Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques in Getting a Great Picture
Have you heard of, “There is more than meets the eye?”
We use our eyes to view things in our environment. However, through time, man has devised ways on how to preserve the things normally seen and thus treasured, whether these are beautiful or not, and one of which is by using cameras.
The images that are captured by cameras can make our eyes see things that have happened before. Moreover, it enables the heart to wish for beautiful things to happen in the future.
These days, the biggest sellers in the camera market are the so-called digital SLR cameras. These are the modern gadgets that can trigger our creativity and seats of emotion.
Though relatively new, most people choose digital SLRs because it can be easily manipulated. However, having these cameras does not completely guarantee that the every captured image is great and perfect.
Following are some point by point guidelines that should be considered to maximize the expense of your digital cameras:
1. Simplicity
Zoom in to capture the part you want to emphasize. Thus, irrelevant objects or areas can be taken away or just allow them to soften.
2. Rule of thirds
When capturing a moving object, it is advisable to capture them moving into the imaginary tic-tac-toe frame from one of the two sides.
3. Shapes and lines
Capture a straight line at an angle by moving five to ten feet away to the side to capture at an angle.
4. Vantage point
To add significance or emphasis to an object, take a picture at a lower vantage point. Increasing the height away from the object can reduce its significance.
5. Balance
Pick out the dominant objects and arrange them so that they complement each other. However, unbalanced or asymmetrical objects are often more visually stimulating than balanced objects.
6. Framing
You can use the frames of your windows to capture an outdoor scene. You can also use doors and walls of a building to capture a person a walking person.
7. Indoor photographs
You can use natural lighting when you are taking candid shots so that the subjects will not be bothered by the flash coming out of the camera.
8. Camera adjustments
The aperture allows light to enter. You must learn how to adjust this properly and appropriately so that images will not appear as either very bright or very dim.
Lowering the shutter speed allows the image to be more exposed to light. You must learn the proper length of exposure so that images will not appear as blurry.
9. ISO speeds
Digital cameras have ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 800. The higher the ISO, the higher the camera’s sensitivity to light’s exposure. Be sure to master using this element along with the camera’s aperture and shutter speeds.
10. Lens/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 flowers
b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
c. 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 image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
However, if you still want to improve on the images that you have taken, the following list of software can allow touch-ups:
• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple’s iPhoto
• Corel Paint Shop Pro
• Google Picasa
• LView
Once you have understood and mastered the important points on digital photography and capturing pictures, you will soon realize that the keys in getting great pictures are: “Even a simple aim and shoot camera” and “Creative ME.”
Digital Photography Tip #1: Don’t Assume that DigiCams Do All The Work!
Maybe you have heard something like this before: “The better the cameras, the better the photos.” In this effect, you might have thought of digital cameras. Many believe that these models are just a one-click away for great photos. Do you also believe on this?
Ponder on the following article and the appropriate answer will be revealed to you.
The rivalry between film cameras and digital cameras is relatively fresh. How come? Three mega pixels digital cameras have an array of choices for consumers, which is already comparable to a high quality point and shoot models. Nowadays, the same thing goes with five mega pixels digital models for excellent quality photographs. The thing is, quality photographs can be taken with ease using digital cameras.
Some of the main advantages to digital photography are:
• pictures can be previewed immediately on the built-in LCD screen
• costs of installing films are replaced with memory sticks or cards that are primarily reusable and can store thousands of pictures
• the stored photographs can easily be shared by copying off the images and/or sharing the memory stick or card
• images can easily be transformed into black and white and/or sepia and can also be cropped after the picture has been taken
However, photos under low light and taken using film and digital models are both susceptible to artifacts or granularity. Images taken by both cameras appear to be very similar can be further improved with the advent of software that can improve and manipulate the quality and details of images.
Furthermore, you can take lousy shots with the most expensive Nikon models and make great photos with the passé point and shoot cameras. It suffices to say that it is not the camera that solely makes great and even picture-perfect images. The man behind the camera can squeeze or miss a big time out of the gadget that he has.
