Arts and Photography

Digital cameras have taken away most of the challenge in taking challenging shots. It's now possible to take that macro shot without having to have specialized equipment. Now even a novice photographer is able to take that extreme close-up image with a perfect success rate. Great for capturing small things like the pupil of a fly.

For you to have the ability to capture an image not easily visible to the naked eye and bring it to extreme close up in beautiful color may be something that becomes addictive. There is nothing more satisfying than to capture a huge print of an insect, or any small object that normally is tiny to the naked eye and capture it with the technique of macro photography.

Back in the day with old school cameras you had to have all types of add-ons to take high quality photos of highly magnified images of extremely small subjects. Now a days however, a digital camera or compact DSLR, will allow even a child to take amazingly large photos of small tiny subjects.

Macro Photography
The term macro in photography speak, used to refer to the capturing of a subject that resulted in an image on the 35mm film frame (24x36mm) that ranged from 1:10 to 1:1 the size of the original subject. The term micro referred to a film image that was larger than 1:1 life size; micro photography could easily give you a 35mm film image of a flea that was much larger than the original flea. A CCD or CMOS sensor can be as tiny as 3x4mm, so any definition term that applied in the old school days now no more. But the rules that apply in accomplishing successful and satisfying macro photography still stand. But the same basic rules apply.

The camera's purpose is to record a sharp image by adjusting the lens to sensor distance: For photos taken at a great distance, the lens is positioned at the minimal lens to sensor distance. Therefore for short distance photos the lens to sensor position is increased. With macro photography the lens to sensor lens is positioned even closer, much closer than normal. It's been found that most compact digital cameras and most DSLR's have selectable macro mode. In some cameras you can select macro mode via an external control, while in others you must access the viewfinder menu. It's just that locating the function varies between manufacturers.

Tips for Macro Beginners
Being intrigued by how a photo of a honey bee can be captured beautifully at over 10x's it's natural size may have led you to find out just how you may be able to do the same with your own subject.

When you set your digital camera to macro mode it automatically adjusts the lens elements into an array best suited for close focusing. Which is no simple task. In fact it's so complicated that once macro mode is enabled, you lose control of both your lens aperture and shutter speed. No matter what digital camera manufacturer's camera you choose to use your best macro photos will be created only when you use the smallest lens aperture in order to produce optimum image sharpness and depth of field in your shot. Also using a small lens aperture is going to mean that you're going to need more light. So extend the exposure time to create a correctly exposed photo.

Omar Erwin has developed a passion for digital photos and its many different avenues. This passion has driven him to write a book not just for beginners of digital cameras and digital photos, but for all who love participating in digital photography. You may get your free copy as a gift by going to http://www.omarerwin.com/gift.html

View the original article here

Is taking digital photos something you are having a little trouble getting your head around? Maybe you've been at it for a while and just haven't been able to produce that one SHOT that you have been hoping to capture. I hope you're not the one that was in charge of taking photos that day at your child's birthday party or that amazingly fun trip you took and all of your digital photos came out really bad. Our photos capture memorable moments in our lives and there is nothing more frustrating than having those memories captured in a bad photo.

Here Are Some Tips for You

First things first. You as the photographer are responsible for how a digital photo comes out, not the equipment that was used. Consider that there have been some amazing digital photos taken with a simple point and shoot camera, and at the same time there have been just terrible shots taken with very expensive digital cameras. Never fear, simply apply these tips to your digital photography game next time you are taking digital photos, and in no time you will be taking digital photos like a pro.

Increase your digicam know how
Does this sound familiar? This is simple but effective. When you purchase your digital camera don't bring it home, rip off the plastic and just start shooting photos all willy nilly. You briefly flick through the hundred page camera manual and then never look at it again. Take your time and read the owner's manual. This was placed in the same package as the digital camera for a reason, for you to read it and comprehend what you read. Learn how to control exposure, how to use different camera modes and how to use the flash. You will learn how to completely use your digital camera as an extension of your imagination. The knowledge you gain about the camera will be invaluable when you're out in the field taking those special photos. Absorbing the knowledge from your owner's manual is invaluable for knowing what to do when you are in your element while shooting.

