By Peter Phun
There are really only 2 kinds of events: milestones and recurring annual events.
Milestones
Sorry for stating the obvious here, but these are the so-called once-a-life time biggies. Ones so important that you sometimes associate with a song or piece of music.
A partial list of milestones may be the following:
Graduations-happy, fun event but rife with access problems.
Weddings-can be easy or tough depending on your level of experience. Just don't get in the way of the professional whose job is to officially document the day.
Births-believe it or not, I had some friends who wanted this documented. I wouldn't want a stranger to do this though. I do wonder when and with whom you can share these pictures even if they're PG-rated.
First Communions-formal or posed portraits are the norm. Live coverage offers spontaneous moments which are often priceless.
First haircuts-the "firsts" are not necessarily very meaningful but they can be a lot of fun to look back at these pictures. The first fish your child catches can be fun too.
Recurring Events
The list below is fairly obvious. Your subjects may not change over the years but that doesn't mean your photography can't improve if you do a lot of these.
The key is to come up with a different way of looking at the same subject. No, don't stop taking the same pictures you took the year before, be bold and experiment.
Birthdays-hardest to find a fresh approach
Halloween-mostly for the costumes young children but priceless to parents
Vacation Trips-best prospects for great pictures simply because of different locales
Special Christmas programs-difficult due to poor lighting, accessibility
Better Milestone Pictures
Based on subject and setting of each event, your approaches will vary.
In the first group of events which I call Milestones, they are very important, just ask my wife. So don't blow it, there's no pressure.
When I worked at the paper and was very new, this sort of anxiety was normal. But a technic I learned in flying school called "bunk flying" helps. It's nothing more than pre-visualizing everything you think you'll encounter in your head at the event.
Everything right down to the equipment you'll bring and where you'll pose your subjects. It of course helps if you've been to the venue of the event preferably at the designated time. You want to get an idea of not only what the place looks like but also the lighting, hence the "time" element.
Mind you, when I worked for the newspaper, there are few instances when I can ask for something to be repeated or as they say in golf, ask for a "mulligan" or a "do-over."
Imagine asking for a repeat of the action when a baseball play occurs at home plate and you weren't paying attention.
So what's your best chance of capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments?
Be prepared
Have all your gear in one bag. Keep your camera, flash, lenses and other accessories like extra memory cards in one bag. That way all you need to do is to grab it and you're ready.Remember, digital cameras without charged batteries are a paperweight. A camera with a full memory card is also a paperweight-both are good only for war stories.
Scout the location beforehand
Figure out where the light is for a particular venue or scene. In a church where there are stain glass windows and big doors, there will be spots where it is brighter than others. Be ready to shoot your subject at those spots.
Set Realistic Goals
If all you have is a short telephoto, realize you're limited by your equipment.
Either wait till your subject is closer, or try and get closer.
If you're shooting with a digital camera that has RAW capability, you could try taking your picture in that mode.
Shooting in RAW is like using a telephoto lens because you are capturing at the highest resolution you camera is capable of.
It will allow you to crop in, make your tiny subject bigger and just maybe allow you to get a decent image.
Because you don't have access to be front-and-center to most events, be realistic as to the kinds of pictures you can get. If all you have is a short telephoto, don't expect to get tight closeup shots. Instead wait for pictures with wide angles or pictures that you can take after an event is winding down.
As an example, graduations are great happy events to photograph, but you will be most hampered by lack of equipment and limited access.
Better Recurring/Annual Pictures
Just because you've shot some of these annual events over and over doesn't mean they need to be boring. Sure, shoot the same picture you did last year but push yourself to come up with something different.
Assess the lightingg
Have you stopped to think how those birthday cake scenes look with the room lights turned off?
Well, it actually looks very warm, inviting and nostalgic.
So next time you're ready to shoot this scene and it's indoors, turn off the lights.
If you have time, consider also changing the White Balance.
Don't forget there is no hurry. You can tell them to re-light the candles or wait while you check your camera's LCD as you make some tests.
Try a different viewpoint
If you've shot the quintessential blowing out the candles every year, try shooting from a different position or use a different lens.
A wide angle from close up from right up next to the cake by the candles can be a different view. This has the added benefit of allowing you to brace your camera in a low light situation.
Let the kids take their own pictures
Set up a makeshift photo studio. All you need is backdrop and camera on a tripod. Most cameras have a self-timer. You can try that or you can let them trip the shutter themselves if you can spare one camera on a tripod.
Do at least one group shot at the same location.
A group shot at the same location will show how everyone has changed year after year. If the same guests attend, this can be a great record to show how children have grown or changed. These need not be prize-winning pictures. They are mainly for the record type pictures.
