The Wonderous Works of Ansel Adams
By Morgan Hamilton
Are you familiar with Ansel Adams? He is a legendary figure in the world of photography and the consummate photographer of wilderness areas. He was born in 1902, and he spent his childhood steeped in the natural beauty of the area where he grew up. It was there that his photographic vision was born. Ansel Adams first visited Yosemite at the age of 14 and this experience defined his lifelong vocation. He took a custodial job at the Sierra Club Lodge in Yosemite Park when he was 17 because he wanted to live and work in the visual treasure chest of nature that he loved so much.
He is a lover of capturing the tiny details of nature to perfection at heart, but he is best known for his majestic sweeping views of Yosemite National Park. Ansel Adams was especially gifted in the art of bringing the moment of a just-blooming flower or a leaf floating on still water to life. He captured the attention and appreciation of hundreds of thousands of Americans through the beauty of the wilderness long before environmental awareness became a coined phrase.
He was so passionate about protecting and preserving the beauty of nature, that he was willing and enthusiastic to spread his message in political circles, lobbying for the successful creation of new National Parks. He was a pioneer in environmental protection before the National Parks were established. Ansel Adams spearheaded many projects for the fledgling Sierra Club as an environmental activist.
Ansel Adams was given a position on the Sierra Club's Board of Directors at the age of 32 because of his passion and success in educating the public through his photography and political campaigns. However, position and influence were not his ambition. Nature was his passion and his desire to bring the beauty of nature to everyone through the lens of his camera.
The works of Ansel Adams remain prominent in the world of photography, although he left this world in 1984. Everyone can still enjoy his wonderful pictures today. His photographs are featured on books and posters that are readily available. You can also check online art sites for examples of this legendary photographer's work if you want to experience the beauty of nature in an alternative way.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Ansel Adams. Visit our site for more helpful information about Biography of Ansel Adams and other similar topics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton
Friday, December 15, 2006
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Looking for a Good Digital Photography School
Looking for a Good Digital Photography School
By Low Jeremy
Although photography largely involve an eye for beauty and a natural instinct for clicking the camera, it is still important for photographers especially those that are just starting in the field to gather some experience in actual photography. Some practice on their spare time and learn the techniques on their own but this will take a lot of clicking time and magazine reading.
This is why most will go for the short-cut by enrolling in schools that offer short courses in photography. Of course, this will not guarantee to make you a master photographer in months but at least you already have all the tools that you need to make your way to the world of shapes and colors.
Here are some of the things that you should consider when looking for a good photography school to enroll to.
1.Course outline
This is perhaps the most important thing that you have to think about when looking for a school. The course outline will help you determine if the course is suited to the training that you need. It will contain a rundown of all the lessons that students like you will tackle in the class.
Take a look at the list and try to see if all the things that you need to learn are already there. If you find it lacking, try to shop around for other photography courses in the same school or better yet inquire in another school. With a lot of schools, museums and centers offering photography courses, chances are you will find the one that fits you to a T.
2. Specialization
There are courses that are offered according to certain specializations. For instance, some courses concentrate entirely on nature photography. Others go for portraits and human interest pieces. There are even some that do nude photography classes.
In other words, there are a multitude of specializations that you can go into. You can even take all of them; but of course, you have to shell out big bucks for that.
3. Laboratory and field work
Photography is a largely experiential field. You learn not from reading about it or discussing about the theories but in actual taking of shots and doing field works. In the course outline, try to look for the number of hours that will be spent outside the classroom.
Ideally, about 75 percent of the whole course should be used as practice time in fields or in the dark room. Only a quarter should be spent for theories and basics. Some courses offer a 50-50 ratio. Shop around for courses that emphasize field works and experiential learning as these are the courses where you can learn more.
Low Jeremy maintains http://digital-photography.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
By Low Jeremy
Although photography largely involve an eye for beauty and a natural instinct for clicking the camera, it is still important for photographers especially those that are just starting in the field to gather some experience in actual photography. Some practice on their spare time and learn the techniques on their own but this will take a lot of clicking time and magazine reading.
This is why most will go for the short-cut by enrolling in schools that offer short courses in photography. Of course, this will not guarantee to make you a master photographer in months but at least you already have all the tools that you need to make your way to the world of shapes and colors.
Here are some of the things that you should consider when looking for a good photography school to enroll to.
1.Course outline
This is perhaps the most important thing that you have to think about when looking for a school. The course outline will help you determine if the course is suited to the training that you need. It will contain a rundown of all the lessons that students like you will tackle in the class.
Take a look at the list and try to see if all the things that you need to learn are already there. If you find it lacking, try to shop around for other photography courses in the same school or better yet inquire in another school. With a lot of schools, museums and centers offering photography courses, chances are you will find the one that fits you to a T.
2. Specialization
There are courses that are offered according to certain specializations. For instance, some courses concentrate entirely on nature photography. Others go for portraits and human interest pieces. There are even some that do nude photography classes.
In other words, there are a multitude of specializations that you can go into. You can even take all of them; but of course, you have to shell out big bucks for that.
3. Laboratory and field work
Photography is a largely experiential field. You learn not from reading about it or discussing about the theories but in actual taking of shots and doing field works. In the course outline, try to look for the number of hours that will be spent outside the classroom.
Ideally, about 75 percent of the whole course should be used as practice time in fields or in the dark room. Only a quarter should be spent for theories and basics. Some courses offer a 50-50 ratio. Shop around for courses that emphasize field works and experiential learning as these are the courses where you can learn more.
Low Jeremy maintains http://digital-photography.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Doing Digital Photography Prints
Doing Digital Photography Prints
By Low Jeremy
In this transition phase of analog to digital photography, everyone knows the difference on how each images is processed into a nice print. For analog photography, the negative (film) is developed into photos in small shops called developing studios, low-end or high end, available some walks away from a nearby establishment.
They come in cheap price for every piece of shot but they come expensive in rolls. This is the conventional way of accomplishing photography. Nowadays there is digital camera mania everywhere! Who would not want private photograph shots from a handy dandy digital camera, where printing is done at home at one's convenience?
Convenience and privacy are the perfect words for digital photography. The question is how convenient is it to produce a copy? About privacy, there is no doubt, when you take a shot with a digital camera, it does not have to go out of the house.
All you need is a printer. When you need a printer, the array of other needs will start to fall in line one by one because it takes the following to create you own printing of digital photography. For a good digital photography printing, you will the following:
- A high-resolution digital camera with at least 2 mega-pixel resolution
- A stand-alone digital printer (no need for a computer)
- Fully loaded personal computer
It goes to show, processing digital printing at home is not cheap. The mania is only applicable to those who have PCs at home. Let's say you have all the equipments for digital photography printing, the next requirements are quite complex than it seems.
Digital cameras are capable of deleting undesirable shots at once. There is no more worry for wasted film for bad shots. Now it is time to transfer or load your images to your PC.
At a subdirectory you will see the photos transferred into digital files commonly in JPEG or RAW format. In the future, this will change. The setting and configuration of your digital camera will greatly affect the output you expect.
The very important aspect to be understood when doing digital photography printing is having knowledge about RESOLUTION. What you see in the computer monitor is not what you will see in the printer. This is overwhelming for beginners. Dot representation or pixels comprise an image.
At minimal requirement, a setting of 300 dpi (dots per inch) will already make a good print. For better prints, resolution must be higher. Expect the computer to slow down, assign a realistic values.
Low Jeremy maintains http://digital.photography.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
By Low Jeremy
In this transition phase of analog to digital photography, everyone knows the difference on how each images is processed into a nice print. For analog photography, the negative (film) is developed into photos in small shops called developing studios, low-end or high end, available some walks away from a nearby establishment.
They come in cheap price for every piece of shot but they come expensive in rolls. This is the conventional way of accomplishing photography. Nowadays there is digital camera mania everywhere! Who would not want private photograph shots from a handy dandy digital camera, where printing is done at home at one's convenience?
Convenience and privacy are the perfect words for digital photography. The question is how convenient is it to produce a copy? About privacy, there is no doubt, when you take a shot with a digital camera, it does not have to go out of the house.
All you need is a printer. When you need a printer, the array of other needs will start to fall in line one by one because it takes the following to create you own printing of digital photography. For a good digital photography printing, you will the following:
- A high-resolution digital camera with at least 2 mega-pixel resolution
- A stand-alone digital printer (no need for a computer)
- Fully loaded personal computer
It goes to show, processing digital printing at home is not cheap. The mania is only applicable to those who have PCs at home. Let's say you have all the equipments for digital photography printing, the next requirements are quite complex than it seems.
Digital cameras are capable of deleting undesirable shots at once. There is no more worry for wasted film for bad shots. Now it is time to transfer or load your images to your PC.
At a subdirectory you will see the photos transferred into digital files commonly in JPEG or RAW format. In the future, this will change. The setting and configuration of your digital camera will greatly affect the output you expect.
The very important aspect to be understood when doing digital photography printing is having knowledge about RESOLUTION. What you see in the computer monitor is not what you will see in the printer. This is overwhelming for beginners. Dot representation or pixels comprise an image.
At minimal requirement, a setting of 300 dpi (dots per inch) will already make a good print. For better prints, resolution must be higher. Expect the computer to slow down, assign a realistic values.
Low Jeremy maintains http://digital.photography.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Portrait Photography: Tips and Methods
Portrait Photography: Tips and Methods
By Richard Schneider
Portrait is defined as, “A likeness of a person, especially one showing the face, that is created by a painter or photographer, for example.” In the area of portrait photography there are some guidelines that you should consider when you go to take photos of people.
The different types of portraits are: close-ups, facial shots, upper body shots or environmental portraits. Environmental portraits are where you focus on the subject and on their surroundings that provide more character to the subject.
When people have a camera in their face it usually makes them nervous and they will try to put on a face that does not portray who they really are. The real skill to portrait photography is trying to capture photos when the subjects are comfortable and not worried about a camera.
Many professional photographers try to capture their subject’s true essence by using tricks. One example of this is counting to three so the subject prepares and then while they are relaxing after taking a planned photo the photographer will snap a few more unplanned photos. In most cases the subject won’t even know that more than one photo was taken but it’s usually the photos that the subject wasn’t expecting that capture their true essence.
Another more common strategy professionals use is to tell funny jokes that make their subjects genuinely laugh or smile. I’m sure that you have probably experienced something like this yourself.
CLOSE-UP PORTRAITS
These usually have the subject’s shoulders and head or less. They are framed around the face. These are the most common and best at capturing expressions and glamour shots. For these it is very important to have the light coming from a good angle. To accent wrinkles or small details you should have the light coming from the side or from the top. To create flattering pictures you should choose a cloudy day or try to create diffused light so there are hardly any shadows. Also make sure the subject is brighter than the background to reduce distraction.
For close-up portraits you should use a wide aperture (low f/stop) to make the background out of focus and therefore less of a distraction. Professionals commonly use a fixed telephoto lens that’s 90 mm or higher for portraits in order to de-emphasize the subject’s nose or any other unflattering feature. It works because at that distance the nose or any other feature does not seem closer to the camera than the rest of the face.
UPPER BODY OR MIDRANGE PORTRAITS
These are easier to capture because the subject is probably more relaxed because it’s less personal. These include a little more of the background than close-ups. These are commonly used for both single subjects and multiple subjects. This is the kind of portrait used to mark occasions such as graduation, yearbook, birthdays and other parties. The ideal lens would be about a 90 mm fixed telephoto or more wide angle depending on how many subjects there are.
ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS
These are the portraits that let you into the life of a subject. They might include the whole subject in a scenario or the subject participating in some hobby that they enjoy. These are best for telling a story to the viewer about the subject. They are almost always used by photojournalists to look into the lives of interesting people. They also make great Black and White pictures.
Use this information to develop what kind of portrait style you would like to take, and then practice it before dealing with any serious clients.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop tutorials and computer wallpaper.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Schneider
By Richard Schneider
Portrait is defined as, “A likeness of a person, especially one showing the face, that is created by a painter or photographer, for example.” In the area of portrait photography there are some guidelines that you should consider when you go to take photos of people.
The different types of portraits are: close-ups, facial shots, upper body shots or environmental portraits. Environmental portraits are where you focus on the subject and on their surroundings that provide more character to the subject.
When people have a camera in their face it usually makes them nervous and they will try to put on a face that does not portray who they really are. The real skill to portrait photography is trying to capture photos when the subjects are comfortable and not worried about a camera.
Many professional photographers try to capture their subject’s true essence by using tricks. One example of this is counting to three so the subject prepares and then while they are relaxing after taking a planned photo the photographer will snap a few more unplanned photos. In most cases the subject won’t even know that more than one photo was taken but it’s usually the photos that the subject wasn’t expecting that capture their true essence.
Another more common strategy professionals use is to tell funny jokes that make their subjects genuinely laugh or smile. I’m sure that you have probably experienced something like this yourself.
CLOSE-UP PORTRAITS
These usually have the subject’s shoulders and head or less. They are framed around the face. These are the most common and best at capturing expressions and glamour shots. For these it is very important to have the light coming from a good angle. To accent wrinkles or small details you should have the light coming from the side or from the top. To create flattering pictures you should choose a cloudy day or try to create diffused light so there are hardly any shadows. Also make sure the subject is brighter than the background to reduce distraction.
For close-up portraits you should use a wide aperture (low f/stop) to make the background out of focus and therefore less of a distraction. Professionals commonly use a fixed telephoto lens that’s 90 mm or higher for portraits in order to de-emphasize the subject’s nose or any other unflattering feature. It works because at that distance the nose or any other feature does not seem closer to the camera than the rest of the face.
UPPER BODY OR MIDRANGE PORTRAITS
These are easier to capture because the subject is probably more relaxed because it’s less personal. These include a little more of the background than close-ups. These are commonly used for both single subjects and multiple subjects. This is the kind of portrait used to mark occasions such as graduation, yearbook, birthdays and other parties. The ideal lens would be about a 90 mm fixed telephoto or more wide angle depending on how many subjects there are.
ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS
These are the portraits that let you into the life of a subject. They might include the whole subject in a scenario or the subject participating in some hobby that they enjoy. These are best for telling a story to the viewer about the subject. They are almost always used by photojournalists to look into the lives of interesting people. They also make great Black and White pictures.
Use this information to develop what kind of portrait style you would like to take, and then practice it before dealing with any serious clients.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop tutorials and computer wallpaper.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Schneider
Thursday, September 7, 2006
How To Handle College Schedules
How To Handle College Schedules
By Nic Haffner
Do You know what you want to be when you grow up? Chances are, if you ask college freshmen this question, the majority will tell you, 'Undecided.' Most students go into college without a clear idea of what they really want to do with their education. This is the rule rather than the exception. Now, what can be the reason for this?
With all the issues you have to worry about your first year of college, deciding what you will study is one of the last to be made. However, with each passing year, this question gets more and more important. While Mom and Dad are shelling out the cash for their kids' education, the kid might be drifting back and forth without a clear plan.
There are certain core required classes, no matter what your major. These are basic math, science, history as well as language requirements. If you are just starting college and, like most of your student colleges, undecided, it is a good idea to take these classes. Since you will have to take them anyway, why not can get them out of the way before you need to decide on your major?