Control the Flash
Your flash is important. You must learn through trial and error when and when not to use it. Me myself, I don't rely completely on my auto flash. It all depends on the scenery and the situation. As you gain experience you come to see that the flash can be both good and bad in different indoor settings.

Macro Mode
Most digital cameras come equipped with macro mode. You will find this setting very helpful when you want to take close up shots of some of your smallest subjects. My Canon PowerShot shows the symbol of a flower while this setting is enabled. Read your manual to see how your own is displayed.

On The Level
A most fundamental rule to any photography is to hold your device level as possible. On the display screen try to look for the horizontal lines and use them as guides.

Tripod
For all beginners tripods are an essential to the photography arsenal. When will you need a tripod? Well, under low-light conditions or trying to capture fast moving objects of course. Or when taking night shots on city streets, for example. The new pocket tripod has been my new best friend. For personal use, you don't need a huge one just simple and compact and easy to pack.

ISO Setting
The ISO setting on digital cameras is very helpful. The ISO setting of any digital camera essentially controls it's sensitivity to light. This is where you have control of setting your digital camera's sensitivity to light.

Omar Erwin has developed a passion for digital photos and its many different avenues. This passion has driven him to write a book not just for beginners of digital cameras and digital photos, but for all who love participating in digital photography. You may get your free copy as a gift by going to http://www.omarerwin.com/gift.html

View the original article here

Even though you are reading this, you might be someone who doesn't like to read so I'm going to keep this short as possible.

Your Selection:

You would do well to snap as many digital photos as you can which will allow you to select only the best and ditch the rest. I go into further detail in some of my other articles.

Side Shot:

Turn your digital camera sideways. This may feel awkward at first but so does most everything you do for the 1st time is. There is a lot of wasted photo space in your shot if the shape of your subject fits into an upright rectangle, if you are shooting in landscape.

Don't waste the money you spent on buying all extra memory space.

One of the easiest ways to improve your photography is with careful attention to framing. Pay real close attention to your framing. This a simple and proven method of sharpening your skills on how to take better digital photos. Look into the corners of the viewfinder to see what is there. Do you need all that background? Would the zoom in zoom out setting help you, or do you need to get a little closer or back up a little further? It would be beneficial for you to ask yourself these questions while taking your digital photos.

Lighting:

Lighting, lighting, lighting, and more lighting. Photography is all about what kind of lighting is available around your subject. The most important aspect about that lighting is which direction it falls in so you can calculate how the shadows fall. I have more information on lighting in my other more in depth articles.

Flash:

Some say the flash is a bad thing some say it's a good thing. Truth be told it all depends on what kind of finish you are expecting from your digital photo. Play around with your flash in different settings and lightings to form your own opinion of how effective or ineffective the flash is to you.

When you have to use the in camera flash, keep your subject away from walls, especially light colored ones, if it's possible, and avoid the ugly black shadows that sometimes looks like an outlines.

Auto-Exposure:

You should use auto exposure to your advantage. With most digital cameras the default metering system is set to 'center weighted average'. All this means is that while your digital camera is reading the whole frame it pays more closer attention to what's in the center of the frame. This makes it easier on us humans. This is what happens on most digital cameras when you lightly press the photo taking button halfway down and it clicks or beeps. Some digital cameras will even show you on the preview screen exactly where in the frame it's focusing on.

Apertures:

If in depth of field is what you need to focus in on your subject and throw other things in and out of focus than this is where Aperture Priority mode comes in at. This will allow your digital camera to select the shutter speed it calculates should be used according to the lighting of the frame.

See there, short and sweet.:-)

Omar Erwin has developed a passion for digital photos and its many different avenues. This passion has driven him to write a book not just for beginners of digital cameras and digital photos, but for all who love participating in digital photography. You may get your free copy as a gift by going to http://www.omarerwin.com/gift.html

View the original article here

People continue to look for advanced features in digital cameras. Many have been looking for the wireless capability and better zoom feature.

