Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. Not everybody has the latest equipment or the coolest toys. Fear not. You can actually take some really great photos without being a pro and have the best of the best. I'm known as a real cheap skate and yet I still take photos that are crystal clear and sharp as a tack. Just take a look at the photo of me at this directory. That was done with a cheap $99 camera and no flash. This article is going to give you some tricks you can use to get some really nice effects.
The first one is for shooting photos outdoors in the bright sunlight. As you know, bright sunlight can really play havoc on your photos because of the glare. In these cases, it's best to use a polarizing filter. The problem is, these filters aren't cheap and some digital cameras don't come equipped to handle filters. So what do you do? I got a simple and cheap solution for you. Get yourself a cheap pair of sunglasses, ala ZZ Top fame, and place them over the lens before you take the photo. Instant polarizing filter and you'll get some really great shots.
Here's another cool one that you'll like. Have you ever considered taking photos outdoors and using your flash? You can do this. Yeah, I know, most cameras are defaulted to using flash only when you need it. But this can be overridden in many cameras. If you manually take control over using your flash, you can use it any time you like, even outdoors. This can produce some really cool effects, either by placing your subject out in the glaring sun or in the shade. You will notice a kind of a shine to your photos. Try it sometime.
My last cool trick for this article is on close up shots. This is where thinking outside the box can really come in handy. There is a world out there that most people never take the time to explore. It's no wonder with how chaotic our lives can be. But one day, do yourself a favor. Go out to your backyard and start digging through the dirt, plants, weeds, whatever. Activate your zoom and start taking photos of nature. You'll be taking photographs that will look as professional as some of the great nature photographers of our time...even with a cheap $99 camera.
Showing posts with label digital photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digital photography. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Digital Photography
Digital cameras are well known for their ability to capture photos on the go. With a screen that shows you exactly what photo you're going to get, you can rest assured your digital camera photos will be what you expected. However, like all modern devices, there are advantages and disadvantages to digital camera photos.
For one thing, lighting works differently with a digital camera than a regular one. Detail often isn't as clear. On the plus side, digital cameras usually come equipped with a brightness-contrast control and different types of flash. In addition, you can upload the pictures to your computer, and share them with anybody in email distance.
One of the biggest complaints of people taking digital camera photos is that the pictures looked much better on the screen display. This is because fine details, such as leaves, skin imperfections, and color intensity appear smaller than they really are. When the photo is uploaded and enlarged, the photographer finds certain details were neglected.
Another enemy of digital camera photos is blurriness. If your hand isn't perfectly steady when you snap the picture, the entire photo is ruined. This doesn't show up until the picture is enlarged.
With practice, both woes of digital camera photos can be avoided. At first, it's difficult for the amateur photographer to spot these imperfections. Trial and error is the only way to truly learn from your mistakes. The types of flaws that people see in their digital camera photos are unique to the photographer. One person may tend to put too much emphasis on a subject and completely neglect the background. Another photographer may move his hand right before clicking the button. After a few uploads, you'll better know your quirks of style.
Once you've got details and movement down, you might find that your lighting is less than satisfactory. This is because digital camera photos require much more light than conventional cameras. For example, a regular camera might be able to take a well defined photo of the moon, whereas a digital camera would only show a tiny speck on a black background. For human subjects, indoor photos never come out well, unless lots of light is directly on the person. Instead, try to get photos of family and friends in the great outdoors. Don't have them stand with their backs to the direction of the sun, because digital camera photos are notorious for grainy images, due to poor lighting.
Now you'll be able to enjoy your digital camera photos like a pro! Practice, practice, practice. The process may be frustrating at first, but don't lose hope. You'll eventually learn the mistakes you tend to make. Remember that a perfectly good picture can be ruined by the slightest motion of your hand, so keep steady. For an overall good appearance, and clear, defined subjects, always have plenty of lighting.
For one thing, lighting works differently with a digital camera than a regular one. Detail often isn't as clear. On the plus side, digital cameras usually come equipped with a brightness-contrast control and different types of flash. In addition, you can upload the pictures to your computer, and share them with anybody in email distance.
One of the biggest complaints of people taking digital camera photos is that the pictures looked much better on the screen display. This is because fine details, such as leaves, skin imperfections, and color intensity appear smaller than they really are. When the photo is uploaded and enlarged, the photographer finds certain details were neglected.
