Guide to Colour Tips

Guide to Colour Tips 1. Use a grey card in a test shot to create a neutral profile for the particular lighting conditions that you are working under. 2. Polarising filters will change the depth of blue in skies. Always have one with you. 3. Try to use the camera’s W/B setting on manual. This will help you to achieve greater atmosphere in your shots. 4. Remember that daylight is constantly changing. It is much warmer at the beginning and end of the day than it is at midday. 5. Make sure that your computer screen is properly calibrated so that what you see is what you get.

How to Photograph Babies

I will start by saying taking pictures during play time may be the easiest trick I have in my baby photography belt. If you are trying to get a 9 month old baby to stop and smile you are going to go crazy, as you can only imagine that will not work. When you see pictures where the baby is sitting in a chair in a Sears Portrait Center I bet you have the same reaction that I have….

The picture is very boring with no emotion. I know I say this over and over but good pictures show emotion. If you are looking at a set of pictures I bet you are not going to keep the flat picture where your new baby is just staring into the camera. I am willing to bet you are going to keep the one where he/she is showing a silly face or smile. So back to my point if you are wanting emotions to show, capture your baby during playtime, not in a stale photography studio.

So my objective is to show enjoyment so when I am taking pictures of babies I always do it during play time. I try to actually not interact at all, have somebody help you (mom or dad) I feel by just observing I can spend my time taking pictures and not worrying about what he/she is doing.

Camera Angle

Your camera angle is very important for all photography but I feel like its very important with baby pictures. I am sure we all have baby pictures where the camera was at the photographers hight looking down at the baby. I am not saying these are bad but for good images you need to get down on the level of your baby. Baby photography is a little harder on your knees because when I am taking baby pictures I spend the hole time laying/kneeling on the floor. In the below image I was actually laying in the dirt so I could have the camera in the grass, as I know it creates a cool look. This tip is easy just remember to get down on the floor.

My new Canon EOS 550D

Yes, I finally bought it. Yes I’m super excited about it! And yes I’m so proud of it! Can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I wanted this camera more than a brand new shiny pair of heels. This is how determined I was to buy it! My best (male) friend was shocked to hear this.

I know I have to learn how to use it properly, so I can take advantage of all “her” features, but at least I know that from now on, the quality of my pictures will be much much better.

Here’s my new love.

Beginners Photography – When And How To Use Manual Mode On Your Digital Slr!

In previous Beginners Photography articles I have looked at Automatic and Creative Auto Modes of your Digital SLR. Now, let’s consider Manual Mode. To many people new to digital photography, just the words “manual mode” are enough to turn their knees to jelly. Surely, one of the benefits of modern cameras is that much of the tough decision making is taken out of your hands, so that you can concentrate on picture composition? Whilst this is largely true, there will always be times when ultimate control should stay in the photographer’s hands – such as tricky lighting conditions.

The information here is based on a Canon 450D, but will be similar for a Nikon or equivalent model. Firstly, switch the Mode dial to M. The camera is now safely in full manual exposure mode. Scary huh? Not a bit of it! The main dial behind the shutter will now give you access to shutter speeds. Typically these range from Bulb setting (shutter stays open for as long as you press it) to 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec.

Let’s look at Aperture. Using an 18-55mm IS lens the range is anything from f3.5 (widest) to f/22 (smallest), varying with the amount of zoom being applied. Hold down the Av +/- button and rotate the main dial to change the aperture. You could refer to my previous beginners photography articles concerning Aperture if you need to know more about this subject.

Checking Exposure. The main point of using Manual Mode is that increased exposure, either through slower shutter speeds or larger aperture, results in brighter pictures. Conversely, less exposure makes darker images. To check the exposure level, lightly press the shutter, and read the Exposure Level Indicator on the back of the camera. It will show as a linear reading from -2 to +2.

So, in what sort of situations will manual Mode help you out? If you are taking portraits, strong backlighting is sometimes used. You can adjust aperture and shutter settings if the usual maximum exposure compensation is not enough. In a flash portrait scenario, you can set longer or shorter manual exposures to brighten or darken the background – the flash will adjust itself accordingly to give correct exposure to the subjects. And in night cityscapes, auto exposures can leave your image in pitch darkness. Using apertures of f/8 or f/11 in Manual Mode should help – plus an exposure of about 10 seconds (note: a tripod would help in this situation).

In Manual Mode, you have more influence on the resulting image – rather than relying on auto modes which can allow the camera to dictate and interpret a situation incorrectly. For beginners, photography should be about taking the chance to experiment, for it is here where you will ultimately learn what works and what doesn’t, in any given situation. After all, after reviewing your images, you can delete what you don’t like. When the images are safely on your PC, take time to review the shooting data of the files (images) that worked – so you know what settings to select next time you use Manual Mode.