Fortunately, manufacturers are continuously listening to what their consumers want and are making a constant effort to come up with better cameras for consumers to enjoy their photography experience. Today, there are newer models that have these advanced features you've long wanted to have.

An example is Samsung WB850F which has both the WI-fi capability and superzoom. With wireless technology, any user can quickly upload his photos and videos to various social networking sites including Facebook and YouTube as well as to photo sharing sites such as Picasa.

Apart from sharing images online, this camera has a TV Link. This added feature allows a user to display his photos in a wireless manner on an DLNA-enabled high definition TV (HDTV).

It also has a GPS capability which can be used to tag photos. This also allows camera owners to download maps onto their device. What this means is you can then use your camera to show a map while you're on the road.

Zoom-wise, this model which is only 1.4 inches thick features a 21x optical zoom. Another unique feature worth mentioning here is the fact that this Samsung camera can actually be paired with a smartphone in order to control the zoom. So if you're shooting a self-portrait, for instance, you can do this step to control the zoom from your smart phone.

Another Samsung camera model allows people to zoom their unit in a different manner. When using the MV900F subcompact model, a user can control the unit's 5x optical zoom lens and its shutter button even if you're away from the gadget. What you have to do is just move your hand to control it. This feature is called Gesture Shot as the camera keeps track of your hand movement. It works in the same way as the face detection technology.

To be able to use this feature, first position your camera either on a flat surface or a tripod and stand in front of the lens. Next, flip up the display so that you can see your image.

To control the lens, you can move your hand in a circular motion twice. Do this as if you're cleaning a window in a circular motion. For zooming in, do the movement in a clockwise manner and to zoom out, do a counterclockwise motion. Once you're ready, you can also engage the self timer by doing a movement as if you're pushing down your palm twice. If in case you don't want to include yourself in the photo, you can always exit the frame up to three seconds.

This Samsung unit also has WI-fi capability and can capture high definition videos. It will be on the market later this month.

These are some of the latest features you can look for today in a digital camera. They're most Ideal for the savvy consumers who have a great interest in getting top quality photos and videos they can share with friends and family on the internet.

For information on photography digital cameras please visit http://www.42photo.com/.

View the original article here

For those of you who haven't used a digital camera before, you will need to choose between only two camera brands: Nikon or Canon. I believe that one can't go wrong with either digital camera. I've used both brands, and they are both excellent digital SLR camera. They both bring incredibly realistic pictures and whichever camera a user eventually buys they will each last for 20, 30, and maybe even 40 years to come. But before deciding on which brand it is essential to pick the traits you are searching for in a digital camera.

The Camera Itself

Nikon, for starters, has a lot of options, where Canon is more simplified. If a person is an amateur, who only uses it on particular occasions such as vacations and holidays, then a Canon is for them. But for those much more interested in photography, even going so far as to make a career out of it, the Nikon is probably more your speed.

The Pros Of Nikon SLR Cameras:

Flash Photography: If a person is shooting a wedding, well, in that case the person's camera is going to use a lot of flash from the lens. But truthfully, a Canon can not even do what a photographer looks for at any celebration. Nikon uses Flash Metering, the standard in photographic cameras, which is how the camera discerns how much light in the lens needs for the shot. This one trait leaves Canon twisting in the wind, especially when the photographer takes photos over and over in one sitting. Say a person is going to shoot 5 photos of the Grand Canyon with the Canon, well with the Canon each photo would be distinctive. However, a Nikon, will make all 5 pictures look exactly the same without fail. Now, if repetitive perfect pictures are more your thing keep in mind that if you do get the Nikon, and find yourself making mostly inside photos, then use the flash because it can bring in the most lighting to the photograph.

The Benefit Of Canon SLR Cameras

In all honesty, the colors and shades of Canon's photos are much more adjustable and intense. Art students particularly like this camera for that very reason; their professors want different photos of different colors, shades, and tones from them.

