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