Senin, 30 Maret 2009

How to Achieve Picture Perfect Shots via Digital Photography

Gone are the times when photographers had to take several shots of an image and develop them to find out if a fine or even perfect image was taken. Several photographers of this art form refer to this technique as “trial and error”.
Nowadays, there are a numbers of photographers who have decided to shift from regular point and shoot and old SLR models to digital ones. Through DSLRs, they can get more time to concentrate in taking those great pictures since images that are not par with their standards can simply be deleted away.
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. The name implies the use of lenses and a mirror. Mirror reflects light entering the lens up into the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can estimate how the image will likely appear when it is developed. Moreover, a SLR camera uses separate lenses that can be interchanged depending on the resolution needed. Hence, this camera can be used to capture image with varying depths.
Likewise, a digital SLR or DSLR camera uses lenses and mirror. But instead of a film that records the image, a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory. In other words, a DSLR camera is the computerized version of the traditional SLR camera.
However, the functions of these models are rather different so it is suggested that users spend time getting familiar or acquainted with these gadgets. Owners should use that “trial and error” technique by taking a few shots and storing better pictures. Sooner or later, users can surely hack these models.
Individuals who decide on using these types of cameras should really invest on memory cards and lenses. Thus, if they happen to become professionals someday, additional equipment will surely keep them busy for choosing photography as a career.
Here are some helpful tips that will definitely aid owners of DSLR cameras in capturing a perfect image using the new art of digital photography.
1. Normally, people take full body shots against a background. However, it is more appropriate to take a shot from shoulders up or an upper body one because image of those in the picture really appear small.
2. If doing the above technique happens to be difficult for the user, he or she can take a shot of the person with him or her at one side rather than at the center. Then the owner can just zoom in so the person appears to be at the center.
3. The law of optics remains the same whether using an old or a digital camera. For instance, if the sun is behind an image, the picture will be silhouette. If light is in front of the image, the picture will appear squint unless there are sunglasses on.
4. Use your sunglass to act as a polarizer to take away unnecessary reflections from glaring objects.
5. You can also use a sunglass to increase the exposure of objects.
6. When using a polarizer, be sure that the source of light is perpendicular to the object.
7. Change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy when shooting bright landscapes and outdoor portraits.
8. Do not use the flash mode when the setting is already sunny.
9. Zoom in to emphasize a certain asset or characteristic of the subject being captured.
10. Practice. Practice. Practice.
It suffices to say that the techniques in getting the perfect shot have not changed. However, using digital cameras and employing this new art of digital photography have simply improved photo shooting by making capturing pictures easy for everyone.
In other words, practice is what really makes perfect shots!

Senin, 23 Maret 2009

Mastering Digital SLR Cameras is Mastering Photography Itself

There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.
Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:
1.) Categories of a camera
Cameras can be grouped into:
a. ultra compact – no flash modeb. prosumer or compact – for hobbyistsc. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professionals
If you want to master the art of photography, it is suggested that you master using the third category. Models that fall under this category are priced for their resolution, among other things.
2.) Mega pixels
Mega pixels can be classified into:
a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshotsb. between 3 and 5 mega pixels – images have good print qualityc. between 5 and 7 mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made
3.) Zoom
A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:
a. optical zoom factor – what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lensb. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image
Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.
4.) Storage media
These are the some common storage formats:
a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)c. Smart Media
Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels
5.) Carrying case
You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.
6.) Tripod
Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.
7.) Lenses and Filters
There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.
Lenses can be categorized as follows:
a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowersb. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneriesc. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe
Filters, on the other hand are used to:
a. soften the effect of the imageb. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moodsc. add light flares for the image to be more dramaticd. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:
1. Holding the camera
You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.
2.) Focusing
To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.
You may also use a tripod for better focusing.
3.) Previewing
Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.
4.) Archiving
Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!