You may even be able to test out of some of these core classes. There is a test in most schools called the CLEP, which will allow you to skip some of these basic requirements. To give an example, if you are good at math, you can test out of the basic math classes everybody has to take. This way you can prove that you are competent and already know the stuff, and you get to skip right by.
Your first semester in college is more about learning your way around campus and college everyday life than learning about math and English. Make an effort to familiarize yourself with the college library, so it will be easy to use when you really need it. The first semester is the time to figure out how to do simple college things. You should learn how to budget your time and meet deadlines, and how to effectively study for tests. Be aware that college isn't like high school!
After you have gotten used to things and learned your way around, then you can start thinking about what you really want to do with your life. Very few students - if any - decides at first what they want to do. As a matter of fact, many people change majors halfway through. You will need to take some classes just to see what appeals to you. There is no big hurry. Still, remember that the clock is ticking and you are paying for the time you're in college. It's best to start thinking about it in your second semester or after your first year. This is when you should be getting used to college life. You are a college student now, so it's time to look for where to go next.
You will most likely be taking those core classes well into your second year. It is good to get them out of the way as soon as possible. Then, you can spend the later half of your college career working on the classes for your major - what really interests you. But the first thing to do is to get on top of things and take care of those core classes, then think about what direction you will take.
When you first land in college, you will have a lot of things to get used to, and nobody expects you to know exactly what you are doing in the beginning. However, remember that the clock is ticking, and you owe it to whoever's paying for your school to set a goal and achieve it.
Nic Haffner is a publisher of College and University Search and Info. You can go to College and University Reviews for more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nic_Haffner
By Nic Haffner
Do You know what you want to be when you grow up? Chances are, if you ask college freshmen this question, the majority will tell you, 'Undecided.' Most students go into college without a clear idea of what they really want to do with their education. This is the rule rather than the exception. Now, what can be the reason for this?
With all the issues you have to worry about your first year of college, deciding what you will study is one of the last to be made. However, with each passing year, this question gets more and more important. While Mom and Dad are shelling out the cash for their kids' education, the kid might be drifting back and forth without a clear plan.
There are certain core required classes, no matter what your major. These are basic math, science, history as well as language requirements. If you are just starting college and, like most of your student colleges, undecided, it is a good idea to take these classes. Since you will have to take them anyway, why not can get them out of the way before you need to decide on your major?
You may even be able to test out of some of these core classes. There is a test in most schools called the CLEP, which will allow you to skip some of these basic requirements. To give an example, if you are good at math, you can test out of the basic math classes everybody has to take. This way you can prove that you are competent and already know the stuff, and you get to skip right by.
Your first semester in college is more about learning your way around campus and college everyday life than learning about math and English. Make an effort to familiarize yourself with the college library, so it will be easy to use when you really need it. The first semester is the time to figure out how to do simple college things. You should learn how to budget your time and meet deadlines, and how to effectively study for tests. Be aware that college isn't like high school!
After you have gotten used to things and learned your way around, then you can start thinking about what you really want to do with your life. Very few students - if any - decides at first what they want to do. As a matter of fact, many people change majors halfway through. You will need to take some classes just to see what appeals to you. There is no big hurry. Still, remember that the clock is ticking and you are paying for the time you're in college. It's best to start thinking about it in your second semester or after your first year. This is when you should be getting used to college life. You are a college student now, so it's time to look for where to go next.
You will most likely be taking those core classes well into your second year. It is good to get them out of the way as soon as possible. Then, you can spend the later half of your college career working on the classes for your major - what really interests you. But the first thing to do is to get on top of things and take care of those core classes, then think about what direction you will take.
When you first land in college, you will have a lot of things to get used to, and nobody expects you to know exactly what you are doing in the beginning. However, remember that the clock is ticking, and you owe it to whoever's paying for your school to set a goal and achieve it.
Nic Haffner is a publisher of College and University Search and Info. You can go to College and University Reviews for more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nic_Haffner
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Digital Photography Schools
Digital Photography Schools
By Ross Bainbridge
In recent years, with the advance of digital cameras and computer technology, the photo industry has been revolutionized. Modifications and enhancements to the photograph can be made without risking. To learn these techniques, you can enroll in a digital photography school.
At the beginning of your study in a digital photography school, you would still be taught the basics using an analog or manual camera. The reason being, most of the functions in a digital camera are simply enhancements of the old analog model. The fundamentals of photography are better understood with a manual camera. By learning how to do things manually, you can achieve the same thing with ease using a digital camera.
Familiarizing yourself with your camera would allow you to achieve to create black and white photographs, negative images, tricks you can do with your exposure and shutter speed, and different exposures. You would be taught how to use different flashes to create the best photo expects. You will also get familiarized with the importance of lenses. By learning the differences between each lens and what scenario to use each, you would be able to produce stunning pictures.
Part of learning digital photography is learning how to make enhancements in your pictures with the use of your computer. As part of your curriculum, you would be taught how to do digital workflow and file management. You would also dive into basic digital image editing. Knowing how to make enhancements to your photographs is one of the essences of digital photography. The ability to put one or more photographs together as if it was taken as one is part of the whole learning process.
Once you get down and dirty with digital photography, you can explore your options with different genres such as portraits, documentary, sports, landscapes, wildlife, travel, night shots, fashion and the like.
Photography School provides detailed information on Photography School, Online Photography Schools, Top Photography Schools, Digital Photography Schools and more. Photography School is affiliated with Interior Design Schools.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
By Ross Bainbridge
In recent years, with the advance of digital cameras and computer technology, the photo industry has been revolutionized. Modifications and enhancements to the photograph can be made without risking. To learn these techniques, you can enroll in a digital photography school.
At the beginning of your study in a digital photography school, you would still be taught the basics using an analog or manual camera. The reason being, most of the functions in a digital camera are simply enhancements of the old analog model. The fundamentals of photography are better understood with a manual camera. By learning how to do things manually, you can achieve the same thing with ease using a digital camera.
Familiarizing yourself with your camera would allow you to achieve to create black and white photographs, negative images, tricks you can do with your exposure and shutter speed, and different exposures. You would be taught how to use different flashes to create the best photo expects. You will also get familiarized with the importance of lenses. By learning the differences between each lens and what scenario to use each, you would be able to produce stunning pictures.
Part of learning digital photography is learning how to make enhancements in your pictures with the use of your computer. As part of your curriculum, you would be taught how to do digital workflow and file management. You would also dive into basic digital image editing. Knowing how to make enhancements to your photographs is one of the essences of digital photography. The ability to put one or more photographs together as if it was taken as one is part of the whole learning process.
Once you get down and dirty with digital photography, you can explore your options with different genres such as portraits, documentary, sports, landscapes, wildlife, travel, night shots, fashion and the like.
Photography School provides detailed information on Photography School, Online Photography Schools, Top Photography Schools, Digital Photography Schools and more. Photography School is affiliated with Interior Design Schools.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
Friday, August 11, 2006
Photography Poses
Photography Poses - The Missing Ingredient
By Robert Bezman
You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the best price on your first digital camera, and even glanced at its owner's manual. Are you itching to take some shots of your family, or what?
Slow down, soldier. Before you take 200 shots that seem great at the time, but then upon review of the final picture are less than what you expected, let's prepare. Prepare?!?! I'll bet you thought charging the battery was the hardest part of taking great photos, didn't you? Sorry to disappoint you, but if you want to improve your photo results 50% in 2 minutes, let's review some basic advice of the pros.
There are two categories of GENERAL ADVICE which applies, regardless of whether you're using a digital camera to take family portrait poses, baby pictures, pet portraits, group pictures, funny photos, or even maternity portraits. The first category is...
"Good Planning" Advice for Photography Poses
1) Prepare For The Event
Prepare for the event by thinking about every photograph you want to take and what kind of photography pose or poses you would like to capture. Consider who, where, how, and the type of environment.
2) Take Multiple Photographs
Take multiple shots of each pose (remember, digital memory is reusable, a.k.a. "free"). Regardless of what you say or do, people will blink. And don't count on spotting small problems on the tiny camera LCD screen (even on full magnification); which leads to...
3) Check LCD Screen
Check the digital camera's LCD screen for general framing of the picture, any movement, visibility of faces, and the histogram. Note that you can think up a fantastic photography pose; arrange everyone perfectly; and, have the photograph "frozen" (no blinking, and no shaking of the camera)...but, when you check it out in the LCD, you see 2 drunks fighting in the background! And, my favorite...
4) Funny Phrases
Have some funny phrases handy to use just before you take the photo. Don't use it when setting up for the shot. And, don't use the same phrase all the time. Throw in funny anecdotes, phrases, names, words that you know your family will find more amusing than "cheese." A natural smile looks four times better than a fake one. The second category is...
"Location" Advice for Photography Poses
Taking indoor family photography, is very different than outdoor family photograph (duh!). For INDOOR pictures...
1) Wide Angle
You will tend to use the wide angle more often than your telephoto setting. Pay particular attention to your "end people" (those farthest to the right and the left in your viewfinder), and verify there is enough space in picture, so that if cropping is required, the end people don't have to lose a limb.
2) The Flash
Flash considerations are critical. Do not be outside your "flash range." For example, if at ISO 100, your flash can properly illuminate 12 feet, don't attempt any photography pose that requires anyone to stand at 14 feet (unless, of course, it's evil cousin Ira who you want to appear in darkness).
3) Plan "B"
If you need to be further away than your flash allows, here are 2 things you can try...First, increase the ISO setting (but not so much as to produce to much noise), or second, move to a significantly brighter location.
4) Watch Your Background
If there are distracting features, change your settings to blur the background (see the Techniques page). The best photography pose in the world won't look right with a distracting background. And finally...
5) Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
If there are mirrors or reflective surfaces in the background and you can't find a different location, only take the picture in such a way that the flash is not perpendicularto the surface, but at an angle (unless you want a nice photo of your flash).
Outdoor family photography has completely different issues. For OUTDOOR photography...
6) The Sun
Avoid photographing in direct sunlight, or in mixed light and shade, especially faces. Optimal lighting results from a slightly overcast sky.
7) Shade
When photographing in shade, use fill-flash (see terms) when necessary. And, really finally...
8) Beauty
If practical, take the picture at one of the beautiful natural settings near you. Imagine the result of a creative photography pose captured in a stunning environment. Can you say: "Over the mantle!"?
To see some sample pictures including more photography tips, go to www.best-family-photography-tips.com/photography-pose.html.
Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.
Robert Bezman is a professional photographer and owner of Custom Photographic Expressions. Robert has created http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com to help beginning and intermediate photographers create better photographs. Robert is offering a free newsletter and eBook that can be obtained by visiting http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/photography-newsletter.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Bezman
By Robert Bezman
You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the best price on your first digital camera, and even glanced at its owner's manual. Are you itching to take some shots of your family, or what?
Slow down, soldier. Before you take 200 shots that seem great at the time, but then upon review of the final picture are less than what you expected, let's prepare. Prepare?!?! I'll bet you thought charging the battery was the hardest part of taking great photos, didn't you? Sorry to disappoint you, but if you want to improve your photo results 50% in 2 minutes, let's review some basic advice of the pros.
There are two categories of GENERAL ADVICE which applies, regardless of whether you're using a digital camera to take family portrait poses, baby pictures, pet portraits, group pictures, funny photos, or even maternity portraits. The first category is...
"Good Planning" Advice for Photography Poses
1) Prepare For The Event
Prepare for the event by thinking about every photograph you want to take and what kind of photography pose or poses you would like to capture. Consider who, where, how, and the type of environment.
2) Take Multiple Photographs
Take multiple shots of each pose (remember, digital memory is reusable, a.k.a. "free"). Regardless of what you say or do, people will blink. And don't count on spotting small problems on the tiny camera LCD screen (even on full magnification); which leads to...
3) Check LCD Screen
Check the digital camera's LCD screen for general framing of the picture, any movement, visibility of faces, and the histogram. Note that you can think up a fantastic photography pose; arrange everyone perfectly; and, have the photograph "frozen" (no blinking, and no shaking of the camera)...but, when you check it out in the LCD, you see 2 drunks fighting in the background! And, my favorite...
4) Funny Phrases
Have some funny phrases handy to use just before you take the photo. Don't use it when setting up for the shot. And, don't use the same phrase all the time. Throw in funny anecdotes, phrases, names, words that you know your family will find more amusing than "cheese." A natural smile looks four times better than a fake one. The second category is...
"Location" Advice for Photography Poses
Taking indoor family photography, is very different than outdoor family photograph (duh!). For INDOOR pictures...
1) Wide Angle
You will tend to use the wide angle more often than your telephoto setting. Pay particular attention to your "end people" (those farthest to the right and the left in your viewfinder), and verify there is enough space in picture, so that if cropping is required, the end people don't have to lose a limb.
2) The Flash
Flash considerations are critical. Do not be outside your "flash range." For example, if at ISO 100, your flash can properly illuminate 12 feet, don't attempt any photography pose that requires anyone to stand at 14 feet (unless, of course, it's evil cousin Ira who you want to appear in darkness).
3) Plan "B"
If you need to be further away than your flash allows, here are 2 things you can try...First, increase the ISO setting (but not so much as to produce to much noise), or second, move to a significantly brighter location.
4) Watch Your Background
If there are distracting features, change your settings to blur the background (see the Techniques page). The best photography pose in the world won't look right with a distracting background. And finally...
5) Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
If there are mirrors or reflective surfaces in the background and you can't find a different location, only take the picture in such a way that the flash is not perpendicularto the surface, but at an angle (unless you want a nice photo of your flash).
Outdoor family photography has completely different issues. For OUTDOOR photography...
6) The Sun
Avoid photographing in direct sunlight, or in mixed light and shade, especially faces. Optimal lighting results from a slightly overcast sky.
7) Shade
When photographing in shade, use fill-flash (see terms) when necessary. And, really finally...
8) Beauty
If practical, take the picture at one of the beautiful natural settings near you. Imagine the result of a creative photography pose captured in a stunning environment. Can you say: "Over the mantle!"?
To see some sample pictures including more photography tips, go to www.best-family-photography-tips.com/photography-pose.html.
Copyright 2005 Robert Bezman. All rights reserved.
Robert Bezman is a professional photographer and owner of Custom Photographic Expressions. Robert has created http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com to help beginning and intermediate photographers create better photographs. Robert is offering a free newsletter and eBook that can be obtained by visiting http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/photography-newsletter.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Bezman
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Get Involved With Digital Photography
Get Involved With Digital Photography!
By Kenneth Snodin
The continuing advances in digital photography make it possible for everyone to capture moments of their lives with more detail and accuracy than ever. Improvements in photo resolution and shutter speed make it easy for both professional photographers and beginners to take great pictures. And even if a photo is not perfect when it is taken, sophisticated editing software can transform it into a work of art.
Experienced photographers say that timing is the most important factor for getting a good picture. There is only a small, limited opportunity to capture a great shot. Whether you are trying to get the perfect sunset photo or get a picture of the winners as they cross the finish line, you must have a good sense of timing and the intuition that lets you know exactly when to press that shutter button. It is this factor that makes photography an art form.