Digital Photography Tips

Digital images will supply the quite greatest benefits if you’re capable to concentrate your consideration around the topic as well as getting complete management of one’s qualifications. Aside from creating your matter the key component inside the body you need to also spend a lot of interest to appropriate publicity and emphasis.Whether you’re taking pictures leading models or shifting pets, when you are in a position to grasp just 4 simple digital digicam settings, you will handle to shoot some outstanding images photos, so today’s digital photography tips will focus around the best four electronic digital camera configurations that will assure you excellent images each and every time.
1) The shooting modeProbably the most well-liked shooting method for digital images is aperture precedence, and for utilizing this method just established the f-stop as well as your digicam will pick the right shutter pace. This may in flip control the depth of subject, so you are able to blur the photo track record, which will emphasis more attention around the photo’s topic. Also, in the event you make use of the Manual Method that you are in a position to manage both the aperture and shutter speeds.
2) The Importance of exposureIn case your photographs are let’s say somewhat overexposed, you may very easily see that the qualifications elements are washed out and that the pores and skin tone of your topic appears a whole lot lighter. I’d recommend that you just first consider a photograph by using the advised publicity settings, after which acquire a few much more by growing the publicity configurations by 1EV or plus 2EV, and you’ll see a enormous difference in your closing outcomes.
3) Your focus settingsThe excellent method for capturing photos is Single-Shot AF, and if making use of this Manner you may need to choose a single vehicle concentrate point. So for example, when you’re attempting out portrait pictures, just concentrate on your subjects eyes like a focal stage. When you are taking a photograph of an object, then you are going to get greatest outcomes by focusing to the most central level.
4) White Balance TipsFor each day photos just use the auto white colored stability location, even though you may possibly locate that using photos in certain environments things might turn out incorrect, as within the situation of shady matter areas. Also whenever you require pictures in predominantly white colored blue or green settings including around the seaside or within the countryside, the subject’s face tends to replicate this kind of colors, so arranged a customized bright white steadiness for much better benefits.Bear in mind that you are in a position to change the bright white balance environment and apply correction, should you shoot in Raw method, so if you only have one opportunity to capture that photograph, do not take any odds and utilize the Uncooked mode.

Beginners Photography – How To Use The Automatic Modes On Your Digital SLR!

To beginners, photography gives you an amazing opportunity to picture the world in a completely new way. With access to a Digital SLR, the potential for stunning pictures is literally in your hands. But if you are new to using one, it can seem daunting. In time, for truly stunning shots, you should master manual settings. But, initially, it makes sense to practice with Automatic Modes. Using these effectively will capture great-looking shots, and allow you to focus your energies on other important aspects of your photographs.

The automatic modes show on your Shooting Mode dial as a series of icons. Selecting one of these prepares the camera for specific situations. Let’s look at 4 Automatic Modes and the situations you would use them in.

Full Auto Mode – blank rectangle icon. This mode is the most basic – point and shoot. Your DSLR will assume that what you want to focus on the object closest to the camera. Press the shutter button halfway down, and you will see that, in the viewfinder, a focus point is highlighted. You can now recompose your picture, if necessary, and complete the shutter press. Job done! The camera will take care of any exposure, or flash, decisions. Please refer to one of my previous beginner’s photography articles for more on composition.

Portrait Mode – face icon. If you want to take a portrait of someone, you don’t necessarily want the background to distract from your subject. Choosing Portrait Mode will cause the camera to select a larger aperture, in turn creating a narrower depth of field. This effectively blurs the background and places the attention on your subject. In portrait mode, use a lens of length 50mm or longer. This will give a natural feel, and aid in keeping the depth of field narrow.

Landscape Mode – mountain icon. Unsurprisingly, selecting this mode prepares the camera for a landscape image. Emphasis is placed on the picture style, with a resultant attempt to boost greens or blues in the picture. This make sense, in order to make trees, grass and skies appear more colourful. Landscape Mode also boosts the picture’s sharpness. The lowest possible ISO is automatically applied, which keeps any “noise” to a minimum. A small aperture will be applied, allowing a greater depth of field.

Close-up Mode – flower icon. This mode is designed to capture small details, for example when photographing flowers, plants or insects. If using a zoom lens, this won’t support “real” macro settings – but you can still capture some great close-up shots. To achieve this, move yourself as close as possible to the subject – Close-up Mode will help you obtain more than decent levels of sharp focus. The camera will select a small aperture, whilst keeping shutter speed fast. The ISO will be raised (which may give some “noise”) or the flash may deploy (with the possible result of harsh shadows).

So you can see that practicing with Automatic Modes can be a key aspect of beginners photography. It does allow you to focus your energy on other important and creative elements of your photograph. Once you have learned to master composition, for example, you can consider moving on to using manual settings. Watch out for a subsequent article where I will look at the remaining Automatic Modes.

Basic Photography Tips

There are countless techniques and skills in photography that you can learn. You may learn them through magazines or the internet. Learning through experience is way better than anything else though. Because of the digital age, photographers can now analyze and assess the photos they have taken even after taking the shot. This article will teach you how to become an excellent photographer.

Number one thing that you can do is to take every chance to shoot outside for photos. The natural light you get from the sun creates a better picture as the lighting is perfect to produce clear images. The built-in flash of your camera is useful under such circumstances especially in low light conditions but photos are more lively if taken under natural lighting. Some of my best photos shoots of my San Diego photographer service have come from natural lighting.

Second thing that you can do is to try shooting images from various angles and positions. Firing squad photographs are quite passé and boring. Instead, capture the subject as if it’s in the edge of something. You can also try capturing your subject close-up. What is important is that you get the hang of taking photos using the different angles available for you. This has been one of the keys to success in my wedding photographer San Diego service.

The third thing you should know is to properly zoom when capturing photos. Zooming on your subject helps create a more detailed picture. But beware that you must not zoom too close to avoid producing blurry pictures. But learning how to zoom in and out of shots will help you create more vivid photos. This has been an important aspect of my San Diego commercial photography business.

Lastly, you must learn to how to choose great backgrounds. Natural backgrounds, specially those from mother nature will be perfect for any shot. Be sure though that you check if the area is high in traffic. Consider checking any distractions that may take away from the subject in the picture. There are specific shoots though that you will need a highly traffic prone area where there are lots of activities and people so make sure that you know how to focus well on your subject.

These are the four things that any photographer needs to develop. Always refer to these four points when taking pictures and remember to apply them.