Another enemy of digital camera photos is blurriness. If your hand isn't perfectly steady when you snap the picture, the entire photo is ruined. This doesn't show up until the picture is enlarged.
With practice, both woes of digital camera photos can be avoided. At first, it's difficult for the amateur photographer to spot these imperfections. Trial and error is the only way to truly learn from your mistakes. The types of flaws that people see in their digital camera photos are unique to the photographer. One person may tend to put too much emphasis on a subject and completely neglect the background. Another photographer may move his hand right before clicking the button. After a few uploads, you'll better know your quirks of style.
Once you've got details and movement down, you might find that your lighting is less than satisfactory. This is because digital camera photos require much more light than conventional cameras. For example, a regular camera might be able to take a well defined photo of the moon, whereas a digital camera would only show a tiny speck on a black background. For human subjects, indoor photos never come out well, unless lots of light is directly on the person. Instead, try to get photos of family and friends in the great outdoors. Don't have them stand with their backs to the direction of the sun, because digital camera photos are notorious for grainy images, due to poor lighting.
Now you'll be able to enjoy your digital camera photos like a pro! Practice, practice, practice. The process may be frustrating at first, but don't lose hope. You'll eventually learn the mistakes you tend to make. Remember that a perfectly good picture can be ruined by the slightest motion of your hand, so keep steady. For an overall good appearance, and clear, defined subjects, always have plenty of lighting.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Polaroid Digital Photograpahy Techniques
I 've been taking photos since I was old enough to own my first Polaroid camera about 40 years ago. I remember how horrible the quality was. Well, we have come a long way since those days. Technology has taken the world of photography, especially digital photography, to a whole new level. However, as great as the technology is, nothing can make up for poor lighting, no matter how great the camera. I, and many others, have learned this the hard way. This article is going to give you a few solid tips on lighting that will help make your digital photography experience one that won't be one of frustration and disappointment.
The first thing you need to understand about lighting is where to place it, if you're using artificial lighting. Never place the lighting in back of the subject. This is going to result in terrible glare in your photos. You want the lighting to be in back of the photographer or off to the sides of the subject, slightly in front. The more lighting the better. A couple of 500 watt halogen lamps should be more than enough to do the trick.
You need to be careful of shadows. Too much lighting can produce too much shadow...not enough and your subject could end up in the dark. This is going to be a trial and error sort of thing. Unfortunately, with digital cameras, what you often see in the view finder is usually brighter than the finished product that you end up with. So you will have to take a couple of test photos to make sure the lighting is just the way you want it. The good thing about digital cameras is that there is no film to waste. Just delete your test shots after they are finished.
If you are using backdrops, try to choose one that is a light color. Black is definitely out of the question as it will absorb too much of the light. A plain white backdrop is best. These are not expensive. However, if you can't afford to purchase one, simply roll up some plain white material and scotch tape it to the wall behind the subject. It may seem tacky, but nobody is going to care or notice. The bottom line is that you want a photo that is clear and sharp.
These are just a few of the many things you can do when it comes to lighting and your digital photos. If you'd like a really great guide to digital photography, check out the review at my blog that you can find in my signature. It has hands down the best resource available, especially if you're not a professional photographer.
The first thing you need to understand about lighting is where to place it, if you're using artificial lighting. Never place the lighting in back of the subject. This is going to result in terrible glare in your photos. You want the lighting to be in back of the photographer or off to the sides of the subject, slightly in front. The more lighting the better. A couple of 500 watt halogen lamps should be more than enough to do the trick.
You need to be careful of shadows. Too much lighting can produce too much shadow...not enough and your subject could end up in the dark. This is going to be a trial and error sort of thing. Unfortunately, with digital cameras, what you often see in the view finder is usually brighter than the finished product that you end up with. So you will have to take a couple of test photos to make sure the lighting is just the way you want it. The good thing about digital cameras is that there is no film to waste. Just delete your test shots after they are finished.
If you are using backdrops, try to choose one that is a light color. Black is definitely out of the question as it will absorb too much of the light. A plain white backdrop is best. These are not expensive. However, if you can't afford to purchase one, simply roll up some plain white material and scotch tape it to the wall behind the subject. It may seem tacky, but nobody is going to care or notice. The bottom line is that you want a photo that is clear and sharp.
These are just a few of the many things you can do when it comes to lighting and your digital photos. If you'd like a really great guide to digital photography, check out the review at my blog that you can find in my signature. It has hands down the best resource available, especially if you're not a professional photographer.
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