Minggu, 15 Maret 2009

Digital Photography Lighting for Perfect Photos

Digital photography can be maximized to its full potential once you have the perfect camera, the proper color and the perfect lighting. Even if you have with you the latest model of digital camera, your photos will not turn out great if you are not making use of the right strategies in getting them right.
Experts in digital photography have come to realize that the digital camera is only one of the things you need to have great pictures. There are also other factors to consider so that you will not be disappointed by the result. One of them is the digital photography lighting.
Have you ever seen digital photos that seem to blur and indistinguishable? There are a lot of cases like this. Even if you try and edit them using Photoshop or any other software, you cannot seem to get the desired lighting you want.
This is because you have not considered having the proper lighting when the photo was taken. You were thinking that the camera and its features will be able to do that for you. Yes it can. But they may not reach your expectations.
The secret to getting that perfect picture is to do it right the first time. By doing it right, it simply means that you need to think about how well or bad the lighting is in the process of taking the photo.
Below are some of the natural sources of digital photography lighting that will make your photos look terrific.
1. After sunrise and before sunset.
It is during these times that photography is at its peak. Meaning, photos turn out great when they are shoot after sunrise and before sunset. Why is this so?
This is because the orange color that appears in the sky during these times adds to the colors that your digital camera is capable. Most of the time, some photos appear dull and unrealistic when they are printed because of the representation of the colors when it is printed.
The color of the environment can add a sort of brightness to your photos. In addition, it will make it easy for you to edit them on your computer once you feel that you want to put in some combination in the natural setting of the picture.
2. Sunlight.
Sunlight is one form of lighting that is very effective once you know how to modify your shots. Keep in mind that you are not capable of altering the brightness of the sun or the shadows that it can create on your photos.
It is up for you to choose the best position wherein you can make the most of the light that is emitted by the sun. Work them to your advantage. Try on different angles and see if they look perfect once frozen.
You can also make the most of the drop shadows that is created by the sunlight. Just make sure that they will not blur your photo. Fro minor adjustments, you can just edit the photos straight from your computer.
Shooting digital photos is not only about having the most advanced digital camera. It is also about looking for strategies and techniques that will benefit your shots. Try to shoot your photos with the perfect lighting and you will see that you do not need to edit or add some more colors in them.

Kamis, 05 Maret 2009

How to Achieve Picture Perfect Shots via Digital Photography

Gone are the times when photographers had to take several shots of an image and develop them to find out if a fine or even perfect image was taken. Several photographers of this art form refer to this technique as “trial and error”.
Nowadays, there are a numbers of photographers who have decided to shift from regular point and shoot and old SLR models to digital ones. Through DSLRs, they can get more time to concentrate in taking those great pictures since images that are not par with their standards can simply be deleted away.
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. The name implies the use of lenses and a mirror. Mirror reflects light entering the lens up into the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can estimate how the image will likely appear when it is developed. Moreover, a SLR camera uses separate lenses that can be interchanged depending on the resolution needed. Hence, this camera can be used to capture image with varying depths.
Likewise, a digital SLR or DSLR camera uses lenses and mirror. But instead of a film that records the image, a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory. In other words, a DSLR camera is the computerized version of the traditional SLR camera.
However, the functions of these models are rather different so it is suggested that users spend time getting familiar or acquainted with these gadgets. Owners should use that “trial and error” technique by taking a few shots and storing better pictures. Sooner or later, users can surely hack these models.
Individuals who decide on using these types of cameras should really invest on memory cards and lenses. Thus, if they happen to become professionals someday, additional equipment will surely keep them busy for choosing photography as a career.
Here are some helpful tips that will definitely aid owners of DSLR cameras in capturing a perfect image using the new art of digital photography.
1. Normally, people take full body shots against a background. However, it is more appropriate to take a shot from shoulders up or an upper body one because image of those in the picture really appear small.
2. If doing the above technique happens to be difficult for the user, he or she can take a shot of the person with him or her at one side rather than at the center. Then the owner can just zoom in so the person appears to be at the center.
3. The law of optics remains the same whether using an old or a digital camera. For instance, if the sun is behind an image, the picture will be silhouette. If light is in front of the image, the picture will appear squint unless there are sunglasses on.
4. Use your sunglass to act as a polarizer to take away unnecessary reflections from glaring objects.
5. You can also use a sunglass to increase the exposure of objects.
6. When using a polarizer, be sure that the source of light is perpendicular to the object.
7. Change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy when shooting bright landscapes and outdoor portraits.
8. Do not use the flash mode when the setting is already sunny.
9. Zoom in to emphasize a certain asset or characteristic of the subject being captured.
10. Practice. Practice. Practice.
It suffices to say that the techniques in getting the perfect shot have not changed. However, using digital cameras and employing this new art of digital photography have simply improved photo shooting by making capturing pictures easy for everyone.
In other words, practice is what really makes perfect shots!