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

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