Look for details and closeups.
An adult's hand holding a newborn's always makes for a nice intimate detail shot.
Finally while these are all events in your life, don't forget to gather important details like brochures of the places you camped. Years later, that information will add more meaning to your memories.
Peter Phun teaches photography at Riverside City College. He does portraits, weddings and editorial work. Read this more extensive illustrated article about photographing those special events. He writes about photography, Macs and the internet. He also designs websites and is a stay-at-home dad.
Previously, Peter worked as a staff photographer for 18 years at The Press-Enterprise, Southern California's 4th largest daily newspaper. He is the webmaster for the Mac user group in the Inland Empire. For more information about this Riverside based photographer, visit http://www.peterphun.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phun
CANON T31 KIT (On-Sale and Free Shipping)
1/15/2552
Digital Photography - Getting Started With Food Photography
By Michael Poh Wai Wong
When you see a picture of a delicious dish in a recipe book or magazine, don't you feel hungry? Isn't it amazing if you have the skill to take the picture yourself? Below are some of the tips you will need to excel in food photography
1. Tripod
Sometime you will need to photograph your food under low light condition and you are forced to use slow shutter speed for it. When you are using slow shutter speed, your camera is more sensitive to movement and you are going to be upset when the pictures come out blur.
So, when you are photographing under this kind of condition, you will need a tripod to stabilize your camera.
Tripods nowadays are built to be foldable, easy to carry, sturdy and light on your wallet. Now with this handy accessory by your side, you have more reason to enjoy digital photography.
2. Limit your zone
When you are doing food photography, you don't always need to capture the whole dish. Showing part of it will make the food more alluring and seems more delicious.
You just want the essence of the food.
Let's look at the example of chocolate pudding.
Now, imagine that you are looking at the pudding through your camera. Zoom in close to the edge of pudding and take your picture when the dark and hot chocolate sauce is flowing down to cover the rest of the pudding. You can make this a better picture if you can capture the steam from the sauce. Don't you think this is a delicious picture?
When your viewers look at your picture, they will surely want a bite of the pudding.
3. Experience
Photographers who just trigger your craving for chocolate pudding don't just drop from the sky. They practice and gain experience as they evolve. You can read all the articles or books about food photography and still be an amateur photographer. Because it is very important that photographers get their hands on the subject and truly experience the process of getting the best picture. When the picture gives you the right feeling then that is the one you are looking for.
So, start building your experience by starting with something simple like a fruit bowl. Remember to get a variety of fruits and arrange the bowl as how you want it to be. Then, take your picture from any angle you can possibly imagine. When you get that special picture you want, you are a step closer to excel in food photography.
Do you enjoy taking photos? Do you want more digital photography tips and techniques? Just look at
=> http://www.learn-digitalphotography.blogspot.com/
Michael Wong is happy to share his knowledge about digital photography with you and hope you enjoy them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Poh_Wai_Wong
When you see a picture of a delicious dish in a recipe book or magazine, don't you feel hungry? Isn't it amazing if you have the skill to take the picture yourself? Below are some of the tips you will need to excel in food photography
1. Tripod
Sometime you will need to photograph your food under low light condition and you are forced to use slow shutter speed for it. When you are using slow shutter speed, your camera is more sensitive to movement and you are going to be upset when the pictures come out blur.
So, when you are photographing under this kind of condition, you will need a tripod to stabilize your camera.
Tripods nowadays are built to be foldable, easy to carry, sturdy and light on your wallet. Now with this handy accessory by your side, you have more reason to enjoy digital photography.
2. Limit your zone
When you are doing food photography, you don't always need to capture the whole dish. Showing part of it will make the food more alluring and seems more delicious.
You just want the essence of the food.
Let's look at the example of chocolate pudding.
Now, imagine that you are looking at the pudding through your camera. Zoom in close to the edge of pudding and take your picture when the dark and hot chocolate sauce is flowing down to cover the rest of the pudding. You can make this a better picture if you can capture the steam from the sauce. Don't you think this is a delicious picture?
When your viewers look at your picture, they will surely want a bite of the pudding.
3. Experience
Photographers who just trigger your craving for chocolate pudding don't just drop from the sky. They practice and gain experience as they evolve. You can read all the articles or books about food photography and still be an amateur photographer. Because it is very important that photographers get their hands on the subject and truly experience the process of getting the best picture. When the picture gives you the right feeling then that is the one you are looking for.
So, start building your experience by starting with something simple like a fruit bowl. Remember to get a variety of fruits and arrange the bowl as how you want it to be. Then, take your picture from any angle you can possibly imagine. When you get that special picture you want, you are a step closer to excel in food photography.