Most people never quite realize the dream of getting a perfect shot. Maybe your picture is framed well, but the lighting is not quite right. Maybe you’ve got the lighting just right, but you forget to use the flash or red-eye reduction option. In cases like these, digital photography offers an excellent way to get just the look you want in a photo.
Any picture you take with a digital camera can be edited to reach its full potential. Digital photos can be automatically enhanced to improve their color; they can be zoomed or cropped to their optimal size. And, of course, the red-eye reduction capability can improve any portrait. These editing options can all be completed within minutes, giving you the chance to have the most wonderful photos you’ve ever taken.
With a good digital camera and photo editing software, you can accomplish great things. The capabilities built into your camera represent only the beginning of the editing potential. Software programs really help you make the most of the photos you have. You can use editing software to change the images in any way you desire.
Local or online retailers can provide you with the equipment, software, and information you need to take great digital photos. When selecting a digital camera, you should be sure you buy one that has the features you need and want. You should look for a model that gives great pictures and that also has simple docking methods for downloading the photos from the camera to the printer or computer. Good photo editing software that will let you alter your digital pictures includes products like Kodak Picture, and Corel Photo Album.
There are a vast range of hobbies and pastimes availble for everyone to take part in, for more information about a variety of hobbies and pastimes visit http://great-hobbies.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Snodin
By Kenneth Snodin
The continuing advances in digital photography make it possible for everyone to capture moments of their lives with more detail and accuracy than ever. Improvements in photo resolution and shutter speed make it easy for both professional photographers and beginners to take great pictures. And even if a photo is not perfect when it is taken, sophisticated editing software can transform it into a work of art.
Experienced photographers say that timing is the most important factor for getting a good picture. There is only a small, limited opportunity to capture a great shot. Whether you are trying to get the perfect sunset photo or get a picture of the winners as they cross the finish line, you must have a good sense of timing and the intuition that lets you know exactly when to press that shutter button. It is this factor that makes photography an art form.
Most people never quite realize the dream of getting a perfect shot. Maybe your picture is framed well, but the lighting is not quite right. Maybe you’ve got the lighting just right, but you forget to use the flash or red-eye reduction option. In cases like these, digital photography offers an excellent way to get just the look you want in a photo.
Any picture you take with a digital camera can be edited to reach its full potential. Digital photos can be automatically enhanced to improve their color; they can be zoomed or cropped to their optimal size. And, of course, the red-eye reduction capability can improve any portrait. These editing options can all be completed within minutes, giving you the chance to have the most wonderful photos you’ve ever taken.
With a good digital camera and photo editing software, you can accomplish great things. The capabilities built into your camera represent only the beginning of the editing potential. Software programs really help you make the most of the photos you have. You can use editing software to change the images in any way you desire.
Local or online retailers can provide you with the equipment, software, and information you need to take great digital photos. When selecting a digital camera, you should be sure you buy one that has the features you need and want. You should look for a model that gives great pictures and that also has simple docking methods for downloading the photos from the camera to the printer or computer. Good photo editing software that will let you alter your digital pictures includes products like Kodak Picture, and Corel Photo Album.
There are a vast range of hobbies and pastimes availble for everyone to take part in, for more information about a variety of hobbies and pastimes visit http://great-hobbies.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Snodin
Monday, June 26, 2006
Photography Software
Photography Software
By Edward Ginsberg
My friend Harry Potter and I have recently combined forces to develop a new kind of photography software. This will be built into digital cameras and will allow the photographer to take a perfect picture every time. When we say perfect picture, we don’t mean correct focus and exposure. A lot of cameras can already do that. We mean subject matter and composition.
It shouldn’t be difficult. After all, the rules of composition were devised before the camera was invented, and the Internet is full of useful tips on how to take a good picture. All we have to do is program the software. It would compare the picture that is on the photographer’s digital camera screen with an ideal photo. Then, by means of a voice program, it would direct the photographer to improve his image. So, for example, if he is about to take a shot of a statue, he might hear the following:
“This picture violates the Rule of Thirds. Move the camera four degrees to the right. That is better. General Photography Tips also suggest that you get closer to the image. Move two feet closer. You now have a perfect picture. Snap the shutter.”
That’s about all the entry-level software would do. But a lot of photographers want to be more creative. Don’t worry. The advanced software will take care of this. It will allow a photographer to dial-in the style of his favorite photographer. The program will then analyze the image in terms of the basic program while incorporating the style of the selected master photographer. An example is the deluxe Robert Frank model. Here the software voice would function as it did above but, before the snap-the-shutter command, it might add,
“You have a perfect picture, but it is not a Robert Frank picture. To achieve that, kneel down, point the camera slightly upward – not so much – now tilt the camera and dial in the grain filter. You now have a perfect Robert Frank picture. Snap the shutter.”
Okay, for those of you still with me, the question is as follows. If you could buy a camera that could do all these things, would you? If you say no, then I ask why not? Countless photographers study the rules of composition and read the latest photo tips. They ask strangers on blogs to tell them how to make their pictures look more like everyone else’s. In short, they try to do for themselves what our hypothetical software program will do automatically.
But how many people study the work of photography masters. How many have the courage – yes, it takes a certain amount of courage – to try to develop their own style? I’m always amazed that a painter is willing to spend four years at an art school, while a photographer wants to read the camera manual and instantly turn out great pictures.
For those of you who want to learn to express your individuality, it takes time, study, and sweat. But it’s a rewarding process. And to those who want to turn out flawless photos quickly, have I got a piece of software for you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Ginsberg
By Edward Ginsberg
My friend Harry Potter and I have recently combined forces to develop a new kind of photography software. This will be built into digital cameras and will allow the photographer to take a perfect picture every time. When we say perfect picture, we don’t mean correct focus and exposure. A lot of cameras can already do that. We mean subject matter and composition.
It shouldn’t be difficult. After all, the rules of composition were devised before the camera was invented, and the Internet is full of useful tips on how to take a good picture. All we have to do is program the software. It would compare the picture that is on the photographer’s digital camera screen with an ideal photo. Then, by means of a voice program, it would direct the photographer to improve his image. So, for example, if he is about to take a shot of a statue, he might hear the following:
“This picture violates the Rule of Thirds. Move the camera four degrees to the right. That is better. General Photography Tips also suggest that you get closer to the image. Move two feet closer. You now have a perfect picture. Snap the shutter.”
That’s about all the entry-level software would do. But a lot of photographers want to be more creative. Don’t worry. The advanced software will take care of this. It will allow a photographer to dial-in the style of his favorite photographer. The program will then analyze the image in terms of the basic program while incorporating the style of the selected master photographer. An example is the deluxe Robert Frank model. Here the software voice would function as it did above but, before the snap-the-shutter command, it might add,
“You have a perfect picture, but it is not a Robert Frank picture. To achieve that, kneel down, point the camera slightly upward – not so much – now tilt the camera and dial in the grain filter. You now have a perfect Robert Frank picture. Snap the shutter.”
Okay, for those of you still with me, the question is as follows. If you could buy a camera that could do all these things, would you? If you say no, then I ask why not? Countless photographers study the rules of composition and read the latest photo tips. They ask strangers on blogs to tell them how to make their pictures look more like everyone else’s. In short, they try to do for themselves what our hypothetical software program will do automatically.
But how many people study the work of photography masters. How many have the courage – yes, it takes a certain amount of courage – to try to develop their own style? I’m always amazed that a painter is willing to spend four years at an art school, while a photographer wants to read the camera manual and instantly turn out great pictures.
For those of you who want to learn to express your individuality, it takes time, study, and sweat. But it’s a rewarding process. And to those who want to turn out flawless photos quickly, have I got a piece of software for you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Ginsberg
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Incredible Tips For High Quality Digital Photography
Incredible Tips For High Quality Digital Photography
By Warren Lynch
Digital photography has come a long way in producing high quality pictures, but contrary to popular belief, this cannot be achieved simply by pointing the camera at an object and clicking. Understanding certain concepts is necessary in order to achieve exceptional picture quality e.g. automatic flash, no flash, forced flash, twilight mode, natural light and red-eye reduction. The following should help in clarifying certain misconceptions.
Automatic Flash
Most digital cameras offer an automatic flash setting, which simply means that the camera will automatically gauge whether the use of flash is necessary. Once this calculation is complete the flash will go off if needed. In many cases this is the best option to choose, but there are exceptions.
Forced Flash
This feature should be used in cases where very bright light exists behind the object being photographed. This background light will cause a shadow to be cast over the subject. If your camera is set to automatic flash, this shadow will cause the flash to go off, creating an inappropriate effect. Use of the forced flash setting would, on the other hand, eliminate the shadow.
No Flash
This option is ideal in situations where the existing light is dim and the subject is too far away for the flash to have an effect, when photographing a bright object with a dark background (use of flash will erase lights in the picture), or in settings where flash photography is prohibited. The one thing to keep in mind when using this option is that the camera must be kept very steady.
Natural Light
In most cases, if used correctly, natural light is really the best option for producing vibrant pictures. If sunlight is available, snapping the picture at just the right angle is necessary to avoid glare. Squinting, although is still a common problem when using bright light. As far as natural lighting goes, cloudy days are best. Not only is shadowing not a problem but the picture itself has an additional softness to it.
Twilight mode
The twilight mode setting is best when your subject is surrounded by darkness. This option will clearly light your subject, maintaining the dark backdrop, as long as the object is within flash range.
Red-Eye Reduction
This seldom desired effect is the result of the flash reflecting off the eyes' retina. The red-eye reduction feature instructs the camera to set off multiple flashes in order to eliminate the effect. Once again the subject must be within range of the flash as well as looking directly at the camera.
It is not to say that without the above information you will never achieve a decent picture, but committing these tips to memory will surely improve the quality of your photography as well as bring memories to life more accurately.
This digital photography tip article is brought to you by award-winning professional photographer Warren Lynch. Exciting articles gives both beginners and advance digital camera enthusiast the leg up. With cutting-edge digital photography blogs, forum and review resources.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Lynch
By Warren Lynch
Digital photography has come a long way in producing high quality pictures, but contrary to popular belief, this cannot be achieved simply by pointing the camera at an object and clicking. Understanding certain concepts is necessary in order to achieve exceptional picture quality e.g. automatic flash, no flash, forced flash, twilight mode, natural light and red-eye reduction. The following should help in clarifying certain misconceptions.
Automatic Flash
Most digital cameras offer an automatic flash setting, which simply means that the camera will automatically gauge whether the use of flash is necessary. Once this calculation is complete the flash will go off if needed. In many cases this is the best option to choose, but there are exceptions.
Forced Flash
This feature should be used in cases where very bright light exists behind the object being photographed. This background light will cause a shadow to be cast over the subject. If your camera is set to automatic flash, this shadow will cause the flash to go off, creating an inappropriate effect. Use of the forced flash setting would, on the other hand, eliminate the shadow.
No Flash
This option is ideal in situations where the existing light is dim and the subject is too far away for the flash to have an effect, when photographing a bright object with a dark background (use of flash will erase lights in the picture), or in settings where flash photography is prohibited. The one thing to keep in mind when using this option is that the camera must be kept very steady.
Natural Light
In most cases, if used correctly, natural light is really the best option for producing vibrant pictures. If sunlight is available, snapping the picture at just the right angle is necessary to avoid glare. Squinting, although is still a common problem when using bright light. As far as natural lighting goes, cloudy days are best. Not only is shadowing not a problem but the picture itself has an additional softness to it.
Twilight mode
The twilight mode setting is best when your subject is surrounded by darkness. This option will clearly light your subject, maintaining the dark backdrop, as long as the object is within flash range.
Red-Eye Reduction
This seldom desired effect is the result of the flash reflecting off the eyes' retina. The red-eye reduction feature instructs the camera to set off multiple flashes in order to eliminate the effect. Once again the subject must be within range of the flash as well as looking directly at the camera.
It is not to say that without the above information you will never achieve a decent picture, but committing these tips to memory will surely improve the quality of your photography as well as bring memories to life more accurately.
This digital photography tip article is brought to you by award-winning professional photographer Warren Lynch. Exciting articles gives both beginners and advance digital camera enthusiast the leg up. With cutting-edge digital photography blogs, forum and review resources.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Lynch
Friday, May 19, 2006
Tips For Pet Portraits
Tips For Pet Portraits
By Grace Palce
Whenever there’s a special occasion that requires the giving of gifts, only a few people usually feel the need to spend more than a few moments on thinking about a gift that would really mean a lot to the recipient. When giving gifts, we should always remember that it’s truly the thought that counts so no matter the price tag attached to the gift, if it strikes the recipient as impersonal, the gift would then be not as special as you want it to be.
Whatever the occasion, as long as the recipient is a pet lover, you might try considering giving him or her a portrait of his favorite pet as a gift.
A lot of pets who display almost human intelligence like dogs can serve a lot of purposes in a person’s life and provide not only aid in their daily routines but also friendship and protection. Pets unfortunately have a short life span, compared to that of humans, so people can enjoy only a brief relationship with their pets.
With a portrait of their pets, they’ll be able to remember them and never forget what they look like. When they feel that they miss their favorite pets, they only have to look at the portrait and feel as if their pets are always nearby.
There are artists who specialize in pet portraits. If you’re considering giving pet portraits as a gift, it’s best to spend time researching for artists who truly have expertise in doing pet portraits. Doing pet portraits after all is not as ordinary as sketching apples because you need to master a few skills, for instance, when trying to perfect the look and color of an animal’s fur.
Doing a portrait of any animal or pet would also require an infinite amount of patience and expert guidance that not all artists possess. As they’re animals, it’s impossible to expect them to follow your every order.
If you don’t want to base the pet portraits on photos, you may have to offer your pet several incentives to let him obey your wishes. Offer them treats in exchange of staying still for a certain period of time. If it’s okay with you, a sleeping pet is no doubt a better subject than one who’s awake.
However hard it may be, everything would be worth it when you see the smile on your friend’s face as you give them their much-awaited gift!
Grace Palce is writing articles for direct portrait, a very fast and easy to use painting from photo service. Specializing in pet portraits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Palce
By Grace Palce
Whenever there’s a special occasion that requires the giving of gifts, only a few people usually feel the need to spend more than a few moments on thinking about a gift that would really mean a lot to the recipient. When giving gifts, we should always remember that it’s truly the thought that counts so no matter the price tag attached to the gift, if it strikes the recipient as impersonal, the gift would then be not as special as you want it to be.
Whatever the occasion, as long as the recipient is a pet lover, you might try considering giving him or her a portrait of his favorite pet as a gift.
A lot of pets who display almost human intelligence like dogs can serve a lot of purposes in a person’s life and provide not only aid in their daily routines but also friendship and protection. Pets unfortunately have a short life span, compared to that of humans, so people can enjoy only a brief relationship with their pets.
With a portrait of their pets, they’ll be able to remember them and never forget what they look like. When they feel that they miss their favorite pets, they only have to look at the portrait and feel as if their pets are always nearby.
There are artists who specialize in pet portraits. If you’re considering giving pet portraits as a gift, it’s best to spend time researching for artists who truly have expertise in doing pet portraits. Doing pet portraits after all is not as ordinary as sketching apples because you need to master a few skills, for instance, when trying to perfect the look and color of an animal’s fur.