Now, assuming you prefer the Nikon there are mainly only two brands to consider:

THE D7000

This digital SLR camera has aspects that can make it greater than the D5100:

The Auto Focus is much simpler.

The camera could shoot a hurricane on the Gulf of Mexico, and it could still shoot fantastic pictures. No weather event is going to keep it from shooting great.

The Shutter Rate at 1/8000th of a second is twice as fast as the Canon.

Electric Batteries: That last 60 % longer.

2 Memory Card Slots: Perfect if on vacation and need to shoot many sites without the battery going dead.

Shooting Pictures: Takes photo or video shots at 6 frames per second. Which are 2 frames per second much more than the D5100. In other words, your camera shoots 1/3 more photos than the other photographer. So say you schedule shooting to wrap up by noon, well, if you shot 9 pictures by then well, the D5100 would only be able to shoot 6 to your 9.

D5100

Price: Twice as cheap, making it in your budget to buy a lens if your camera doesn't come with one.

Screen: Flip out monitor allows the shooter to know what the camera sees before or after they take the shot.

Size: Being 30% lighter than most other cameras it is perfect for people who carry a digital camera.

Review: It does not matter which digital camera you choose because they are both excellent. Canon and Nikon are the best in the industry, so no matter what camera you choose you are getting the highest of quality.

Todd Walker is an expert when it comes to history, films, screenwriting, and photography. You may visit his Digital SLR photography blog at http://top10-digitalslrcameras-2012.blogspot.com/

View the original article here

Creating digital backgrounds and producing professional looking portraits without a big studio is now possible. It's no secret that with today's digital technology, many of the tasks that once required a significant investment in time and money are now available at our fingertips. There are software programs for almost every task imaginable, and apps for everything else.

We now have the ability to perform tasks that we once left to the professionals. As an example, it is now extremely easy for an amateur photographer to produce amazing images with just a basic digital camera and an editing program such as Photoshop.

If you are a new photographer looking to break into the industry on a budget, creating digital backgrounds, props and digital sets will allow you to compete with the bigger studios without the big studio budget. Aspiring photographers no longer have to spend 1000's on expensive equipment, backdrops and studio sets. Professional quality portraits can be created in your living room super cheap and easy using Photoshop... if you can manage to find the right training.

One of the most difficult things to achieve as a portrait photographer is a fresh unique quality to your work that ensures repeat business. Developing your knowledge in creating digital background effects will ensure that you will always have new content to offer to clients, or material to sell to others who do not have this skill.

Unfortunately, many people are finding that owning the software is simply not enough to produce the results they require. If not done correctly, digital backgrounds can produce images that look fake. Bad blending can cause images to look pasted, bad lighting means bad extraction, or they don't allow enough space for the background.

These problems can be easily avoided if you know how to create simple and affordable lighting solutions, know how to use a green screen style backdrop for easy extractions, and take the time to learn how to use the correct tools within Photoshop. Most beginners also fail to use blending techniques, shadows or shading to make images look more natural.

Once digital backgrounds have been mastered, and it doesn't take long, the possibilities are endless. It is possible to create literally 1000's of backdrop style digital backgrounds, in any color you choose, whenever you want. It can be used in any market you choose. Create unique portraits for families, infants, children, seniors... limited only by your imagination.

Digital backgrounds are also being sold on sites like eBay, and can create another source of income for the savvy photographer who has taken the time to learn these techniques.

If you are just starting out with portrait photography, want to increase your options with portraits, have a limited budget, not using Photoshop to its full potential, or just want a way to create some extra income on the side, then it may be worth your while to master the skill of creating digital backgrounds.