The following presents a ten-point aid that will enable you to take photos like a pro using your digital cameras. Practice on these tips so you can maximize the expense of your gadget.
1. Those Tones Should Warm Up
Change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy when shooting sunny landscapes and outdoor portraits. This increases the yellow and red tones, thus resulting in warmer and richer pictures.
2. Use a [Sunglass] Polarizer
A polarizer should always come in handy when taking those general outdoor shooting. Polarized shots have more saturated and richer colors because unwanted reflections and glare are minimized or even removed.
If your digital camera can not accommodate a polarizer, simply place a sunglass as close to the camera lens as possible making sure that the rims of the glass will not be taken along with the image. The effect of a polarizer can be maximized when the light source is perpendicular to the object.
3. Shining Outdoor Portraits
One of the most useful and amazing features of digital cameras is the flash on or fill flash mode. This feature allows you to take control when to use the flash. It simply goes on whenever you want it available. This helps in capturing great outdoor photographs.
The camera exposes for the background first then adds enough flash to illuminate the subject when you are using the flash on option. Wedding photographers have been using this technique for many years to create professional looking portraits where everything in the composition is simply excellent.
To come up with a more relaxed photograph, try putting the subject under the shade and use the flash to add illumination.
You can also practice on using rim lighting where the sun illuminates the hair of the subject from the side or the back.
However, you should not stand that far away when using the fill flash since most built-in models have a range of 10 feet or even less.
4. Macro Mode Frenzy
I am quite sure that you would want to look at the fine details of your surroundings but would not be willing to crouch down and lie on the ground with your belly.
In that case, you just have to look for the macro made or close up symbol, usually a flower icon, and get as close to an object as possible. Once the confirmation light signals you to shoot, just press the shutter down to record the portrait.
However, using the close up mode allows you to have a shallow depth so you can concentrate on the part of the subject that you want to emphasize and let the rest go soft.
5. Chaos of the Horizon Line
There are still photographers who become disoriented when lining up their shoots. In other words, once they look at their cameras monitor, images that are erect seem to be a little tilted or bowed inward.
The most appropriate way to take care of this matter is to take your best shot at a straight picture, then take another picture after repositioning the camera. Afterwards, you can delete the others once you feel you captured a perfectly aligned image.
Also, just practice level framing your shots until you become acquainted with the process.
6. Massive Media Card
You have to have an extra memory card especially when you want more moments to preserve. The following suggestions should be considered before buying a memory card:
a. for 3 mega pixels – a 256 MB memory card
b. for 4 mega pixels – a 512 MB memory card
c. for 6 mega pixels – 1 gigabyte memory card
Then you do not have to miss another shot because your card is full.
7. Not High Resolution All the Time
It is more advisable to squeeze more images by shooting a low quality and resolution settings than taking shots with a high resolution all the time. This way you can reserve a space and a 2272 x 1704 resolution on the next great image of the century and enough for the portrait to be printed on a 8” x 10” inch paper suitable for framing.
However, if you have enough memory (and you should), there is no reason to shoot at a lower resolution and risk missing the chance to display your work the big way.
8. Tolerate that Tripod
Tripods are “unnecessarily bulky” for some so seldom do people like to bring them around.
Nowadays, there is an ingenious way to settle the dilemma whether to bring a tripod around or to do without it. The UltraPod II™ developed by Pedco fits in your back pocket and holds your camera steady in various situations.
You can use the Velcro™ strap to attach your camera on a tree limb or an available pole. Its legs can be opened on any flat surface or even on a boulder.
Now, you can be a real photographer without carrying a heavy burden.
9. The Fun with Self Timer
Another under-used feature on almost every digital camera is the self timer. This function can be used to save the photographer for missing the picture by delaying the firing of the shutter up to 10 seconds.
You can attach your UltraPod™ to ensure that your camera will not be taken away that easily by some strangers. Of course, you need to aim at the subject and not at a distant background before setting up the timer. Also the depth of the subject should be checked too.