Do you enjoy taking photos? Do you want more digital photography tips and techniques? Just look at
=> http://www.learn-digitalphotography.blogspot.com/
Michael Wong is happy to share his knowledge about digital photography with you and hope you enjoy them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Poh_Wai_Wong
Tips For Breaking Into Freelance Newspaper Photography
By Peter Phun
So you've honed your skills to the point where you are confident you can get a good picture in any situation.
Have you thought about freelancing for a newspaper? Photojournalism is one of the most challenging, exciting types of photography.
As a result, it is also the most competitive fields to break in to. So what do you need to start?
Reliable Transportation
This should be obvious, but it's intentionally high in this list. All the skills and the best gear in the world without the ability to get on scene is pointless.
Decent photo gear
I consider these minimum requirements:
Writing and reporting go hand-in-hand.
You may not need to write a full blown news story, but you do need to be able to write accurate descriptive captions.
So proper grammar and ability to gather accurate caption information like names and ages is very important.
If you consistently provide wrong information and the newspaper has to print a correction each time, they won't be calling you back.
Good knowledge of current events and sports
If you're looking to shoot sports, then good all round knowledge of a variety of sports is important. Since popularity of different sports are very regional, I'll leave it to you to figure that out.
Obviously expect to know Australian Rules football and cricket if you're Down Under, baseball, hockey and American Football if you're in the US and etc. In sports expect to know quite a bit about all types of sports even if you've never played it.
If you're covering a tennis match, for instance, do you know how the players change sides on the tie-breaker? And how do they score the game? If you don't understand how the game is scored, how do you know when the last point of the match is coming up?
Keeping up with news is especially important. When big names come through your community and you're on top of it, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. The newspaper may or may not have the personnel to cover everything so your contribution may be welcome.
Even if they don't use your pictures, you've made first contact. Although it takes years of hard work and dedication to get into the business and there are college degrees offered in photojournalism, starting out as a stringer at a newspaper is achievable if you study publications.
If you're interested in sports, then subscribe to Sports Illustrated. In my next post, I'll discuss how to get your foot in the door at a newspaper.
Read a more detailed article on how to start freelancing for newspapers.
Peter Phun teaches photography at Riverside City College. He does portraits, weddings and editorial work. He writes about photography, Macs and the internet. He also designs websites and is a stay-at-home dad.
Previously, Peter worked as a staff photographer for 18 years at The Press-Enterprise, Southern California's 4th largest daily newspaper. He is the webmaster for the Mac user group in the Inland Empire. For more information about this Riverside based photographer, visit http://www.peterphun.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phun
So you've honed your skills to the point where you are confident you can get a good picture in any situation.
Have you thought about freelancing for a newspaper? Photojournalism is one of the most challenging, exciting types of photography.
As a result, it is also the most competitive fields to break in to. So what do you need to start?
Reliable Transportation
This should be obvious, but it's intentionally high in this list. All the skills and the best gear in the world without the ability to get on scene is pointless.
Decent photo gear
I consider these minimum requirements:
- 2 bodies is a minimum requirement. Though you may use one, the other is your backup. (at least 8 megapixels)
- a wide angle, a telephoto, a fast 50mm lens, and at least one flash. As to the exact focal lengths, that would depend a lot on what you plan to shoot. Sports shooters need upwards of 300 mm, sometimes even longer lenses depending on the sport.
- a good number of memory cards. If all you're shooting is jpegs, then you might be able to get away with 4 to 6 4GB memory cards. They're cheap compared to the past, so don't sweat it. Exactly how many is hard depends on what you're shooting. Again sports shooters will require more of this as well.
- a laptop with a WiFi card. The platform Mac or Windows doesn't matter. Just like for your camera, Nikon or Canon, it's just a tool.**optional Mobile broadband card for laptop**
- Photoshop Elements is a minimum, the full version is nice but unnecessary. Most of the time, all you have time for is saving your jpegs to the newspaper's specs, attaching captions and then transmitting it to the paper via the internet by either an FTP client or emailing.
- cellphone for communicating with editors at the paper.
- Optional but not vital is a police scanner. I don't advocate running off and chasing fire trucks and ambulances but sometimes being at the right place a the right time with a camera is all it takes.
Writing, reporting ability
Writing and reporting go hand-in-hand.
You may not need to write a full blown news story, but you do need to be able to write accurate descriptive captions.
So proper grammar and ability to gather accurate caption information like names and ages is very important.
If you consistently provide wrong information and the newspaper has to print a correction each time, they won't be calling you back.
