center post can be mounted horizontally or locked in an infinite number of positions.
Collapsed - For carrying around, you probably want the smallest collapsed length possible. Bear in mind that there's a direct correlation between amount of collapsibility and cost. More collapsible generally also means less stable when extended, though this isn't always true. A good rule of thumb is that a collapsed tripod should be just over 1/3 or 1/4 its maximum height, depending how many leg segments it has.
Flexibility - As noted, some tripods have clever adaptations for moving the center post. Some also have legs that can be splayed independently of one another. A few have secondary camera mounts on the legs themselves. Some very small models even have flexible legs which can wrap around things. The more flexible a tripod is, the less weight capacity it's likely to have but the more ways you can use it in unusual settings.
Locking Mechanism - Tripod legs have various different locking mechanisms when the segments are extended. Most popular are:
Flip levers. Simply flip the lever to the open position, extend the segment as far as you want it to go, then flip it back to the locked position. Flip levers are popular and handy because they are reliable and can be operated with one hand.Twist-locks. In essence, you twist two leg segments against one another. One direction releases the segments so they can be extended or collapsed, the other direction locks the segments from moving. Twist locks have a low profile and won't catch on loose clothing or camera straps but require two hands to operate. Lower quality ones are very prone to sticking, freezing up or even breaking.Thumb screws. Far less common than the other two options, thumb screws are literally screws with oversized heads that can be loosened and tightened without tools. They are low-tech and very reliable.
Capacity - All tripods include, as part of their specifications, maximum recommended weight capacity. Think of the combined weight of: your camera, the largest lens you are likely to use, whatever additional "weight" you place on it by holding onto the camera. (Most people press down a bit when operating a tripod mounted camera.) It's good to go for the most capacity possible. This will also be the strongest, most secure setup but remember that there's a direct correlation between capacity and carry-around weight. There is also a rough correlation between capacity and cost.

Heads

Pan-Tilt - A pan-tilt head adjusts on each of three axes separately. These are often the default heads found on the most inexpensive tripods. There is nothing "wrong" with a pan-tilt head (despite often being billed as just for video, they perform fine for still photography too) but most professional and advanced amateur photographers prefer a ball head.Ball - A ball head has just a single thumb screw. The head is literally mounted on a ball. Loosen the screw and you can adjust the camera orientation infinitely in just about any direction. The biggest problem with ball heads is getting one that is strong enough to hold the weight of your camera-lens combination.Capacity - Like legs, tripod heads always include capacity in their specifications. In this case, the capacity refers to the maximum weight the head can hold at an angle without slipping. More is always better but capacity also correlates to price. Buy the best you can comfortably afford.

Other Features

Level - Some tripods come with a built-in level. This is fine except that it's entirely possible to stand the tripod on a hillside (where it will not be level) then adjust the head so that the camera is level. A tripod-mounted level does nothing to help you in such a case.Quick Release Plates - Quick release plates can be a very convenient and useful feature if you have more than one camera, lens or other piece of equipment. Or if you frequently mount and unmount your camera to the tripod. There are several configurations of quick release plates and they are not all mutually compatible. If you already have a tripod or other support that takes quick release plates, try to match your new tripod so that it uses the same type.Spikes - Some tripod legs may have spikes on the tips. Usually either the spikes can be extended out beyond the standard rubber tips or the rubber tips can be retracted to reveal the spikes. These are for "digging" into dirt to help hold the tripod from moving. Spikes vary in their usefulness with most being not all that useful at all.Rotation Measurement - Some tripods will include a kind of circular "ruler" around the top. This can be theoretically useful in taking a series of shots to later stitch together as a panorama. (In practice, most people are more likely to look through the viewfinder when determining the amount of overlap between shots.)Monopod Leg - Some tripod legs are configured in such a way that two of them can be removed and the whole assembly converted into a monopod.

Summary

As a very broad generalization, expect to spend no less than $100 on a new, full-sized tripod. Some may go into the multiple hundreds of dollars. Bear in mind also the old adage that "the best tripod is the one you have with you". This means that even the best tripod ever made does you no good if you don't carry it with you and even a flimsy lightweight tripod is usually better than handholding your camera. So get one that suits your needs, your budget and that you will actually use.