Doing a portrait of any animal or pet would also require an infinite amount of patience and expert guidance that not all artists possess. As they’re animals, it’s impossible to expect them to follow your every order.
If you don’t want to base the pet portraits on photos, you may have to offer your pet several incentives to let him obey your wishes. Offer them treats in exchange of staying still for a certain period of time. If it’s okay with you, a sleeping pet is no doubt a better subject than one who’s awake.
However hard it may be, everything would be worth it when you see the smile on your friend’s face as you give them their much-awaited gift!
Grace Palce is writing articles for direct portrait, a very fast and easy to use painting from photo service. Specializing in pet portraits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Palce
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Buying Your Child A Digital Camera - What You Need To Know
Buying Your Child A Digital Camera - What You Need To Know
By Kevin Rockwell
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Rockwell
By Kevin Rockwell
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Rockwell
Monday, April 10, 2006
Wedding Favors: Homemade and Store Bought
It has long been tradition to give guests small gifts as tokens of appreciation for showing up at the ceremony and as a return in exchange for the wedding gifts given to the couple. Wedding favors can be homemade, store purchased and/or food. Lots of people give out little homemade wedding favors that add a personal touch and give guests a keepsake to remember the wedding by.
Some common homemade wedding favors are paper boxes filled with candies, soaps and candles, and scented satchels of potpourri. You can set up a mini workshop with some friends a few weeks before the wedding and work on the favors assembly line style. A simple favor is the paper box. You can purchase or make homemade paper that is thick and sturdy for the box. Cut the paper into the shape of a box that is laid out flat with flaps (you can open up similar box shaped package from a store as a model) and make creases with a knife or pen to fold along. Then glue or stitch together with brightly colored sting. Place a small amount of tissue paper inside to keep the candy separate from the glue and paper.
If you find that your wedding plans are starting to get out of hand you can always place an order online or at a store for party favors. These trinkets can last longer than homemade ones and will save you time and effort. Many common types of store purchased favors are candle, picture frames or holders, spoons, corkscrews, other types of kitchen utensils, bookmarks and candies. You may be able to get a good deal on the cost of these favors if you plan on purchasing large lots of them.
Whatever you decide to give guests as a mark of the memorable event be sure to know that it will have a special place in each persons heart.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. More ideas, wedding shower party favors, decorations and Wedding Favors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Some common homemade wedding favors are paper boxes filled with candies, soaps and candles, and scented satchels of potpourri. You can set up a mini workshop with some friends a few weeks before the wedding and work on the favors assembly line style. A simple favor is the paper box. You can purchase or make homemade paper that is thick and sturdy for the box. Cut the paper into the shape of a box that is laid out flat with flaps (you can open up similar box shaped package from a store as a model) and make creases with a knife or pen to fold along. Then glue or stitch together with brightly colored sting. Place a small amount of tissue paper inside to keep the candy separate from the glue and paper.
If you find that your wedding plans are starting to get out of hand you can always place an order online or at a store for party favors. These trinkets can last longer than homemade ones and will save you time and effort. Many common types of store purchased favors are candle, picture frames or holders, spoons, corkscrews, other types of kitchen utensils, bookmarks and candies. You may be able to get a good deal on the cost of these favors if you plan on purchasing large lots of them.
Whatever you decide to give guests as a mark of the memorable event be sure to know that it will have a special place in each persons heart.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. More ideas, wedding shower party favors, decorations and Wedding Favors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Photo Stealing on The Internet
Should you worry about photo thievery on the Internet?
There’s an element of human nature involved here: Trust.
Back when we first got here to the farm, the nearest grocery store was (still is) the Horse Creek Store. Fred Nelson would stand behind the counter and retrieve the products you wanted from the shelves. It’s not that he didn’t trust his customers. He was giving them service. It had always been done that way. A few years later when supermarkets were introduced, I asked Fred if he thought customers would walk out of supermarkets with products in their pockets without paying.
Fred’s response, “Well, there might be some of that.”
As we all know now, yes, a few people, it turns out, will do that. Maybe 2% - maybe 5% - of the population. Nevertheless, at the Horse Creek Store you now gather your own items from the shelves. And the supermarket service model, used everywhere from huge groceries to hardware stores, has benefited both customers and owners. Customers retrieve the products themselves, and thereby a greater volume of customers can be taken care of per day. Businesses have learned to factor the minor loss through thievery into the cost of the products, and volume sales.
Back to the Basics
This model assumes an element of trust on the part of the store owner. The owner's position is that, “I trust you (most of you) enough that you won’t walk out of my store without paying.” The owner absorbs the cost of the rare instance of thievery.
The Internet will also eventually settle into a comfortable balance built on sensible commerce. (You pays for what you gits.) Why not put energy toward serving the 95% of customers who are going to be trustworthy, rather than put undue time and attention on the 5% who won’t be?
You might say, “Well, photos are different. They are easy to steal. No one is watching.”
Perhaps, but small items ranging from chewing gum to shampoo would be easy to steal. But most people, including teenagers, are basically honest. They don’t steal. Besides, stealing, along with being immoral, has disadvantages that outweigh the benefits.
A FOREIGN LAND
When we hear of instances of Internet theft, you’ll find that most of the perpetrators fall into the “immature hot shot” category. Another small percentage of guilty parties are people ignorant of Copyright Law. The final percentage consists of people who do live life trying to get away with getting something for nothing. But is it worth your time to track them down with PicScout or other expensive software, just to shake a finger at them? (That’s about the only reward you would realize.) And remember, too, that in our corner of the stock photography industry that we are not dealing with advertising clients or graphic artists who might be able to benefit from such theft. We deal with photobuyers and researchers at publishing houses. It’s almost a different country. It’s rare that you ever hear of a staff member of a publishing house or magazine risking their job by stealing a photo. In more than a decade of on-line experience I have never heard of a case of photobuyer thievery at a reputable publishing house – at least not at any of the 8,500 in our database.
If it’s a question for you of whether to post your images online or not, I would advise to go about your business and post them without agitation, knowing that human nature is on your side. The majority of people who are going to visit your website are not going to steal, either because they are moral – or because it is too inconvenient!.
Rohn Engh is director of PhotoSource International and publisher of PhotoStockNotes. Pine Lake Farm, 1910 35th Road, Osceola, WI 54020 USA. 1 800 624 0266; E-mail: info@photosource.com . Fax: 1 715 248 7394. Web site: http://www.photosource.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rohn_Engh
There’s an element of human nature involved here: Trust.
Back when we first got here to the farm, the nearest grocery store was (still is) the Horse Creek Store. Fred Nelson would stand behind the counter and retrieve the products you wanted from the shelves. It’s not that he didn’t trust his customers. He was giving them service. It had always been done that way. A few years later when supermarkets were introduced, I asked Fred if he thought customers would walk out of supermarkets with products in their pockets without paying.
Fred’s response, “Well, there might be some of that.”
As we all know now, yes, a few people, it turns out, will do that. Maybe 2% - maybe 5% - of the population. Nevertheless, at the Horse Creek Store you now gather your own items from the shelves. And the supermarket service model, used everywhere from huge groceries to hardware stores, has benefited both customers and owners. Customers retrieve the products themselves, and thereby a greater volume of customers can be taken care of per day. Businesses have learned to factor the minor loss through thievery into the cost of the products, and volume sales.
Back to the Basics
This model assumes an element of trust on the part of the store owner. The owner's position is that, “I trust you (most of you) enough that you won’t walk out of my store without paying.” The owner absorbs the cost of the rare instance of thievery.
The Internet will also eventually settle into a comfortable balance built on sensible commerce. (You pays for what you gits.) Why not put energy toward serving the 95% of customers who are going to be trustworthy, rather than put undue time and attention on the 5% who won’t be?
You might say, “Well, photos are different. They are easy to steal. No one is watching.”
Perhaps, but small items ranging from chewing gum to shampoo would be easy to steal. But most people, including teenagers, are basically honest. They don’t steal. Besides, stealing, along with being immoral, has disadvantages that outweigh the benefits.
A FOREIGN LAND
When we hear of instances of Internet theft, you’ll find that most of the perpetrators fall into the “immature hot shot” category. Another small percentage of guilty parties are people ignorant of Copyright Law. The final percentage consists of people who do live life trying to get away with getting something for nothing. But is it worth your time to track them down with PicScout or other expensive software, just to shake a finger at them? (That’s about the only reward you would realize.) And remember, too, that in our corner of the stock photography industry that we are not dealing with advertising clients or graphic artists who might be able to benefit from such theft. We deal with photobuyers and researchers at publishing houses. It’s almost a different country. It’s rare that you ever hear of a staff member of a publishing house or magazine risking their job by stealing a photo. In more than a decade of on-line experience I have never heard of a case of photobuyer thievery at a reputable publishing house – at least not at any of the 8,500 in our database.
If it’s a question for you of whether to post your images online or not, I would advise to go about your business and post them without agitation, knowing that human nature is on your side. The majority of people who are going to visit your website are not going to steal, either because they are moral – or because it is too inconvenient!.
Rohn Engh is director of PhotoSource International and publisher of PhotoStockNotes. Pine Lake Farm, 1910 35th Road, Osceola, WI 54020 USA. 1 800 624 0266; E-mail: info@photosource.com . Fax: 1 715 248 7394. Web site: http://www.photosource.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rohn_Engh
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Digital Cameras at Wholesale Prices
Digital Cameras at Wholesale Prices
Current info about Senior Portrait Photography is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Senior Portrait Photography info available.
Finding a Digital Camera at Wholesale Price Without Getting Swindled
When you think about Digital Photography and Cameras, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Digital Photography and Cameras are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
There is a vast number of different makes and models of digital cameras, and thousands of companies online selling digital cameras. So how do you sort through all the information to find a great digital camera at a wholesale price? Digital cameras are available in several price points and can be purchased wholesale or retail. So, what do you do if you want the best at the cheapest price?
Let the internet help you. There are numerous internet services called “price comparison engines” that search the internet for the best available price on any product. All you have to do is type in what you are looking for. It is a good idea to check on about ten different price comparison search engines so that you find the absolute best prices. This however only works if you know exactly what you are looking for. If you aren’t sure what make you want you will want to do some preliminary research. Go to electronics stores and try different cameras out. This will help you get a feel for what features you want or dislike and can do without.
Another option is to talk to friends and family and see if there are at least a few people that are also looking for a digital camera. If you can find a camera you all agree on and buy more than one camera with the same information you will most likely be able to get a better deal. Manufacturers give some generous discounts for buyers purchasing more than one item at a time.
Looking for wholesale prices can bring up some less than reliable companies promising items at amazing prices. Before you buy anything or give any information make sure you check out the company or website to be sure they are legitimate. Watch out for these signs when looking for a cheap digital camera.
·Drop Shipping Agents are a middleman. You will be spending more money through them then you would if you bought the camera directly from a wholesale company. Drop shipping agents never own their own warehouses, but they may constantly try to convince you they do.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Digital Photography and Cameras? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
·Do not get pulled into buying a list from a website that supposedly gives you information about wholesalers. Most of the time this information is free from other sources or very outdated.
·Online auction sites can be a great way to find a cheap digital camera but beware, most scams involving wholesale digital cameras are run through these types of sites. Do as much research as you possibly can, and be weary of sellers with hundreds of cameras to sell. If a seller asks you to send a money wire, don’t do it. There is very little that can be done to get your money back if it is sent this way.
Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://digital-cameras.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on Digital Cameras.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Simons
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about Senior Portrait Photography.
Current info about Senior Portrait Photography is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Senior Portrait Photography info available.
Finding a Digital Camera at Wholesale Price Without Getting Swindled
When you think about Digital Photography and Cameras, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Digital Photography and Cameras are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
There is a vast number of different makes and models of digital cameras, and thousands of companies online selling digital cameras. So how do you sort through all the information to find a great digital camera at a wholesale price? Digital cameras are available in several price points and can be purchased wholesale or retail. So, what do you do if you want the best at the cheapest price?
Let the internet help you. There are numerous internet services called “price comparison engines” that search the internet for the best available price on any product. All you have to do is type in what you are looking for. It is a good idea to check on about ten different price comparison search engines so that you find the absolute best prices. This however only works if you know exactly what you are looking for. If you aren’t sure what make you want you will want to do some preliminary research. Go to electronics stores and try different cameras out. This will help you get a feel for what features you want or dislike and can do without.
Another option is to talk to friends and family and see if there are at least a few people that are also looking for a digital camera. If you can find a camera you all agree on and buy more than one camera with the same information you will most likely be able to get a better deal. Manufacturers give some generous discounts for buyers purchasing more than one item at a time.
Looking for wholesale prices can bring up some less than reliable companies promising items at amazing prices. Before you buy anything or give any information make sure you check out the company or website to be sure they are legitimate. Watch out for these signs when looking for a cheap digital camera.
·Drop Shipping Agents are a middleman. You will be spending more money through them then you would if you bought the camera directly from a wholesale company. Drop shipping agents never own their own warehouses, but they may constantly try to convince you they do.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Digital Photography and Cameras? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
·Do not get pulled into buying a list from a website that supposedly gives you information about wholesalers. Most of the time this information is free from other sources or very outdated.
·Online auction sites can be a great way to find a cheap digital camera but beware, most scams involving wholesale digital cameras are run through these types of sites. Do as much research as you possibly can, and be weary of sellers with hundreds of cameras to sell. If a seller asks you to send a money wire, don’t do it. There is very little that can be done to get your money back if it is sent this way.
Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://digital-cameras.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on Digital Cameras.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Simons
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about Senior Portrait Photography.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_C._Hoffman
Pros and Cons of Sharing Digital Wedding Files
By Kenneth C. Hoffman
Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Digital Wedding Files. When you start sharing the fascinating Digital Wedding Files facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.
Traditionally, the portrait and wedding photographer carefully saved his negatives for future sales and the safety of the image. Courts have decreed that the photographer owns the rights to the image and that no one else may reprint the image without his permission. But in the fast paced world we live in, times have changed and the question of image sharing must be rethought.
The cons of giving the bride and groom the digital files for their own use invite the chance that they would probably make a few wallets for their relatives. I see every picture that reaches a wider audience as a piece of priceless advertisement. If the quality of the wallet picture is not up to pro standards, the recipients of the picture is probably aware that the bride and groom cut corners making the gift and won’t blame the studio. Because the time consuming inconvenience and loss of face that accompanies the ink jet gift, a very small percentage of wedding customers would resort to this practice. One hour photo establishments customarily refuse to scan a professionally made photo and prints from a CD will not match the quality of the professional lab.
The pros of offering the digital files at no charge as part of the wedding package are: a powerful tool to book more weddings, an incentive for the bride and groom to recommend your studio to their friends and relatives, and the transfer of the responsibility of safekeeping the image files. The profit made from just one wedding recommendation far outweigh any amount that could be made from a few reprint sales.
Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.
For those more conservative photographers, the delivery of the image files could be delayed until a year after the wedding albums are delivered can be an option. This would naturally remove any benefit from handing the files over immediately. An exception could be made in the case of the image chosen for a wall sized image, retaining the rights exclusively for the studio. Of course, the master digital images will still exist on your DVD disks for normal reprint use. While you, the photographer, has the right to deny the bride and groom the use of the original image files, you also have the right to be the good Samaritan and accommodate tons of new clients at the same time.