Good knowledge of current events and sports
If you're looking to shoot sports, then good all round knowledge of a variety of sports is important. Since popularity of different sports are very regional, I'll leave it to you to figure that out.
Obviously expect to know Australian Rules football and cricket if you're Down Under, baseball, hockey and American Football if you're in the US and etc. In sports expect to know quite a bit about all types of sports even if you've never played it.
If you're covering a tennis match, for instance, do you know how the players change sides on the tie-breaker? And how do they score the game? If you don't understand how the game is scored, how do you know when the last point of the match is coming up?
Keeping up with news is especially important. When big names come through your community and you're on top of it, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. The newspaper may or may not have the personnel to cover everything so your contribution may be welcome.
Even if they don't use your pictures, you've made first contact. Although it takes years of hard work and dedication to get into the business and there are college degrees offered in photojournalism, starting out as a stringer at a newspaper is achievable if you study publications.
If you're interested in sports, then subscribe to Sports Illustrated. In my next post, I'll discuss how to get your foot in the door at a newspaper.
Read a more detailed article on how to start freelancing for newspapers.
Peter Phun teaches photography at Riverside City College. He does portraits, weddings and editorial work. He writes about photography, Macs and the internet. He also designs websites and is a stay-at-home dad.
Previously, Peter worked as a staff photographer for 18 years at The Press-Enterprise, Southern California's 4th largest daily newspaper. He is the webmaster for the Mac user group in the Inland Empire. For more information about this Riverside based photographer, visit http://www.peterphun.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phun
1/14/2552
Make Money Taking Photos - Turn a Hobby Into Extra Cash!
By Jamie Hunter
Are you a budding photographer? Do you have an eye for a picture or just like snapping interesting everyday scenes? And are you looking to earn some easy extra money?
I know the answer to the last question is yes, and with more of us getting into photography thanks to the affordable digital cameras that are on the market the first two will most likely be yes, too.
So how do you do it?
It's surprisingly easy, and you may be surprised to find out that many organisations across the world buy photos for use in promotion and advertising, and they do so from what are known as 'stock photo' websites. These are simply sites that you register your photos with and, when an organisation needs some fresh images, they will visit the site and pay the requisite amount for new photos!
You simply register with these websites and add your stock; you keep adding and when somebody finds the shots they want among your selections you get paid!
Really, it is that simple - here's what you need;
1: Computer and net connection
2: Digital camera or quality camera-phone
3: Some photos - check the requirements of the site to see what sells 4: Not much else!
Holiday snaps, interesting sunsets, beach scenes and more - this is much more cost effective than them hiring their own photographer.
So turn your snaps into money - it's easy, it's fun, and it will make your days out and walks in the woods far more interesting as you keep an eye out for images that might make you richer!
If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too.
Imagine doubling your money every week with no or little risk! To discover a verified list of Million Dollar Corporations offering you their products at 75% commission to you. Click the link below to learn HOW you will begin compounding your capital towards your first Million Dollars at the easy corporate money program.
Quickest-way-to-make-money-on-earth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Hunter
Are you a budding photographer? Do you have an eye for a picture or just like snapping interesting everyday scenes? And are you looking to earn some easy extra money?
I know the answer to the last question is yes, and with more of us getting into photography thanks to the affordable digital cameras that are on the market the first two will most likely be yes, too.
So how do you do it?
It's surprisingly easy, and you may be surprised to find out that many organisations across the world buy photos for use in promotion and advertising, and they do so from what are known as 'stock photo' websites. These are simply sites that you register your photos with and, when an organisation needs some fresh images, they will visit the site and pay the requisite amount for new photos!
You simply register with these websites and add your stock; you keep adding and when somebody finds the shots they want among your selections you get paid!
Really, it is that simple - here's what you need;
1: Computer and net connection
2: Digital camera or quality camera-phone
3: Some photos - check the requirements of the site to see what sells 4: Not much else!
Holiday snaps, interesting sunsets, beach scenes and more - this is much more cost effective than them hiring their own photographer.
So turn your snaps into money - it's easy, it's fun, and it will make your days out and walks in the woods far more interesting as you keep an eye out for images that might make you richer!
If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too.
Imagine doubling your money every week with no or little risk! To discover a verified list of Million Dollar Corporations offering you their products at 75% commission to you. Click the link below to learn HOW you will begin compounding your capital towards your first Million Dollars at the easy corporate money program.