By using self timers, you can also avoid accidentally jarring the camera when you are interested in making long exposures of cars driving at dusk as you initiate the focus.
10. Slow Motions
Normally, you will use an exposure of one second or a bit longer to create the flowing effect of water. In this case, you have to look for waterfalls or streams that are under the shade.
One trick is to use a polarizer or your sunglasses to darken the scene and create a longer exposure. More so, this technique can also eliminate distractions from your portrait.
For a really good photographer, which implies using creativity and ingenuity, viewers often get curious and ask, “What sort of camera model do you have there?”
Would it be more humbling for them to hear that you are using a normal aim and shoot model?
Or you can simply say, “Model ME.”
Digital Photography Lighting for Picture-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.
Top Reasons to Opt to Digital Photography
Today, more people are getting hooked over Digital photography. Since the birth of digital photography, it has been easier and more convenient for people to capture the best photos they desire. Digital Photography indeed has become the wave of today and in the near future. But what if you're still using the old mode of taking photos- the film photography? Well, think again.
For those few people who are still using film photography, here are some good reasons why you should opt for digital photography:
1. Generally, one of the most excellent features of choosing digital photography is that its convenience. Aside from the fact that digital cameras are easy to use since they are user friendly, these cameras are also portable and you can just safely place it in your pocket anywhere you go.
2. With digital camera, you can save your time and effort. Digital cameras provide instant feedback once you take photos. It has a review button to let you view all the photos so you'll be able to choose the best one. At the same time, it has also a delete button for those photos you don't like to keep. In short, you can keep on trying until you get the right photo. Now isn't that great?
3. The next good thing about digital photography is its capacity to have your photos printed immediately. Actually, you can it is much easier if you have a digital printer. You can just simply connect your digital camera to the printer and press the button to print. On the contrary, film cameras takes time before you get your photos developed. You also have to go back to the photo shop to get your pictures.
4. Another great thing you can get from digital photography is the capacity to modify or edit your photos anytime. Since the images are in digital files, it is much easier now to edit them. You can simply open the images in any photo editing software supported by the file. With the photo editing software, you can alter or adjust the color of your photos. You can also crop the photo and design your own photo. All of these in one photo editing package. It's more than what you can get from film cameras.
5. If you want to put up a small business, then digital photography would be of great help. Let your creativity works. Digital photos cannot just be simple photos. Now, you can turn them into T-shirts, mugs, invitations, greeting cards, calendars and a lot more. This is for the fact that digital photos can be printed anywhere and in anyway. Just make use of the right photo paper, and surely, you can make lots of money from it.
6. Lastly, digital photography has the ability to share the photos you have you're your love ones and relatives. You can simply give a copy of the precious moments to someone everywhere. Just attach the softcopy of the photo to your email and send. That easy. But with film camera, you will spend money just on scanning the photos, to be able to send them online. Of course that's an extra work for a digital photographer.
Apparently, digital photography has really paved way for making photography convenient and easier at the same time achieving high quality photos. It just shows that there's no other time to opt to digital photography than now.
Digital Enhancement for Picture-Perfect Photo Prints
Digital photography is the latest trend in the photo industry. It is considered to be the easiest way to take a snapshot and enhance its overall features. Basically, digital photography is the art of taking pictures without the need for film. Because there's no film involved in the process of taking pictures, you can have the convenience of taking good shots and eliminating the bad ones. It offers the easiest way of capturing good images and converting them to interesting art pieces.
Indeed digital photography has come a long way ever since the digital cameras and computers were developed. The birth of digital cameras has produced tremendous conveniences in the world of photography where everyone with digital cameras can take a picture and upload it to the computer and share it with friends.
There are many digital photography services available now in the internet. There are several companies that cater services of this sort. Usually, they offer services such as digital imaging, image restoration, photo retouching, and photo editing and digital enhancement. Other digital imaging services are also offered to bring satisfaction to photo hobbyists.
More and more people are using digital cameras for the reason that it's easy to take picture and edit it according to what you want. Who would not want a picture-perfect shot? However, we have to accept the fact that when you take pictures you don't always achieve the best shot. This is where digital enhancement becomes useful.