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Article Submitted On: April 08, 2011

Canvas Printers - Turning Ordinary Photos Into Extraordinary Art

2011-05-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

Even if you're not the interior decorating type, you probably notice when a home has starkly naked walls. It fees impersonal, as though the home is not lived in. If you feel like your home's walls are too bare, then you should consider utilizing your local canvas printers. These professionals take digital snapshots and print them on real canvas, ready to hang in your living room. Here are some tips for getting you started.

Size does matter

Canvas prints can be pricey, so you want to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. It is important to measure the space in which you want to hang your new piece of art. The last thing you want is for it to be too big or too small for the space. Once you know how much room you have to work with, you have to decided what proportions are going to look nice in that space. To get an idea of the size that you should choose, make different sized rectangles with painter's tape on your wall.

A picture is worth 1000 words

The whole point of going to canvas printers to turn your photos into art is to make a decorative statement. So, you want to make absolute certain that the statement you are making is a good one. If you are placing your canvas print in the living room, you probably don't want to put up the picture of your cousin's boxing fight. However, that picture might be just the ticket for your game room. You want to choose a picture that says something about the room it's hanging in, as well as something about who you are as a person.

Consider your current decor

Biggest mistake you can make when choosing wall art is to ignore the feeling and decor that you already have in a room. Again, because canvas prints can be expensive, you don't want to have to re-carpet your living room because your wall hanging totally clashes. For example, If your bathroom has a tropical theme, put up the gorgeous Hawaii sunset you saw last time you were there, not the one of your dog eating. There are endless possibilities to canvas prints, but you don't want to choose the one that is not going to fit with your room.

Find a printer you can trust

This one is incredibly important. You must do your research before picking one out of the many canvas printers. Make sure you are getting someone who is experienced in this type of photo printing, and that they will be using up-to-date technology. Also, you want to make sure that you are getting a quality product. The canvas should be "gallery wrapped" meaning it's attached to a wood frame. Also, it should have some kind of protective coating on it, to prevent fading and cracking.

Canvas printers can help you turn your house into a home by giving you amazing works of art for your walls. Just make sure you follow the above tips to get the perfect print.

Creative Photography Activities: Macro Photography (Tiny Things)

2011-05-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is more properly called Macro Photography, where you are imaging small items. You'll need:
- A source of bright light (open window, bright sun behind a person outdoors, etc.)
- Some tiny things - paper clips, coins, paper currency, stamps, beans, you name it.

Camera Setup:
Mode: Aperture Priority (Often shown as Av on the mode wheel)
ISO: 400 or so (your f-stop and available light levels will determine this)
White Balance: Custom
Aperture: Mid-range, from f/5.6 to f/16.

Watch out for: Focus. Depending on your lens, you can only get so close to the objects before the camera can't focus on it. You may be able to back up a bit and zoom in, but without a special Macro lens or close-up attachments, your focusing distance will be limited. Check the minimum focus distance on your lens, and stay farther than that distance. If you put close-up attachments on your lens, you can get very close.

White Balance Setup: Take a shot of your reference paper right where you will photograph your items. Make sure it's bright gray, and set custom WB.

The Pose: Compose your items any way you would like. I suggest to start with a random arrangement, with your focal items clearly set to be positioned for good focus and imaging.

Framing the Image: Consider a plain backdrop such as white, black or a single other color with a small "nap" (eg not a towel). Determine if you will want the entire image in focus, or just some of it. For an entire image to be in focus, you'll either need the subjects to be exactly parallel with the image sensor (meaning you shoot from directly overhead for flat items laying on a table), or a very tiny f-stop (meaning focus zone is wide). Try both - a smaller f-stop for very small and tight focus areas, and larger f-stops for wider focus zones.

Take the Image: Your shutter speed may be limited by the light levels. Brace the camera or better, use a tripod if you have one. You may want to switch to manual focus to set the specific focus point.

Analyzing and Improving: Vary your camera angle and lighting if you can. If you camera has a live view feature, use the image magnifier to check your focus. Vary the f-stop and camera distance/zoom to change the amount of the field that's in focus.

Advanced Tricks: In post production, use the unsharp mask to sharpen up details of the small items. This is best used after the rest of your editing, and right before you save an image at a particular size.