Retired portrait and wedding photographer. Your thoughts?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_C._Hoffman
Now you can be a confident expert on Digital Wedding Files. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on Digital Wedding Files.
By Kenneth C. Hoffman
Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Digital Wedding Files. When you start sharing the fascinating Digital Wedding Files facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.
Traditionally, the portrait and wedding photographer carefully saved his negatives for future sales and the safety of the image. Courts have decreed that the photographer owns the rights to the image and that no one else may reprint the image without his permission. But in the fast paced world we live in, times have changed and the question of image sharing must be rethought.
The cons of giving the bride and groom the digital files for their own use invite the chance that they would probably make a few wallets for their relatives. I see every picture that reaches a wider audience as a piece of priceless advertisement. If the quality of the wallet picture is not up to pro standards, the recipients of the picture is probably aware that the bride and groom cut corners making the gift and won’t blame the studio. Because the time consuming inconvenience and loss of face that accompanies the ink jet gift, a very small percentage of wedding customers would resort to this practice. One hour photo establishments customarily refuse to scan a professionally made photo and prints from a CD will not match the quality of the professional lab.
The pros of offering the digital files at no charge as part of the wedding package are: a powerful tool to book more weddings, an incentive for the bride and groom to recommend your studio to their friends and relatives, and the transfer of the responsibility of safekeeping the image files. The profit made from just one wedding recommendation far outweigh any amount that could be made from a few reprint sales.
Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.
For those more conservative photographers, the delivery of the image files could be delayed until a year after the wedding albums are delivered can be an option. This would naturally remove any benefit from handing the files over immediately. An exception could be made in the case of the image chosen for a wall sized image, retaining the rights exclusively for the studio. Of course, the master digital images will still exist on your DVD disks for normal reprint use. While you, the photographer, has the right to deny the bride and groom the use of the original image files, you also have the right to be the good Samaritan and accommodate tons of new clients at the same time.
Retired portrait and wedding photographer. Your thoughts?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_C._Hoffman
Now you can be a confident expert on Digital Wedding Files. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on Digital Wedding Files.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Definition of Resolution
Photography and Digital Portrait Photographers
Are you looking for some inside information on Digital Photography? Here's an up-to-date report from Digital Photography experts who should know.
Definition of Resolution by Robbie Darmona
Resolution can be defined as the number of pixels that, constellated together, form an image or a photograph. Pixels are small points on the image that can have various colors. Digital photography uses pixels to create photos. Image sizes in photography are measured by the number of pixels in width and depth. The measurement is generally determined as resolution. Computer screens use the same measurements as digital photography. Most typical are sizes such as 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1280 x 960, 1280 x 1024, and so on.
The general thing about digital photography is the number of pixels. Different resolution makes for different images. The more pixels an image has, the more elaborate it is. Details depend on the number of pixels. But bigger resolution also means bigger image file size and larger print size. This may cause some difficulties if you are trying to print the image by yourself. Larger file formats also cause trouble when sending files via email: some email accounts have specific space and your attached files are too large to be received. Despite this, people prefer resolution with greater number of pixels. The picture looks much more realistic when more pixels construct it. It is the same as in the puzzle game: the more pieces a puzzle has, the more complex it looks. Pixels give additional shades and nuances because they can take different colors, so the image looks as real as possible.
If your Digital Photography facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important Digital Photography information slip by you.
Let's discuss the difficulties of file and print size. Using a 3 megapixel camera, you have no trouble printing 8x10 or smaller photographs and get satisfying results. If you want to print something bigger, you will get into trouble. You'd better go to a printing shop. For prints of larger size, you may need special paper and a professional, who can do it for you. Another thing to remember is changing of size. You can change the print size without making defects on the resolution. But this can only be done when making an existing photo smaller. If you decided to enlarge a small image using a program, you'd better give it up. Smaller images are made of different resolution formats and when you enlarge them, the number of pixels stays the same and is no longer compatible with the larger copy, so the quality of the photo is lost. Resolution defines the file size as well. You may try to convert larger files into smaller ones, before sending them through email. Before re-sizing an image, you should better save it in its original resolution quality. Save it in its larger and pixel-rich size and then make it smaller in the editing program for emailing. In that case you will always have a copy of the original if you like to print it. Remember that once resized, an image cannot be brought back to its previous size, as it is larger and resolution would be changed for the worse. This effect is called pixelation: when you try to enlarge an existing copy. It always results in worse printing image quality.
There are three points you should remember about resolution.
1) The higher the resolution, the better printed image quality. 2) The higher the resolution, the larger the file size and the larger the print size. 3) Do not confuse pixels with dots. They are not the same. Pixels per inch (PPI) and dots per inch (DPI) are variables completely different from one another.
About the Author
Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Photo hosting
As your knowledge about Digital Photography continues to grow, you will begin to see how Digital Photography fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.
Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Photo hosting
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robbie_Darmona
Are you looking for some inside information on Digital Photography? Here's an up-to-date report from Digital Photography experts who should know.
Definition of Resolution by Robbie Darmona
Resolution can be defined as the number of pixels that, constellated together, form an image or a photograph. Pixels are small points on the image that can have various colors. Digital photography uses pixels to create photos. Image sizes in photography are measured by the number of pixels in width and depth. The measurement is generally determined as resolution. Computer screens use the same measurements as digital photography. Most typical are sizes such as 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1280 x 960, 1280 x 1024, and so on.
The general thing about digital photography is the number of pixels. Different resolution makes for different images. The more pixels an image has, the more elaborate it is. Details depend on the number of pixels. But bigger resolution also means bigger image file size and larger print size. This may cause some difficulties if you are trying to print the image by yourself. Larger file formats also cause trouble when sending files via email: some email accounts have specific space and your attached files are too large to be received. Despite this, people prefer resolution with greater number of pixels. The picture looks much more realistic when more pixels construct it. It is the same as in the puzzle game: the more pieces a puzzle has, the more complex it looks. Pixels give additional shades and nuances because they can take different colors, so the image looks as real as possible.
If your Digital Photography facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important Digital Photography information slip by you.
Let's discuss the difficulties of file and print size. Using a 3 megapixel camera, you have no trouble printing 8x10 or smaller photographs and get satisfying results. If you want to print something bigger, you will get into trouble. You'd better go to a printing shop. For prints of larger size, you may need special paper and a professional, who can do it for you. Another thing to remember is changing of size. You can change the print size without making defects on the resolution. But this can only be done when making an existing photo smaller. If you decided to enlarge a small image using a program, you'd better give it up. Smaller images are made of different resolution formats and when you enlarge them, the number of pixels stays the same and is no longer compatible with the larger copy, so the quality of the photo is lost. Resolution defines the file size as well. You may try to convert larger files into smaller ones, before sending them through email. Before re-sizing an image, you should better save it in its original resolution quality. Save it in its larger and pixel-rich size and then make it smaller in the editing program for emailing. In that case you will always have a copy of the original if you like to print it. Remember that once resized, an image cannot be brought back to its previous size, as it is larger and resolution would be changed for the worse. This effect is called pixelation: when you try to enlarge an existing copy. It always results in worse printing image quality.
There are three points you should remember about resolution.
1) The higher the resolution, the better printed image quality. 2) The higher the resolution, the larger the file size and the larger the print size. 3) Do not confuse pixels with dots. They are not the same. Pixels per inch (PPI) and dots per inch (DPI) are variables completely different from one another.
About the Author
Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Photo hosting
As your knowledge about Digital Photography continues to grow, you will begin to see how Digital Photography fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.
Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Photo hosting
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robbie_Darmona
Monday, March 6, 2006
Digital Portraits for Seniors and Graduates
Senior Portrait Studio Photographer
When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
Senior Portraits with Digital
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of Digital Portraits is certainly no exception. Digital Photography Techniques - The Secrets That Make The Difference Between Dazzling Photos... or Boring Bloopers So far we've talked about cameras and accessories. But there'sanother very important element to taking pictures that can'tbe ignored — the person behind the camera.
Digital photography technique may seem like a daunting term,but it's really about the basics of digital photography.
"Choosing the right photographer is an important decision"
No matter how good the camera is, the critical decisions aboutthe picture are always in the hands of the photographer.That's why today we're going to talk about the art of takinggood pictures...
How Can I Improve My Digital Photography Techniques And Make Sure I Take Good Pictures? There is only one chance to capture each magic moment. It'simpossible to re-play the scene if you're disappointed withyour picture. That's why it pays to be prepared and ready.Here are several tips to help you make sure your digitalpictures turn out memorable:
Get The Lighting And White Balance Right: Lighting is much more important to digital cameras than tofilm cameras. If your digital camera has settings fordifferent lighting conditions, such as daylight, cloudy,fluorescent, incandescent, make sure you use them-it can makeor break your pictures. Never aim a digital camera at a lightsource (unless it's a sunset or candles). Make sure thatbright lamps, sunshine, glare, etc. are out of the frame.
Use a flash for indoor shots and dim outdoor lighting. If theflash is too bright, lower the intensity a couple of f-stops,or use a homemade diffuser by placing a one-ply tissue overthe flash. Be Sure To Get Close Enough: One of the biggest reasons digital pictures look bad isbecause they were taken from too far away. Avoid vast expansesof boring "dead" space (like the walls, ceiling, grass,pavement). Move in and get close to your subject. Fill theframe with the scene, the people, or the faces you want andleave the background out.
So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about Senior Portrait. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.
Reduce Red-Eye: It's almost impossible to completely eliminate red eye with apocket or compact digital camera. But it can be reduced byusing the "Portrait" setting, turning up the house lights, andhaving the subject face the light while turning slightly awayfrom the flash. If all else fails, use image-editing software to remove red-eye.
You can see that there's practical value in learning more about Digital Portraits. Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far?
Compose Your Pictures: Before pressing the shutter, take a quick, objective look atthe composition and background. If there's clutter,distraction or a confusing subject, make changes before takingthe picture.
Steady The Camera: Prevent "camera shake," by using a wall, table or tripod tohold the camera steady, especially at night. And be sure towait until the camera completes the shot before you put thecamera down. It can take 5 seconds or longer if the light is low.
Be Prepared For Shutter Lag: Digital cameras are really small computers-they require timeto capture the scene. Plan ahead when shooting people andespecially children or your two-year-old's smile could be ascowl by the time the shutter snaps. Anticipate the perfectmoment and press the shutter just before it happens. It'stough to do, but with practice, you get better at it. Use High Resolution: High resolution and low compression produce smoother and moredetailed images. For best results, get 3.2 MP or higher anduse the highest resolution for important pictures you plan to print.
Have Battery Backups And Extra Storage On Hand: Running out of batteries or room on your storage card puts aquick end to your photo fun. Be prepared with spare batteriesand another memory card so nothing puts a damper on yourmemories.
Learn more digital photography techniques in "Master Your Digital Camera in Four Easy Steps:"http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics Do all the strange terms in digital photography sometimes seemto be another language? Can't tell the difference betweencompression and dynamic range? Or a megabyte from a megapixel?In the next section, I've included a quick Digital Photography Terminology reference guide. Feel free to print it out and refer to it. Look for it tomorrow, Rufina James
http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics
support@masteryourdigitalcamera.com
Of course, it's impossible to put everything about Digital Portraits into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about Digital Portraits, and that's time well spent.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action. Rufina James http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics
support@masteryourdigitalcamera.com
Of course, it's impossible to put everything about Digital Portraits into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about Digital Portraits, and that's time well spent.
When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
Senior Portraits with Digital
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of Digital Portraits is certainly no exception. Digital Photography Techniques - The Secrets That Make The Difference Between Dazzling Photos... or Boring Bloopers So far we've talked about cameras and accessories. But there'sanother very important element to taking pictures that can'tbe ignored — the person behind the camera.
Digital photography technique may seem like a daunting term,but it's really about the basics of digital photography.
"Choosing the right photographer is an important decision"
No matter how good the camera is, the critical decisions aboutthe picture are always in the hands of the photographer.That's why today we're going to talk about the art of takinggood pictures...
How Can I Improve My Digital Photography Techniques And Make Sure I Take Good Pictures? There is only one chance to capture each magic moment. It'simpossible to re-play the scene if you're disappointed withyour picture. That's why it pays to be prepared and ready.Here are several tips to help you make sure your digitalpictures turn out memorable:
Get The Lighting And White Balance Right: Lighting is much more important to digital cameras than tofilm cameras. If your digital camera has settings fordifferent lighting conditions, such as daylight, cloudy,fluorescent, incandescent, make sure you use them-it can makeor break your pictures. Never aim a digital camera at a lightsource (unless it's a sunset or candles). Make sure thatbright lamps, sunshine, glare, etc. are out of the frame.
Use a flash for indoor shots and dim outdoor lighting. If theflash is too bright, lower the intensity a couple of f-stops,or use a homemade diffuser by placing a one-ply tissue overthe flash. Be Sure To Get Close Enough: One of the biggest reasons digital pictures look bad isbecause they were taken from too far away. Avoid vast expansesof boring "dead" space (like the walls, ceiling, grass,pavement). Move in and get close to your subject. Fill theframe with the scene, the people, or the faces you want andleave the background out.
So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about Senior Portrait. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.
Reduce Red-Eye: It's almost impossible to completely eliminate red eye with apocket or compact digital camera. But it can be reduced byusing the "Portrait" setting, turning up the house lights, andhaving the subject face the light while turning slightly awayfrom the flash. If all else fails, use image-editing software to remove red-eye.
You can see that there's practical value in learning more about Digital Portraits. Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far?
Compose Your Pictures: Before pressing the shutter, take a quick, objective look atthe composition and background. If there's clutter,distraction or a confusing subject, make changes before takingthe picture.
Steady The Camera: Prevent "camera shake," by using a wall, table or tripod tohold the camera steady, especially at night. And be sure towait until the camera completes the shot before you put thecamera down. It can take 5 seconds or longer if the light is low.
Be Prepared For Shutter Lag: Digital cameras are really small computers-they require timeto capture the scene. Plan ahead when shooting people andespecially children or your two-year-old's smile could be ascowl by the time the shutter snaps. Anticipate the perfectmoment and press the shutter just before it happens. It'stough to do, but with practice, you get better at it. Use High Resolution: High resolution and low compression produce smoother and moredetailed images. For best results, get 3.2 MP or higher anduse the highest resolution for important pictures you plan to print.
Have Battery Backups And Extra Storage On Hand: Running out of batteries or room on your storage card puts aquick end to your photo fun. Be prepared with spare batteriesand another memory card so nothing puts a damper on yourmemories.
Learn more digital photography techniques in "Master Your Digital Camera in Four Easy Steps:"http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics Do all the strange terms in digital photography sometimes seemto be another language? Can't tell the difference betweencompression and dynamic range? Or a megabyte from a megapixel?In the next section, I've included a quick Digital Photography Terminology reference guide. Feel free to print it out and refer to it. Look for it tomorrow, Rufina James
http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics
support@masteryourdigitalcamera.com
Of course, it's impossible to put everything about Digital Portraits into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about Digital Portraits, and that's time well spent.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action. Rufina James http://hop.clickbank.net/?photograph/dazzlepics
support@masteryourdigitalcamera.com
Of course, it's impossible to put everything about Digital Portraits into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about Digital Portraits, and that's time well spent.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Wedding Photography: How to Become a Wedding Photographer
Finding the right San Antonio Wedding Photographer
If you're seriously interested in knowing about Weddings, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Weddings.