What is digital enhancement? Digital enhancement is the answer to all image quality problems. It's the best way to improve your snapshot and make it look more attractive. With digital enhancement, you can easily increase the attractiveness of images by simply adjusting the brightness, contrast and sharpness of the image. You are also given the chance to enhance the color balance of the picture. Resizing the image and cropping it at the same time can also be done with ease.
There are many innovative ways on how to improve a snapshot. All of these are made possible because of digital technology. Anyone who's into photography can take advantage of the digital photography services that are being offered online. Digital prints are long-lasting compared to the traditional photos. They are fade-resistant and water-proof. Another great advantage of digital is that everything about editing and printing photos is accomplished with the help of do-it-yourself printers. Photo prints printed in this manner are proven to last long unlike the film-based photography.
Digital enhancement works in a way where you are given the opportunity to prepare your pictures and modify them to achieve the greatest image quality. You can do the photo enhancements using photo editing software or by utilizing the services of a professional digital photography firm. When you opt to use a photo editing software, the image is usually saved in jp or jpeg format. Then you can upload the image and send them to several websites that offer photo printing services.
Giving consideration to all these digital photography basics will bring you great options when it comes to taking pictures in its best form. Make the most of what digital technology has to offer. If you want to get quality pictures, you should utilize the digital editing and enhancement services that are available through some photo printers online. With these services at hand, picture-perfect shots are just within reach.
The Boost of Digital Photography in the Fashion Industry
The growth of digital photography had made it feasible for everyone to capture the perfect moments of their lives better than ever. The big improvement in shutter speed and photo resolution, make it convenient and easy for both beginners and professional photographers to take good pictures. In addition, photo editing can now be done to create a more creative and artistic photos.
Digital photography has also been a huge plus for many online and offline businesses. A stock or image is used by a photographer to purchase images. These stocks are then purchased on different prices, depending on the license. But since they are digital, and they can be acquired outright from different companies, they can be modified, manipulated and edited using sophisticated editing software.
Today, digital photography is known to boost the fashion industry. Digital fashion photography far off different from doing television footages and taking photos on films. For digital photographers, it is a more challenging field to work on.
The ultimate purpose of digital fashion photography is to capture every detail in the ramp. It will focus on the figures of the stunning ladies, in their most fancy, magnificent and extreme fashion outfits. Digital fashion photography will capture the various outlooks essential to gratify the acceptance in world wide fashion trends.
While digital fashion photography is a meticulous field, a photographer should be creative enough to know the hottest craze each year.
Like fashion designers, digital fashion photographers should also work in high end ease, filed with beauty and glamour. The latter should really come up with the fashion’s great photos.
Here are few points to consider on digital fashion photography
1. Keep focused
2. Ensure that your camera is always with you
3. Know and set your objective
4. Don’t let go of the opportune moment
5. Envision on how could come up with a creative and interesting pictures
6. Make use of various distance and angles for each shot
7. Show contrast by giving blurry parts and sharp emphasis over your photos.
8. Organize your subject
9. Put weight on the shapes and lines of interest.
10. Create good impact that you are giving information on your audience
A digital photographer should also be conscious that whatever output he delivers will uncover the care, readiness and awareness of the many vital points to remember in taking pictures.
Requirements for a Flourishing Digital Fashion Photography
1. Proper Lighting- The photographer should use curtains and reflectors. Use a tripod and set light to either left or right side of the object at an angle of 45 degree. As much as possible, avoid bright lights, or else use polarizing filters. And lastly, never underexpose parts or expose the whole photo(e); never expose the entire photograph, underexpose other parts.
2. Good Color Harmony- Photographers can make use of backdrop materials to give emphasis on tint and color. Use reflectors, filters, see-thru transparency, and diffusers to neutralize colors. It is recommended to use gray and white backgrounds.
3. The Artistic view of a Photographer – As a professional photographer, your audience may not see what you see in the picture. People pay value to the subject and not on the background. It should connect each other.