Quickest-way-to-make-money-on-earth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Hunter
Tips on Digital Photography For Beginners
By Alex Don
Now getting great looking digital photographs is not difficult. You may wonder, with complex features the digital camera has, whether you will get good images. You may be worried about messing up your shots. The advantages of digital cameras are many. For example, unlike the traditional film cameras, you can take as many photos as as long as your memory card permits. If some photos which have not come right those could be easily deleted so that you can have more space. In essence, the digital photography is not only cost effective but also has flexibility to experiment without any hindrance.
1.Frequent use of digital camera
The more you use it, the better you'll get. The more familiar you get with it, the more you become comfortable in using the complex features it offer. Taking many photos will help you to get familiarized with your new digital camera. You should experiment with the digital camera using many features it has, and see the outcome on your photos. Always look for the most appropriate setting suit for the condition, do not blindly follow the default settings, since these may no be the best option. This implies that using digital camera, you have to experiment and also use your creativity. More you play with the camera, more you learn the fine features of the camera.
2. Take Photos under natural light
When taking digital photos always try to use natural light which is these the best for photography. Shooting indoors, take special attention to light coming through windows. Some times direct sunlight streaming through a window may not be the best alternative For example, better photos are possible using indirect or softer light coming from a window. Better to experiment using different windows so that you can decide which window provides you the best natural lighting.
3.Get rid of red-eye
The red-eye reduction can be easily got rid of using the facility available on your digital camera. In most digital cameras this feature is provided. When using an external flash, hold it to the left or the right of your camera. And again, try using natural light if possible. If the red eye condition still appears, do not worry, this can be adjusted using the photo edit software.
4.Tripod for taking close-ups.
Sturdy tripods are available at an affordable price, and will be valuable accessory if you are taking close-ups or zooming in. You need to fix tripod on a firm surface when using the tripod. Always invest on a good quality tripods, as cheap ones are unstable. Minimize the risk of managing your valuable digital camera by going for stable and quality tripod. Don't be afraid to experiment.
With a digital camera, you can do many things without wasting your time and money. Some times you may face with lack of memory space, then just delete what ever you do not retain and get the required space. So if you have not yet into digital photography, start right now, it will certainly stimulate your creativity and for some it may be an income generator.
Alex usually writes about photography methods for http://reshade.com. The company is specialized in image enlargement programs offering a free online picture resizer service. It's also possible to get an image resizer software application . Try it out now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Don
Now getting great looking digital photographs is not difficult. You may wonder, with complex features the digital camera has, whether you will get good images. You may be worried about messing up your shots. The advantages of digital cameras are many. For example, unlike the traditional film cameras, you can take as many photos as as long as your memory card permits. If some photos which have not come right those could be easily deleted so that you can have more space. In essence, the digital photography is not only cost effective but also has flexibility to experiment without any hindrance.
1.Frequent use of digital camera
The more you use it, the better you'll get. The more familiar you get with it, the more you become comfortable in using the complex features it offer. Taking many photos will help you to get familiarized with your new digital camera. You should experiment with the digital camera using many features it has, and see the outcome on your photos. Always look for the most appropriate setting suit for the condition, do not blindly follow the default settings, since these may no be the best option. This implies that using digital camera, you have to experiment and also use your creativity. More you play with the camera, more you learn the fine features of the camera.
2. Take Photos under natural light
When taking digital photos always try to use natural light which is these the best for photography. Shooting indoors, take special attention to light coming through windows. Some times direct sunlight streaming through a window may not be the best alternative For example, better photos are possible using indirect or softer light coming from a window. Better to experiment using different windows so that you can decide which window provides you the best natural lighting.
3.Get rid of red-eye
The red-eye reduction can be easily got rid of using the facility available on your digital camera. In most digital cameras this feature is provided. When using an external flash, hold it to the left or the right of your camera. And again, try using natural light if possible. If the red eye condition still appears, do not worry, this can be adjusted using the photo edit software.
4.Tripod for taking close-ups.
Sturdy tripods are available at an affordable price, and will be valuable accessory if you are taking close-ups or zooming in. You need to fix tripod on a firm surface when using the tripod. Always invest on a good quality tripods, as cheap ones are unstable. Minimize the risk of managing your valuable digital camera by going for stable and quality tripod. Don't be afraid to experiment.
With a digital camera, you can do many things without wasting your time and money. Some times you may face with lack of memory space, then just delete what ever you do not retain and get the required space. So if you have not yet into digital photography, start right now, it will certainly stimulate your creativity and for some it may be an income generator.
Alex usually writes about photography methods for http://reshade.com. The company is specialized in image enlargement programs offering a free online picture resizer service. It's also possible to get an image resizer software application . Try it out now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Don
สมัครสมาชิก:
ความคิดเห็น (Atom)