See how much you can learn about Weddings when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Once in while I receive e-mails or phone calls from aspiring or beginner wedding photographers asking me for advise on how to become successful in the wedding field. My first question is always what their motivation is to become a wedding photographer. Some will reply that they heard from somebody that it is easy money, or that they got a cool camera that takes great photos or that they would like to make some money on the side etc. While it is true that wedding photography can be a very profitable business achieving success in the wedding industry is not just a matter of getting a camera and start shooting. Wedding photography involves artistic talent, human sense, complete mastery of photographic techniques, business knowledge, and a strong desire to learn and deliver the best to the wedding couple.Here I have summarized some points that I believe will guide beginner wedding photographers:
When word gets around about your command of Weddings facts, others who need to know about Weddings will start to actively seek you out. "
"Wedding Photography
Wedding Photography Packages
Professional Wedding Photography
If you want something different and artistic"
1. Learn photography before anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a master of the craft. You will be in charge of capturing people's most precious life moments. The wedding day is not the place to learn photography.
2. Just because you got a brand new camera it does not automatically make you an effective and reliable photographer. Photography goes beyond cool toys and gadgets. Learn composition and develop a unique artistic vision. Some of the great photographs of all time were taken with manual cameras.
3. Master the digital workflow, including color management, digital image processing, file management and image correction and enhancement.
4. Learn to love photography more than anything else. Don't come to the wedding photography field with just dreams of making money. It is true that there are many successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money. However according to the Professional Photographers of America the average photographer in America makes about $24,000 a year.
5. Focus on delivering quality more than quantity. Seek with all your heart to capture unique photographs.
6. Develop a style that is recognizable and unique. Don't try to be like somebody else. Clients look for unique photographers, with a unique vision.
7. Give wedding photography all your heart and effort. Long when you are gone your photographs will last forever. It is a great way to be remembered.
8. Open your heart and your mind and great photos will happen. Concentrate on the human aspect of weddings, the details, and emotions and be ready to capture them. Let the camera become an extension of you.
9. Share your technical knowledge and make connections with other wedding photographers.
10. Participate in wedding photography image competitions. It will give you the opportunity to have your work evaluated by peers and the motivation to improve your work quality.
11. Learn something new everyday. Take advantage of professional photography organizations such as Professional Photographers of America (PPA), WPPI, etc. Attend their seminars, workshops. Participate in Internet wedding photography forums and learn and share tips, tools and techniques.
12. Don't neglect the business aspect of wedding photography. Learn to manage your business effectively. Take business courses and seminars.
Juan Carlos Torres is a very respected and awarded wedding photographer in Oregon. He has a Masters Degree in Remote Sensing with a strong background in digital image processing and photography. He is a member of the several professional photographer organizations including the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Oregon, the Wedding Photojournalist Association,and the Oregon Wedding Photo Guild. His wedding photographs are unique and very artistic and have been featured in national and international magazines. For a sample of his works please visit Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer and Eugene Oregon Wedding Photography
San Antonio Wedding Photographer
For a discussion on wedding photography see our Blog at Oregon Wedding Photographer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juan_Carlos_Torres
If you're seriously interested in knowing about Weddings, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Weddings.
See how much you can learn about Weddings when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Once in while I receive e-mails or phone calls from aspiring or beginner wedding photographers asking me for advise on how to become successful in the wedding field. My first question is always what their motivation is to become a wedding photographer. Some will reply that they heard from somebody that it is easy money, or that they got a cool camera that takes great photos or that they would like to make some money on the side etc. While it is true that wedding photography can be a very profitable business achieving success in the wedding industry is not just a matter of getting a camera and start shooting. Wedding photography involves artistic talent, human sense, complete mastery of photographic techniques, business knowledge, and a strong desire to learn and deliver the best to the wedding couple.Here I have summarized some points that I believe will guide beginner wedding photographers:
When word gets around about your command of Weddings facts, others who need to know about Weddings will start to actively seek you out. "
"Wedding Photography
Wedding Photography Packages
Professional Wedding Photography
If you want something different and artistic"
1. Learn photography before anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a master of the craft. You will be in charge of capturing people's most precious life moments. The wedding day is not the place to learn photography.
2. Just because you got a brand new camera it does not automatically make you an effective and reliable photographer. Photography goes beyond cool toys and gadgets. Learn composition and develop a unique artistic vision. Some of the great photographs of all time were taken with manual cameras.
3. Master the digital workflow, including color management, digital image processing, file management and image correction and enhancement.
4. Learn to love photography more than anything else. Don't come to the wedding photography field with just dreams of making money. It is true that there are many successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money. However according to the Professional Photographers of America the average photographer in America makes about $24,000 a year.
5. Focus on delivering quality more than quantity. Seek with all your heart to capture unique photographs.
6. Develop a style that is recognizable and unique. Don't try to be like somebody else. Clients look for unique photographers, with a unique vision.
7. Give wedding photography all your heart and effort. Long when you are gone your photographs will last forever. It is a great way to be remembered.
8. Open your heart and your mind and great photos will happen. Concentrate on the human aspect of weddings, the details, and emotions and be ready to capture them. Let the camera become an extension of you.
9. Share your technical knowledge and make connections with other wedding photographers.
10. Participate in wedding photography image competitions. It will give you the opportunity to have your work evaluated by peers and the motivation to improve your work quality.
11. Learn something new everyday. Take advantage of professional photography organizations such as Professional Photographers of America (PPA), WPPI, etc. Attend their seminars, workshops. Participate in Internet wedding photography forums and learn and share tips, tools and techniques.
12. Don't neglect the business aspect of wedding photography. Learn to manage your business effectively. Take business courses and seminars.
Juan Carlos Torres is a very respected and awarded wedding photographer in Oregon. He has a Masters Degree in Remote Sensing with a strong background in digital image processing and photography. He is a member of the several professional photographer organizations including the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Oregon, the Wedding Photojournalist Association,and the Oregon Wedding Photo Guild. His wedding photographs are unique and very artistic and have been featured in national and international magazines. For a sample of his works please visit Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer and Eugene Oregon Wedding Photography
San Antonio Wedding Photographer
For a discussion on wedding photography see our Blog at Oregon Wedding Photographer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juan_Carlos_Torres
Monday, February 27, 2006
Camera Digital Technology - Sensors, Storage Space And Snapshot Sharpness
Camera Digital Technology - Sensors, Storage Space And Snapshot SharpnessBy Rika Susan
Camera digital technology: do you have to understand it to utilize it? Probably not, especially if you're using a consumer digital camera - a point-and-shoot - and you just want to get that holiday trip recorded for posterity...
On the other hand, it is quite useful to have a good grip on camera digital technology to get the best out of that little technological marvel!
For starters, it makes sense to know that the number of pictures you can take on your camera depends on the file format you select, and on your camera's storage capacity.
Camera digital technology generally works with two main formats, the JPG and the RAW file. The latter is for storing as much as possible original data per picture, to be adjusted later on a PC. The RAW format is of particular interest to professionals. RAW pictures often need nearly 10 times as much storage space as JPG files, so a casual photographer will generally choose to use JPG.
However, your camera might give you the option of selecting high quality JPG's or standard quality JPG's - the latter using less space, and mostly giving quite satisfactory results.
The camera will store the picture files on a card. A 256MB card can sometimes store more than 80 images of standard JPG size. If you're willing to spend more, new camera digital technology allows you to buy cards with 10 times more storage capacity.
Another aspect of camera digital technology which is useful to know about, is the way the images are captured. In stead of the film of well, film cameras, digital cameras have a silicon sensor with light-sensitive photosites (pixels) which capture the light information.
These sensors are often less precise than film when it comes to rendering detail in shadows and highlights. Camera digital technology therefore dictates that you should be careful not to "blow" your highlights. If they are not captured in the first place, you can't make any adjustments afterwards in your software processing.
To ensure you capture as much shadow and highlight detail as possible, and in a balanced way, camera digital technology offers you the use of a histogram. This handy tool is a little graph which indicates how the levels of brightness are distributed in an image. Many cameras show a histogram in real time, while you compose your image, giving you the opportunity to make exposure adjustments.
While digital camera lenses are essentially "old technology", it is useful to know that you can get excellent quality pictures from fairly inexpensive consumer cameras. This has once again to do with the sensor used in camera digital technology.
As the sensor in these point-and-shoots have a much smaller surface area than the 35mm film of a film camera, the former can get a much sharper and detailed image than a film camera with the same lens, due to the smaller focal area.
Camera digital technology has the major advantage of offering you stacks of opportunity to experiment with taking first-rate pictures, because you don't have to be concerned with the expenses relating to camera film.
So go out there and put the new camera digital technology to use!
Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
Camera digital technology: do you have to understand it to utilize it? Probably not, especially if you're using a consumer digital camera - a point-and-shoot - and you just want to get that holiday trip recorded for posterity...
On the other hand, it is quite useful to have a good grip on camera digital technology to get the best out of that little technological marvel!
For starters, it makes sense to know that the number of pictures you can take on your camera depends on the file format you select, and on your camera's storage capacity.
Camera digital technology generally works with two main formats, the JPG and the RAW file. The latter is for storing as much as possible original data per picture, to be adjusted later on a PC. The RAW format is of particular interest to professionals. RAW pictures often need nearly 10 times as much storage space as JPG files, so a casual photographer will generally choose to use JPG.
However, your camera might give you the option of selecting high quality JPG's or standard quality JPG's - the latter using less space, and mostly giving quite satisfactory results.
The camera will store the picture files on a card. A 256MB card can sometimes store more than 80 images of standard JPG size. If you're willing to spend more, new camera digital technology allows you to buy cards with 10 times more storage capacity.
Another aspect of camera digital technology which is useful to know about, is the way the images are captured. In stead of the film of well, film cameras, digital cameras have a silicon sensor with light-sensitive photosites (pixels) which capture the light information.
These sensors are often less precise than film when it comes to rendering detail in shadows and highlights. Camera digital technology therefore dictates that you should be careful not to "blow" your highlights. If they are not captured in the first place, you can't make any adjustments afterwards in your software processing.
To ensure you capture as much shadow and highlight detail as possible, and in a balanced way, camera digital technology offers you the use of a histogram. This handy tool is a little graph which indicates how the levels of brightness are distributed in an image. Many cameras show a histogram in real time, while you compose your image, giving you the opportunity to make exposure adjustments.
While digital camera lenses are essentially "old technology", it is useful to know that you can get excellent quality pictures from fairly inexpensive consumer cameras. This has once again to do with the sensor used in camera digital technology.
As the sensor in these point-and-shoots have a much smaller surface area than the 35mm film of a film camera, the former can get a much sharper and detailed image than a film camera with the same lens, due to the smaller focal area.
Camera digital technology has the major advantage of offering you stacks of opportunity to experiment with taking first-rate pictures, because you don't have to be concerned with the expenses relating to camera film.
So go out there and put the new camera digital technology to use!
Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
Monday, February 13, 2006
Senior Portraits and The Senior Portrait Photography Studio
Studio Photography and Digital Backgrounds
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Studio Photography to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Studio Photography experts.
The article given here was written for Adobe Photoshop 5,6,7,CS, and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 and 3.
Most photographers who are serious about improving their portrait taking skills have realized that a beautiful background can greatly enhance their photographs.
Muslins are a very popular choice among professionals. However, they can get very costly at several hundred dollars each. For the professional who is well established, this may not seem too much, but for the hobbyist, this may be a stretch.
A less costly alternative is a digital background. With a digital background, one can get the look and feel of a professional looking portrait without the additional cost of muslin.
Many Photography websites also sell digital backgrounds on cd. In some cases…as low as $15.00 dollars for an assorted collection. As with anything else…you usually get what you pay for. Some of these pre-made digital backgrounds are not worth the cd they’re printed on, but some of them are very beautifully made. Even so, you may be wondering how YOU can make your very own digital background. That being said, the following information will help guide you along the way.
Okay, let’s create a digital backdrop using Adobe Elements 2.0. We will create an 8x10 300dpi (dpi = dots per inch or ppi = pixels per inch) digital backdrop. For printing purposes, 300dpi is strongly recommended for a high quality print. This will also create a large file approximately 20.6megs.
Having a fast processor (Pentium 4 or Athlon XP) and at least 256megs of ram will definitely help. Also having your screen resolution on your monitor set to its highest setting 24 or 32bit will give the best results.
Okay let’s begin! If you haven’t already opened Photoshop Elements, do so now.
1. Click on File < New. When the window opens up,make sure to set it to 8x10 inches at 300dpi.
2. Make a copy of the background layer you just created by pressing Control-J on your keyboard. If you look at the bottom right corner of your monitor, you should see an exact copy of your background layer named layer 1.
3. Select the “foreground” color for your background by clicking on the foreground square on your toolbar… the black one. (Bottom left)
4. The Color Picker window should now be open. Select a light red by clicking on the top right corner of the color palette. Click ok.
5. Now select the “background” color by clicking on the background square on your toolbar… the white one. (Bottom right)
The best time to learn about Studio Photography is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Studio Photography experience while it's still free.
6. The Color Picker window should open again. Select a darker red by clicking halfway below the lighter red you previously chose. Click ok.
7. Now comes the fun part! Let’s put some clouds in there. On the top of your screen, click on Filter
8. First, make sure that layer 1 is not locked! Look at your layers palette on the bottom right of your screen. Do you see the little black “lock” icon? Make sure that the little white square to the left is NOT checked!
9. Okay, now press “m” on your keyboard. At the top left corner of your backdrop, click and drag your mouse to create a 2x3 inch square. If you do not see the ruler along side your backdrop, press “control-r” on your keyboard.
10. Press “v” on your keyboard. Your selection should now have little handles on all sides that you can click on to pull to any size you want. If you do not see any handles, click on “Show Bounding Box” at the top.
11. Click on the lower right handle in the corner and drag and stretch it to the bottom right corner of your backdrop.
12. Double click anywhere on the red backdrop to apply the resizing. Now press “L” on your keyboard then “control-d”.
Okay, now you should have a beautiful looking backdrop ready to use, but wait, there is still more we can do to take it to another level. You will be simply amazed at the results you will be getting in the next few steps. You may have noticed that many types of muslins on the market have painted on them what’s known, as a “hot spot”.
What is a hot spot? A hot spot is a circular area near the center of the backdrop that is lighter in color. Why is this there? It allows the subject to stand out and creates a vignette at the borders. This will greatly enhance your backdrop. Are you ready? Okay, let’s do it!
13.On the top, click on Filter-Render-Lighting Effects. Select “Omni” for your “Light Type” and move the slider for your intensity to 25. Now click on the middle handle in the circle and raise the circle just above the halfway point to where the person’s head will appear.Click ok.
Now you should have an amazing looking backdrop!
