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แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ Photography Tips แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ Photography Tips แสดงบทความทั้งหมด

1/19/2552

Photo Tips For Documenting Life's Events

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

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

1/14/2552

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

12/18/2551

Dynamic Photography is Exciting

By Mary Sutton

Some of the best pictures are described as being dynamic. Photography is always open to interpretation. But photos that are lively will always get attention. Taking pictures that have moving subjects is difficult but not impossible. If you are interested in taking this kind of photo then there are certain subjects that are better than others. You could take photographs of sportsmen and women in action. Most of us are sports crazy and love looking at these kinds of pictures. This kind of action pic shows up all sorts of muscular and facial expressions that are one in a million. The chance of getting the same or similar photo of a specific sports personality is almost impossible. Of course, if you are a parent or grandparent shooting at your pride and joy's school sport's day it's just as memorable.

Dynamic photography is really what you make of it. There are people who are interested in cars and planes. They have gained the skill of taking photographs of moving cars and planes. The results can be absolutely awesome. We've all seen those glorious pictures of planes moving against a bright blue sky. Who doesn't enjoy looking at a picture of a very red, very fast sports car moving at breakneck speed on a winding road? These pictures are truly unforgettable and have a spirit of freedom and excitement.

Another moving subject that is becoming very popular is the steam engine. Did you know there are people who travel all around the world to see these metal giants? Photographing these machines from the past is a natural evolvement driven by a hobby. Photos could show a fast moving engine with the steam streaming behind. Or a one that is puffing hazy steam like a dragon in the early morning light. The opportunities for dynamic photography are endless. All you need is your digital camera and your imagination.

Mary Sutton is the director of the popular blog ThePhotographyClass.Com. She is an expert on digital photography and her blog contains stacks of information on things like Ansel Adams' photography and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Sutton

Dynamic Photography is Exciting

By Mary Sutton

Some of the best pictures are described as being dynamic. Photography is always open to interpretation. But photos that are lively will always get attention. Taking pictures that have moving subjects is difficult but not impossible. If you are interested in taking this kind of photo then there are certain subjects that are better than others. You could take photographs of sportsmen and women in action. Most of us are sports crazy and love looking at these kinds of pictures. This kind of action pic shows up all sorts of muscular and facial expressions that are one in a million. The chance of getting the same or similar photo of a specific sports personality is almost impossible. Of course, if you are a parent or grandparent shooting at your pride and joy's school sport's day it's just as memorable.

Dynamic photography is really what you make of it. There are people who are interested in cars and planes. They have gained the skill of taking photographs of moving cars and planes. The results can be absolutely awesome. We've all seen those glorious pictures of planes moving against a bright blue sky. Who doesn't enjoy looking at a picture of a very red, very fast sports car moving at breakneck speed on a winding road? These pictures are truly unforgettable and have a spirit of freedom and excitement.

Another moving subject that is becoming very popular is the steam engine. Did you know there are people who travel all around the world to see these metal giants? Photographing these machines from the past is a natural evolvement driven by a hobby. Photos could show a fast moving engine with the steam streaming behind. Or a one that is puffing hazy steam like a dragon in the early morning light. The opportunities for dynamic photography are endless. All you need is your digital camera and your imagination.

Mary Sutton is the director of the popular blog ThePhotographyClass.Com. She is an expert on digital photography and her blog contains stacks of information on things like Ansel Adams' photography and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Sutton

9/17/2551

Successful Travel Photography

By Peter Phun

Travel photography is quite different from other photographic endeavors especially if you plan to make a living from it.

Most successful travel photographers are writers as well. Actually in the print world, you can't separate words from pictures. They complement each other.

What the picture can't show, the words explain in greater detail. So it's no surprise that some travel articles are sometimes from husband and wife teams.

That's the perfect job for couples. Think exotic locations, the love of your life with you and endless adventures together.

My biggest problem with travel photography is that a lot of the imagery you see have been so photographed that they're the equivalent of visual clichés. What comes to mind when you think of China? Great Wall of China, or the Forbidden City in Beijing? Egypt? The Great Pyramids. India... the Taj Mahal. Indonesia...Borobodur. Cambodia...Angkor Wat.

As in most printed media, the pictures tend to be more important than the words. A visually striking image will draw a casual browser of publication into reading an article even if the headline is not well-written.

A great selection of pictures of one destination can save a article with mediocre writing. But the same can't be said if the pictures are of poor quality.

No matter how good and compelling the writing, if the pictures are just mediocre, readers will not be drawn to the story.

Poorly composed images, especially ones with lots of technical flaws like low resolution, artifacting and digital noise cannot be rescued. As powerful as Photoshop is, it simply can't fix or add something that isn't in a picture.

Even if it can, there is the ethical question of are you allowed to? Most magazine have strict guidelines against such manipulation of images especially in their editorial content.
But poorly written articles can be "massaged" and fine-tuned by editors into some quite readable.

Tips for a successful trip:

1. Careful planning and research of your destination.

Obvious yet a lot of people don't consider this when making their plans. Festivities like Oktoberfest in Germany, Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California takes place annually at the same time.

And by planning I don't just mean planning for the length of time you are going to be at your destination. If you're a digital photographer, you'll need power to charge your batteries and a way to download and clear off your memory cards or you will be up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

If you're headed abroad where electrical power is different from home, you'll also a voltage converter. I recommend the Kensington 3317 International All-in-one Travel Plug Adapter.

2. Precise note-taking.

Whether you use a laptop or pen and paper, having good habits like keeping receipts and other bills incurred during the trip is important.

Even if you're not writing the article, precise notes on how to get from town A to town B, how much the fare was, the duration of the drive are all details which add value to your pitch to magazines or collaborative effort with a writer.

Remember your recall will not be so good once you're home. Foreign names have a way of sounding the same when you get home, so good note-taking is critical.

Your article will have more credibility if you provide details since a travel article is part "how-to" and part narrative. Another reason for those notes is documentation when you claim the trip as a business expense.

3. Digital SLR with wide and telephoto zoom lens

Think "light." If you're lugging around a lot of gear, you'll be too beat to use your camera. Traveling light doesn't mean you leave essentials like a healthy supply of extra memory cards, batteries and flash units at home.

If you're bringing along a laptop, then a supply of writable CDs or DVDs is important.
Even if you don't have a chance to edit your images after you download them to your computer, you should burn those images as a backup and mail them to yourself.

That way if all your gear is stolen, you'll still have images to show when you get home.
Prior to his arrival in the US, before attending college, Riverside portrait photographer Peter Phun traveled extensively, documenting his travels through photography.
He specializes in location portraits, weddings and editorial work. He writes about photography, Macs & 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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phun