If you would like to learn more about digital backgrounds, or see what is possible with digital backgrounds, then you may want to visit http://www.photoshopbackgroundeffects.com/

View the original article here

The digital age has meant that any photographer who is interested in creating erotic photography can be technically proficient without either years of training or experience learnt as an assistant, to a greater or lesser degree. Also instant and online sharing has created a further outlet for nude images can be created, sent and shared without a moment's hesitation. The study of exotic female art nudes in photography continues to be a popular art form with photographers (professional and amateur) today. Photographers are able to manipulate photographs in ways that the pre-digital pioneers could only dream about (be it technique or speed of process), thanks to digitisation and various popular photo edit suite programs that are within most photographers' financial range. As photography continues to evolve, the art of photographing erotic art nudes will undoubtedly change as well, taking it to even greater heights. Already we are seeing packages that include not just photographs, but incorporate film, interviews, 'how-to-modules', interactive media.

Also today's array of amateur erotic photography has grown thanks to camera phones, webcams and online sharing, and an abundance of willing models. There are many reasons why someone will undress for the camera to create erotic photos, and as with most things - time has moved on, for example, nude photos that would have been shocking in the 1940s are considered tame by today's standards.

So what makes a model? There are a variety of reasons, and the following list contains the majority of reasons, but certainly not all, as people of all ages, shapes and backgrounds are taking erotic self portraits;

Does anyone do it for their 15 minutes of fame (which is all so fleeting these days)? I suspect the true answer is no, as fame or infamy tends to happen when a spurned lover seeks revenge by openly posting sensitive photos on the net.

Finally, it can be harmless fun to pose nude for whatever reason, but always remember when trusts and friendships are broken, the gloves are off and your erotic photos may end up online.

Steve DT from Photography. Visit us today at http://www.sdtfoto.com/. Online since 2002, known for exhibiting and publishing within a wide variety of magazines.

View the original article here

If your just beginning to take your photography a bit more serious and maybe want to try your hand at making some money with your photography, you will want to look into getting a digital slr camera. SLR stands for single lens reflex, so you add the digital and you have the d-slr camera.

D-slr cameras can cost quite a bit more than a top line point and click camera, but if you are wanting to become the more serious photographer this will be one of the best investments that you will make. The second investment that you can make is taken the time to understand your camera completely. You would be amazed on what you can learn about photography by knowing how to use your camera.

You see the beauty of the digital slr is that you have the artistic control of the traditional slr and the convenience of digital files. When you use interchangeable lens you have the choice of both manual and automatic settings. This makes it easy to play around with the camera and see what is best for you and what you want.

To help you decide whether a digital slr camera is right for you I am going to show you a few reasons why you want to purchase a digital slr camera. The first of these reasons would be that the d-slr allows you to get the perfect lens for the perfect photo. Manufacturers have a very large variety of d-slr lenses. You can have zooms, super zooms, and even ultra wide angles. The list goes on, there is a lens for just about any type of photography that you can think of.

Another thing about the digital slr is the faster power up. The d-slr power up is almost instantly and this allows you to react quickly so that you do not miss what could be a once in a lifetime shot. This in itself is reason to go from the point and click camera to a d-slr camera. With the rapid frame rate you can take several pictures within a second. You can do this because the d-slr has a fast image processor and large buffer.

Now at the top of the list would be that you get better image quality. A digital image that is taken with the d-slr is almost always a lot better that a point and click, I mean a lot better. You have higher light sensitivities and some digital slr cameras have a mega pixel rating up to 16 mega pixels.

A few more things that I think you should know is that with the digital slr you have threw the lens viewing. With this you can get away from the sun on your screen and not being able to see what you are shooting. This also stands true for areas that are dimly lit. Also you easy access to controls with thumb and forefinger wheels that control feature exposure settings. This is real important when it comes to not missing a shot, you do not have to look for the control wheel that you want. And end up losing the shot.

Last but just as important as the rest of the others benefits to having the d-slr is that you have more creativity and flexibility with camera accessories. These accessories include external flashes, wireless transmitters, and even remote triggering devices. As with the lens the list goes on with way to many accessories for me to list here.

Want to know more? Get your free copy of Your Top 10 Photography Questions, hurry before there gone.

[http://shutterbugphotobiz.com]

View the original article here

View the original article here

View the original article here