Fabian Barajas is author of several Photoshop ebook tutorials including "How to Create Your Very Own Professional Looking Digital Backdrop!" His website which includes samples of his work is http://www.digital-background.net/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fabian_Barajas
If you've picked some pointers about Studio Photography that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Studio Photography to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Studio Photography experts.
The article given here was written for Adobe Photoshop 5,6,7,CS, and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 and 3.
Most photographers who are serious about improving their portrait taking skills have realized that a beautiful background can greatly enhance their photographs.
Muslins are a very popular choice among professionals. However, they can get very costly at several hundred dollars each. For the professional who is well established, this may not seem too much, but for the hobbyist, this may be a stretch.
A less costly alternative is a digital background. With a digital background, one can get the look and feel of a professional looking portrait without the additional cost of muslin.
Many Photography websites also sell digital backgrounds on cd. In some cases…as low as $15.00 dollars for an assorted collection. As with anything else…you usually get what you pay for. Some of these pre-made digital backgrounds are not worth the cd they’re printed on, but some of them are very beautifully made. Even so, you may be wondering how YOU can make your very own digital background. That being said, the following information will help guide you along the way.
Okay, let’s create a digital backdrop using Adobe Elements 2.0. We will create an 8x10 300dpi (dpi = dots per inch or ppi = pixels per inch) digital backdrop. For printing purposes, 300dpi is strongly recommended for a high quality print. This will also create a large file approximately 20.6megs.
Having a fast processor (Pentium 4 or Athlon XP) and at least 256megs of ram will definitely help. Also having your screen resolution on your monitor set to its highest setting 24 or 32bit will give the best results.
Okay let’s begin! If you haven’t already opened Photoshop Elements, do so now.
1. Click on File < New. When the window opens up,make sure to set it to 8x10 inches at 300dpi.
2. Make a copy of the background layer you just created by pressing Control-J on your keyboard. If you look at the bottom right corner of your monitor, you should see an exact copy of your background layer named layer 1.
3. Select the “foreground” color for your background by clicking on the foreground square on your toolbar… the black one. (Bottom left)
4. The Color Picker window should now be open. Select a light red by clicking on the top right corner of the color palette. Click ok.
5. Now select the “background” color by clicking on the background square on your toolbar… the white one. (Bottom right)
The best time to learn about Studio Photography is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Studio Photography experience while it's still free.
6. The Color Picker window should open again. Select a darker red by clicking halfway below the lighter red you previously chose. Click ok.
7. Now comes the fun part! Let’s put some clouds in there. On the top of your screen, click on Filter
8. First, make sure that layer 1 is not locked! Look at your layers palette on the bottom right of your screen. Do you see the little black “lock” icon? Make sure that the little white square to the left is NOT checked!
9. Okay, now press “m” on your keyboard. At the top left corner of your backdrop, click and drag your mouse to create a 2x3 inch square. If you do not see the ruler along side your backdrop, press “control-r” on your keyboard.
10. Press “v” on your keyboard. Your selection should now have little handles on all sides that you can click on to pull to any size you want. If you do not see any handles, click on “Show Bounding Box” at the top.
11. Click on the lower right handle in the corner and drag and stretch it to the bottom right corner of your backdrop.
12. Double click anywhere on the red backdrop to apply the resizing. Now press “L” on your keyboard then “control-d”.
Okay, now you should have a beautiful looking backdrop ready to use, but wait, there is still more we can do to take it to another level. You will be simply amazed at the results you will be getting in the next few steps. You may have noticed that many types of muslins on the market have painted on them what’s known, as a “hot spot”.
What is a hot spot? A hot spot is a circular area near the center of the backdrop that is lighter in color. Why is this there? It allows the subject to stand out and creates a vignette at the borders. This will greatly enhance your backdrop. Are you ready? Okay, let’s do it!
13.On the top, click on Filter-Render-Lighting Effects. Select “Omni” for your “Light Type” and move the slider for your intensity to 25. Now click on the middle handle in the circle and raise the circle just above the halfway point to where the person’s head will appear.Click ok.
Now you should have an amazing looking backdrop!
Fabian Barajas is author of several Photoshop ebook tutorials including "How to Create Your Very Own Professional Looking Digital Backdrop!" His website which includes samples of his work is http://www.digital-background.net/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fabian_Barajas
If you've picked some pointers about Studio Photography that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Introduction to Travel Photography
Introduction to Travel PhotographyBy John S
If you’re a traveler and a photographer you’re blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime to capture moments in time from throughout the world and allow others to experience the world through your photography. Your adventures will become others dreams and inspiration. Often a particular photograph could make someone want to follow in your footsteps. Just one photograph could trigger the travel bug in someone and the next thing you know, you, the photographer, and enhancing people’s lives through the use of your camera.
Besides the impact travel photography has on others, it’s also very rewarding to the travel photographer. Chances are you would have had a camera on you anyways, so why not apply the creative principles of art photography to help enhance the pictures you take.
How to take the best travel photographsThere are two types of travel photography.
1) The “stand in front of that sweetie” brand and the “spontaneous and interesting” brand. Unfortunately most travel photography falls into the former category. We’ve all seen this type of photographer before, and regrettably most of us are guilty of it as well. We will try and capture the shot of something for no other purpose than to just prove we were there. The result is an often scripted, uncomfortable, predictable and visually boring picture. These types of pictures clog photo albums. Page one; the family in front of a water fountain. Page 2; the family in front of a monument. Page 3; the family in front of a sign that says something only funny to tourist. Congratulations, you’ve taken the same shots, in the same position as thousands and sometimes millions of other people. Let’s now turn our attention to the other brand of travel photography, the spontaneous and interesting brand.
2) with this type of photography you are still free to capture the tourist site and you are still allowed to include yourself in the picture. However, there will be a stark difference in both composition and character engagement. Let’s say for example that you and your family have gone on a kayaking for the day. Some people may line the kayaks up, gear up and stand in front of the kayaks, throw their thumbs in the air and “click”. The picture is taken. When you get home to look at your shot you realize that the picture didn’t capture the peacefulness of kayaking, the calming backdrop of mountains or the scared look on sisters face when she had to duck under a log. You’ve simply captured proof that you’ve been there and done that. A better idea would be to have someone on shore (because you probably don’t want a camera in a kayak unless you’re very skilled), and have them take pictures of the action while its happening. Even if you have to recreate events, it is still better than the scripted and visually boring alternative. Obviously capturing the moment spontaneously is best, but recreation finds itself in second place if that’s the only other option.
Likewise if you’re in Rome and you’d like to get a picture of your friend and the Coliseum all in one, try quickly pulling out your camera while they are looking at the size of the structure and snap a shot of the wonder and curiosity in their eyes. Often this takes some preplanning with however you’re with. You will need to tell them; “Look, when I take out the camera I don’t want you to stop what you’re doing and “say cheese”. Just keep doing what you’re doing because I’m trying to capture our unpredictable and beautiful life as it unfolds”. It may take a couple of times before they stop turning and looking your way, but once you get this down pat as a team, your pictures will turn out much better.
John S Stare Online Photography School http://www.starephotography.com
If you’re a traveler and a photographer you’re blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime to capture moments in time from throughout the world and allow others to experience the world through your photography. Your adventures will become others dreams and inspiration. Often a particular photograph could make someone want to follow in your footsteps. Just one photograph could trigger the travel bug in someone and the next thing you know, you, the photographer, and enhancing people’s lives through the use of your camera.
Besides the impact travel photography has on others, it’s also very rewarding to the travel photographer. Chances are you would have had a camera on you anyways, so why not apply the creative principles of art photography to help enhance the pictures you take.
How to take the best travel photographsThere are two types of travel photography.
1) The “stand in front of that sweetie” brand and the “spontaneous and interesting” brand. Unfortunately most travel photography falls into the former category. We’ve all seen this type of photographer before, and regrettably most of us are guilty of it as well. We will try and capture the shot of something for no other purpose than to just prove we were there. The result is an often scripted, uncomfortable, predictable and visually boring picture. These types of pictures clog photo albums. Page one; the family in front of a water fountain. Page 2; the family in front of a monument. Page 3; the family in front of a sign that says something only funny to tourist. Congratulations, you’ve taken the same shots, in the same position as thousands and sometimes millions of other people. Let’s now turn our attention to the other brand of travel photography, the spontaneous and interesting brand.
2) with this type of photography you are still free to capture the tourist site and you are still allowed to include yourself in the picture. However, there will be a stark difference in both composition and character engagement. Let’s say for example that you and your family have gone on a kayaking for the day. Some people may line the kayaks up, gear up and stand in front of the kayaks, throw their thumbs in the air and “click”. The picture is taken. When you get home to look at your shot you realize that the picture didn’t capture the peacefulness of kayaking, the calming backdrop of mountains or the scared look on sisters face when she had to duck under a log. You’ve simply captured proof that you’ve been there and done that. A better idea would be to have someone on shore (because you probably don’t want a camera in a kayak unless you’re very skilled), and have them take pictures of the action while its happening. Even if you have to recreate events, it is still better than the scripted and visually boring alternative. Obviously capturing the moment spontaneously is best, but recreation finds itself in second place if that’s the only other option.
Likewise if you’re in Rome and you’d like to get a picture of your friend and the Coliseum all in one, try quickly pulling out your camera while they are looking at the size of the structure and snap a shot of the wonder and curiosity in their eyes. Often this takes some preplanning with however you’re with. You will need to tell them; “Look, when I take out the camera I don’t want you to stop what you’re doing and “say cheese”. Just keep doing what you’re doing because I’m trying to capture our unpredictable and beautiful life as it unfolds”. It may take a couple of times before they stop turning and looking your way, but once you get this down pat as a team, your pictures will turn out much better.
John S Stare Online Photography School http://www.starephotography.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Buying Your Child A Digital Camera - What You Need To Know
Buying Your Child A Digital Camera - What You Need To KnowBy Kevin Rockwell
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Rockwell
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Rockwell
Saturday, January 28, 2006
How To Make A Time-Lapse Video With Your Digital Video Camera
How To Make A Time-Lapse Video With Your Digital Video Camera By Kevin Rockwell
Getting the most out of your digital video camera can mean being able to create some really cool stuff. You just have to step outside the manual a bit and find the cool things you can do with your digital video camera and your editing software.
We have all seen them in a movie or a TV show, those very cool shots where they speed up time and capture a long segment of time and condense it into a very short amount of video. My very favorite example of this technique was an arty movie of many years ago that was called Koyaanisqatsi. (view trailer) In that movie they had some very interesting segments where they did time lapse effects to show driving on a bridge, flowers growing, clouds flying by and so on. Another example is many of the TV news stations nowadays have a camera that captures the day’s weather and then they process it down to a 20 second clip to show the clouds and weather racing by on screen.
Well this technique is not just a tool in the hands of the movie makers or the big TV stations. You can do this with your digital video camera gear too. I will go into two ways that you can accomplish this effect and get some cool results for your next video project. This one is worth playing around with in order to find the right settings to get the most dramatic effect.
Technique number one is to use the camera itself to do the time lapse recording for you. Almost all digital video cameras have the ability to do an interval recording. What this means in a nutshell is that you tell the camera how long you want to record for and how long in between recordings and it will go on autopilot for you for as long as the battery lasts or the tape runs out. This is what those cameras at the convenience store do, they record a few seconds of motion every 30-60 seconds giving the overall view of the traffic in the store over time.
Now if you want to capture some time lapse in your digital video camera you will need to get into your cameras menu and find Interval Recording (or in my case Int Rec, as I use a Sony PD 150 for my camera) When you select this option you will decide how long of an interval between shots you want and how long to record each time. If you are trying to capture something that takes a long time to occur and in which not much happens quickly you will want to set the interval at around a minute and the record time as short as possible on your camera. An example would be if you wanted to record a day in the life of a flower or the clouds rolling by in the sky. Suppose however that you want to capture an event that has lots of action and occurs over a much shorter time frame. Then you would want to shorten the interval between recordings and increase the time of each recording. So in this case you might record every 15-30 seconds and record up to 2-3 seconds of video each time.
I used this technique to capture an afternoon of work being done by a team of carpenters on my house remodeling project. The result was a flurry of activity as workers raced hither and yon nailing boards, carrying equipment and building walls. I have added it to my photo collection of the project. (Hey I had to live through the project so I might as well have a great record of it for posterity!)
Now suppose you have one of the great software video editing packages on your computer to work with your digital video camera. Now you can do it in post as they say in the business. You can record any length of video you want (subject to the limitations of your tape length) and then import it into your editing program.
Sidebar:
I use Adobe Premiere Pro for my editing jobs, but I have also used Avid DV Express, Final Cut Pro, and others in the non linear editing world. These are all great programs and are very powerful products that can create some very professional looking videos. You don’t have to have these products to create your own videos but if you are serious about digital video editing it might be a good idea to take a look at these options.
I digitize my raw video of the scene I am doing time lapse on into my computer (big hard drive, video eats up GB’s of space) and then import the clip into my time line. From th3e timeline you can then select the clip with a right click. From there you will be given a menu with options depending on the software you use. Select the option that says “duration”, “speed” or something similar. Change the speed of the clip so that time will speed up considerably. If you have an hour of video in the clip and want to shorten it to 2 -5 minutes then you need to increase the speed of the clip to 3 or 4 thousand percent of normal. This will require your software to render the clip at the higher speed and may take some time top process depending on the speed of your computer.
Once you have rendered the video clip at the new speed you will want to play it to see if the movie flows evenly or if you will want to readjust the speed setting to make it better. Sometimes you may want to shorten your raw video and adjust the speed down somewhat in order to get a smooth flow of action. Once you have rendered the clip at the new speed you can now cut and splice it as you see fit with the speeded up action intact. There are some things you will record that might only need a slight speed change, take for instance some digital video of your kids playing sports. Double or triple the speed of the clip and show it to them and you might have them rolling on the floor.
You can also use these techniques to capture the growth of a flower or plant over the course of days or weeks. Simply set you camera in exactly the same place at the same time each day and record an interval that works each day fro however long you want to document.
May be you get the seedling just breaking soil and follow it all the way through turning into a full grown plant.
Another interesting idea is to capture the path of the moon across the night sky. Set up your camera on a tripod in a spot that can see the path of the moon for several hours. Set the camera to interval record and put the moon on one side of the frame so that it will pass across the frame as the night passes. This one may require some testing in order to get the exposure and framing right as well as the right interval to record at.
Most likely you would want to set the interval as long as you can and the record time as short as you can but do a test run first to see what works.
I can’t stress enough that using your digital video camera can be great fun and you can achieve some cool results. Play around and test. You just might find yourself creating some very creative digital video to share with the rest of the world.
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of cool and interesting things all the time. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Getting the most out of your digital video camera can mean being able to create some really cool stuff. You just have to step outside the manual a bit and find the cool things you can do with your digital video camera and your editing software.
We have all seen them in a movie or a TV show, those very cool shots where they speed up time and capture a long segment of time and condense it into a very short amount of video. My very favorite example of this technique was an arty movie of many years ago that was called Koyaanisqatsi. (view trailer) In that movie they had some very interesting segments where they did time lapse effects to show driving on a bridge, flowers growing, clouds flying by and so on. Another example is many of the TV news stations nowadays have a camera that captures the day’s weather and then they process it down to a 20 second clip to show the clouds and weather racing by on screen.
Well this technique is not just a tool in the hands of the movie makers or the big TV stations. You can do this with your digital video camera gear too. I will go into two ways that you can accomplish this effect and get some cool results for your next video project. This one is worth playing around with in order to find the right settings to get the most dramatic effect.
Technique number one is to use the camera itself to do the time lapse recording for you. Almost all digital video cameras have the ability to do an interval recording. What this means in a nutshell is that you tell the camera how long you want to record for and how long in between recordings and it will go on autopilot for you for as long as the battery lasts or the tape runs out. This is what those cameras at the convenience store do, they record a few seconds of motion every 30-60 seconds giving the overall view of the traffic in the store over time.
Now if you want to capture some time lapse in your digital video camera you will need to get into your cameras menu and find Interval Recording (or in my case Int Rec, as I use a Sony PD 150 for my camera) When you select this option you will decide how long of an interval between shots you want and how long to record each time. If you are trying to capture something that takes a long time to occur and in which not much happens quickly you will want to set the interval at around a minute and the record time as short as possible on your camera. An example would be if you wanted to record a day in the life of a flower or the clouds rolling by in the sky. Suppose however that you want to capture an event that has lots of action and occurs over a much shorter time frame. Then you would want to shorten the interval between recordings and increase the time of each recording. So in this case you might record every 15-30 seconds and record up to 2-3 seconds of video each time.
I used this technique to capture an afternoon of work being done by a team of carpenters on my house remodeling project. The result was a flurry of activity as workers raced hither and yon nailing boards, carrying equipment and building walls. I have added it to my photo collection of the project. (Hey I had to live through the project so I might as well have a great record of it for posterity!)
Now suppose you have one of the great software video editing packages on your computer to work with your digital video camera. Now you can do it in post as they say in the business. You can record any length of video you want (subject to the limitations of your tape length) and then import it into your editing program.
Sidebar:
I use Adobe Premiere Pro for my editing jobs, but I have also used Avid DV Express, Final Cut Pro, and others in the non linear editing world. These are all great programs and are very powerful products that can create some very professional looking videos. You don’t have to have these products to create your own videos but if you are serious about digital video editing it might be a good idea to take a look at these options.
I digitize my raw video of the scene I am doing time lapse on into my computer (big hard drive, video eats up GB’s of space) and then import the clip into my time line. From th3e timeline you can then select the clip with a right click. From there you will be given a menu with options depending on the software you use. Select the option that says “duration”, “speed” or something similar. Change the speed of the clip so that time will speed up considerably. If you have an hour of video in the clip and want to shorten it to 2 -5 minutes then you need to increase the speed of the clip to 3 or 4 thousand percent of normal. This will require your software to render the clip at the higher speed and may take some time top process depending on the speed of your computer.
Once you have rendered the video clip at the new speed you will want to play it to see if the movie flows evenly or if you will want to readjust the speed setting to make it better. Sometimes you may want to shorten your raw video and adjust the speed down somewhat in order to get a smooth flow of action. Once you have rendered the clip at the new speed you can now cut and splice it as you see fit with the speeded up action intact. There are some things you will record that might only need a slight speed change, take for instance some digital video of your kids playing sports. Double or triple the speed of the clip and show it to them and you might have them rolling on the floor.
You can also use these techniques to capture the growth of a flower or plant over the course of days or weeks. Simply set you camera in exactly the same place at the same time each day and record an interval that works each day fro however long you want to document.
May be you get the seedling just breaking soil and follow it all the way through turning into a full grown plant.
Another interesting idea is to capture the path of the moon across the night sky. Set up your camera on a tripod in a spot that can see the path of the moon for several hours. Set the camera to interval record and put the moon on one side of the frame so that it will pass across the frame as the night passes. This one may require some testing in order to get the exposure and framing right as well as the right interval to record at.
Most likely you would want to set the interval as long as you can and the record time as short as you can but do a test run first to see what works.
I can’t stress enough that using your digital video camera can be great fun and you can achieve some cool results. Play around and test. You just might find yourself creating some very creative digital video to share with the rest of the world.
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of cool and interesting things all the time. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
How Many Pixels Make A Good Print?
How Many Pixels Make A Good Print? By Ziv Haparnas
One of the more common dilemmas for people is choosing the paper size for printing their photos. Everybody knows that if your digital camera does not produce enough pixels (or actually megapixels) printing its photos on a large paper size will yield poor quality and you will be able to see the actual pixels (also known as pixelation)
So how many megepixels do I really need in order to print on a specific paper size? there is no one right answer for that. The actual quality of the print depends on many factors other than the number of pixels. For example the paper quality itself the printing process that is used the lighting conditions when the photo was taken the photo itself (i.e. portraits are different than scenery) and much more.
However a rough estimation of how good a picture will be based on the number of pixels can be calculated and is actually pretty easy to do. When evaluating how good a print will be there is a measurement that is simple to use and provides a good estimation for the quality - it is called DPI (dots per inch). DPI is actually the number of pixels along one inch. To get a good print you would need a certain DPI (on both X and Y axis).
Experiments show that the following qualities are usually associated with a specific DPI number:
DPI 100 - fair to badDPI 200 - goodDPI 300 - very good
So all we need to do now is to figure out for each paper size how many megapixels translate to those DPI numbers. To calculate this we need to simply multiply the page length by its width in inches. The result is the number of square inches on the page. Now multiply this number by the square of the DPI number and the result is the number of pixels on the page which is the number of pixels we want our source photo to have. Here are the numbers calculated for some common sizes (for 100,200 and 300 DPI respectively):
page 4X6 0.24MP 1MP 2MPpage 5X7 0.35MP 1.5MP 3MP page 8X10 0.8MP 3MP 7MP page 11X14 1.5MP 6MP 14MPpage 16X20 3MP 12MP 28MP page 20X30 6MP 24MP 54MP
Again we would like to emphasize that these are just ballpark numbers. Factors like the ones mentioned above and also like the compression ratio used (low or high compression) and the aspect ratio difference between the paper and the camera can result in a need for more or less pixels. Our best advice is if you are not sure just try one or two photos before printing a large batch.
Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the link is included. You can find more information about photo printing on http://www.printrates.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ziv_Haparnas
One of the more common dilemmas for people is choosing the paper size for printing their photos. Everybody knows that if your digital camera does not produce enough pixels (or actually megapixels) printing its photos on a large paper size will yield poor quality and you will be able to see the actual pixels (also known as pixelation)
So how many megepixels do I really need in order to print on a specific paper size? there is no one right answer for that. The actual quality of the print depends on many factors other than the number of pixels. For example the paper quality itself the printing process that is used the lighting conditions when the photo was taken the photo itself (i.e. portraits are different than scenery) and much more.
However a rough estimation of how good a picture will be based on the number of pixels can be calculated and is actually pretty easy to do. When evaluating how good a print will be there is a measurement that is simple to use and provides a good estimation for the quality - it is called DPI (dots per inch). DPI is actually the number of pixels along one inch. To get a good print you would need a certain DPI (on both X and Y axis).
Experiments show that the following qualities are usually associated with a specific DPI number:
DPI 100 - fair to badDPI 200 - goodDPI 300 - very good
So all we need to do now is to figure out for each paper size how many megapixels translate to those DPI numbers. To calculate this we need to simply multiply the page length by its width in inches. The result is the number of square inches on the page. Now multiply this number by the square of the DPI number and the result is the number of pixels on the page which is the number of pixels we want our source photo to have. Here are the numbers calculated for some common sizes (for 100,200 and 300 DPI respectively):
page 4X6 0.24MP 1MP 2MPpage 5X7 0.35MP 1.5MP 3MP page 8X10 0.8MP 3MP 7MP page 11X14 1.5MP 6MP 14MPpage 16X20 3MP 12MP 28MP page 20X30 6MP 24MP 54MP
Again we would like to emphasize that these are just ballpark numbers. Factors like the ones mentioned above and also like the compression ratio used (low or high compression) and the aspect ratio difference between the paper and the camera can result in a need for more or less pixels. Our best advice is if you are not sure just try one or two photos before printing a large batch.
Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the link is included. You can find more information about photo printing on http://www.printrates.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ziv_Haparnas
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Props For the Studio
Props For the Photography Studio By Kenneth Hoffman
There is a never ending quest for a ‘different’ look in the portraits we take. One easy way to inject interest in a portrait is to add a prop or two to the scene,. After a few years, you may have too many props adorning the walls, floor and ceiling and you may have to discard some and make new ones.
Some of my favorite props have been and 1890s tricycle, a 1910 iron and wood sleigh, a white wicker sleigh/bassinette and a couple of faux marble columns. The wicker sleigh made it easy to prop up wobbly babies and when leveled with foam and a blanket, supplied a nice base for tummy shots. Of course we couldn’t do without the ubiquitous baseball.
The marble columns came plain white plastic so I painted them to simulate real marble. First I prepared four buckets with white, light gray, darker gray and black water paint. Latex is fine. I placed the bare column on a large plastic sheet and quickly painted one side of the column with the white paint. A handy hose set at fine mist then wets down the Wet paint. Applications of the light and dark gray latex and sprayed with water allows the colors to blend naturally. After all sides are completed, a feather dipped in black latex and drawn randomly along the surface supplies the final touch. A c oat of clear acrylic will protect the surface for many years.
For Communions, I cut a 30 inch circle out of heavy cardboard. Making an X from two rectangular pieces of cardboard, I stapled the circle on top, creating an instant round table. Cutting a piece of white Dacron for a table cloth that just reaches the ground results in beautiful natural folds. On top can be placed a bouquet of flowers, a candle, missal or white gloves and placed in the near background of the Communion picture.
One photography prop that has many uses is white nylon tulle. Used to cover flower arrangements, antique boxes or any accessories in the background, it imparts to these artifacts a smoky ethereal atmosphere. The lowered contrast and softening of detail allows more emphasis to be placed on the main subject while adding interest to the composition. The white tulle is especially effective on a near white background. Large amounts of tulle can represent clouds or water.
For a rustic look, several four foot weathered barn boards can make a country look background for children’s portraits head shots. This easily made prop can be stored in a small area. A small section of white picket fence can be part of a beach scene or a Huckleberry country look. An eighteen inch long log with rough bark provides a handy place for young feet or to straddle. A taller log is handy for resting elbows and log sitting.
Try to use only one prop at a time and follow a central theme.
Retired portrait photographer. Where are your comments?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Hoffman
There is a never ending quest for a ‘different’ look in the portraits we take. One easy way to inject interest in a portrait is to add a prop or two to the scene,. After a few years, you may have too many props adorning the walls, floor and ceiling and you may have to discard some and make new ones.
Some of my favorite props have been and 1890s tricycle, a 1910 iron and wood sleigh, a white wicker sleigh/bassinette and a couple of faux marble columns. The wicker sleigh made it easy to prop up wobbly babies and when leveled with foam and a blanket, supplied a nice base for tummy shots. Of course we couldn’t do without the ubiquitous baseball.
The marble columns came plain white plastic so I painted them to simulate real marble. First I prepared four buckets with white, light gray, darker gray and black water paint. Latex is fine. I placed the bare column on a large plastic sheet and quickly painted one side of the column with the white paint. A handy hose set at fine mist then wets down the Wet paint. Applications of the light and dark gray latex and sprayed with water allows the colors to blend naturally. After all sides are completed, a feather dipped in black latex and drawn randomly along the surface supplies the final touch. A c oat of clear acrylic will protect the surface for many years.
For Communions, I cut a 30 inch circle out of heavy cardboard. Making an X from two rectangular pieces of cardboard, I stapled the circle on top, creating an instant round table. Cutting a piece of white Dacron for a table cloth that just reaches the ground results in beautiful natural folds. On top can be placed a bouquet of flowers, a candle, missal or white gloves and placed in the near background of the Communion picture.
One photography prop that has many uses is white nylon tulle. Used to cover flower arrangements, antique boxes or any accessories in the background, it imparts to these artifacts a smoky ethereal atmosphere. The lowered contrast and softening of detail allows more emphasis to be placed on the main subject while adding interest to the composition. The white tulle is especially effective on a near white background. Large amounts of tulle can represent clouds or water.
For a rustic look, several four foot weathered barn boards can make a country look background for children’s portraits head shots. This easily made prop can be stored in a small area. A small section of white picket fence can be part of a beach scene or a Huckleberry country look. An eighteen inch long log with rough bark provides a handy place for young feet or to straddle. A taller log is handy for resting elbows and log sitting.
Try to use only one prop at a time and follow a central theme.
Retired portrait photographer. Where are your comments?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Hoffman
Monday, January 16, 2006
Amateur Photojournalism and Moral Dilemma
Amateur Photojournalism and Moral Dilemma By Eric Hartwell
Many of us have visions of producing that “once in a lifetime” image. This may be one that you have struggled to perfect – a landscape or a certain portrait perhaps. Alternatively, it might be one that you have captured in a fit of “photojournalism”.
The latter is something we often wish to aspire to. Capturing an image at the moment of breaking news and then wiring it to some picture agency or even a local newspaper has the feel of professionalism and excitement about it. Seeing your image in print can work wonders for the psyche as well as accumulating that little bit extra in your bank balance.
But consider your actions. What pictures are you going to take, for what audience and where will you send them? More importantly, what are the consequences of your actions?
Imagine you are driving along the highway and you come across a car that has just burst into flames. It’s dramatic and you are first on the scene. What do you do? Do you get your camera out and start snapping away, knowing that you have an exclusive in the bag?
Or do you do what many would call the “honourable” thing and call for help and perhaps administer valuable assistance to the poor occupants of the car, some of which might be severely injured or even worse.
It’s a moral dilemma which could land you in trouble. Moreover, it could play on your conscience in the future if anybody did come to serious harm whilst you were there taking pictures when you could be offering aid and succour.
Perhaps leave photojournalism to the professionals in certain circumstances?
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.
Many of us have visions of producing that “once in a lifetime” image. This may be one that you have struggled to perfect – a landscape or a certain portrait perhaps. Alternatively, it might be one that you have captured in a fit of “photojournalism”.
The latter is something we often wish to aspire to. Capturing an image at the moment of breaking news and then wiring it to some picture agency or even a local newspaper has the feel of professionalism and excitement about it. Seeing your image in print can work wonders for the psyche as well as accumulating that little bit extra in your bank balance.
But consider your actions. What pictures are you going to take, for what audience and where will you send them? More importantly, what are the consequences of your actions?
Imagine you are driving along the highway and you come across a car that has just burst into flames. It’s dramatic and you are first on the scene. What do you do? Do you get your camera out and start snapping away, knowing that you have an exclusive in the bag?
Or do you do what many would call the “honourable” thing and call for help and perhaps administer valuable assistance to the poor occupants of the car, some of which might be severely injured or even worse.
It’s a moral dilemma which could land you in trouble. Moreover, it could play on your conscience in the future if anybody did come to serious harm whilst you were there taking pictures when you could be offering aid and succour.
Perhaps leave photojournalism to the professionals in certain circumstances?
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.