Digital photography basics

There are things that you can do on your own without much education. Most people think that one of those things is digital photography. But the truth is, there is more to digital photography than clicking the button or adjusting the flash. It goes beyond saying Cheese!! at the end of every shot so that your models will also be smiling. In fact, some of the best photographs in the world had subjects that are not smiling at all. Some of them are not even looking at the camera when the shot was taken.

There are many things that you need to know when you want to dabble into digital photography. First are the basics and then when you know them already, how to break every rule and still produce the same quality photos that photography enthusiasts and hobbyists will salivate over.

One of the few basics that every novice photographer needs to know is the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds state that your main subject or the focal point of your photo should always be placed off center, at different points that occur when you divide the photo into three, horizontally and vertically.

To see where these points are, get first a photo and then divide it by three horizontally and vertically in equal parts. Put a line across each division and see where the lines meet. Those points are the areas where you should be placing your subject or focal point when taking photographs. Placing the subject off center will make the photo more interesting.

Another basic that every photographer wannabe should know is the techniques in photography that can make the subject more interesting. One is contrast. Whether you do it by color or size, contrasts allows the eyes to be surprised and therefore making your photo that much interesting. Placing a red with a yellow will capture your interest as a viewer. The same goes with placing a white object against a black background. You can also for instance put a small subject against a large landscape or maybe a tall person with a short person. Contrast work wonders.

Another technique is leading. A photo that makes use of shapes and objects that lead or point to your subject will make it more interesting. For instance, when taking pictures of a bicycling boy, you can put him by the winding road so that the eyes will follow the winding road and lead the eye to the subject.

Read the Manual!

Learning how to properly use your digital camera is vital if you want to take excellent shots. Most of todays digital cams have various features making it easy to get confused. However, if you simply take time in reading the manual, everything will be a lot easier.

Using your cam without enough knowledge will not give you satisfying results. It is innate for most individuals to start using something that is new to them, especially a new camera. Perhaps you have also gone through this and took pictures using your new camera. Reading the manual should be your first task to better understand how it works.

Some cameras already have light meters which are often set to default mode. You must understand how the light meter works since it usually comes with 3 metering modes. The light meter calculates correct EV or exposure value. If it is set to default, the camera will simply evaluate the whole scene and break it down to regions or zones. The EV will work in most photos. By reading the manual, you will learn how to change the metering modes. The setting of the light meter has a great effect on the image that you are trying to produce. if you have read the manual, you will find everything there.

The modern camera has several dials or buttons. You can even find confusing symbols on the cameras LCD. You will be able to learn many things by reading the manual which includes using the menu, how to use the different functions, how to turn it on or off, how to use digital zoom, using special effects such as polarize and sepia, changing white balance, and many others.

A camera with so many features can be very intimidating. If you want to be comfortable in using your cam, sit down and take some time in reading the manual. This may sound boring but you can learn valuable information about your new camera. Even if you are already familiar with some of the cameras features, do not hesitate to learn more.

Determine the features that are still unfamiliar to you. Locate it on the manual and read instructions thoroughly. After learning something, try applying it using your camera. Take several pictures and save them on your computer. Check if you are satisfied with the results. After learning one function or feature, proceed with the next unfamiliar feature on your list.

Some people learn quickly while others learn slowly. Consider your learning pace and make sure that you learn everything written on the manual. Don’t rush yourself.

So when someone gives you a new camera or you purchase one, spend time in reading the manual before you use it.

The manual contains many obscure terms, cross references, complicated diagrams, and convoluted English. Because of these things, lots of individuals are not interested in reading them without actually knowing that they are wasting an opportunity to learn more about proper camera usage.

There are so many things that you can do with your digital camera. Digital cams are different from the traditional film cameras. Pointing your camera and shooting is not enough. If you want to become a serious photographer, you should know about things like white balance, AF illuminator, AE lock, etc.

Chunks of information may not sound very useful to you at first. If you see any diagrams on the manual, leave it and understand the basic functions of the camera first. Once you learn about the basics of using digital cameras, it will be easier to understand the diagrams. Constant practice is also required. When you’re reading the manual, make sure that the camera is beside you. If you are still unsure, you can research about a certain feature online. Just stick to this – when you learn something, apply it immediately. Go out and take pictures and check if you are doing it right. You can delete undesirable images since that is one of the features of a digital camera. Don’t expect to shoot pictures like the pros because this will take some time.

Once you open the digital cameras box, sit down and take out the manual.

Tips for Photographing Kids

While your children are still young, don’t let special occasions and first memories pass by. Children grow up fast and you must capture the countless memories so that you can cherish them forever. Parents often have their drawers filled with blurry pictures and school photos of their children. So why don’t you try to improve your skills with these tips for photographing children.

Lots of parents complain that they find it hard to take pictures of their children. Most children will fool around, cross eyes, or stick their tongue out in front of cameras. If your children are used to cameras, it will be easier to take decent photos. Some families use their cameras once a month or whenever there is a special occasion. If you want your kids to be comfortable with camera, take pictures at least every week. If your children still want to make funny faces, shoot it; besides, monkey faces are really funny and cute.

Children are small and so you should take photos at their eye level. Don’t take pictures looking down. Bend your knees or sit down while taking the shot. You can also turn your kids into giants if you lie down and shoot.

Many small kids are bored with photo sessions. You can only get them interested for a couple of minutes and they will run off. If you want to keep your child still while taking the photos, you will end up with sullen faces. For portrait pictures, it will require a bit of planning. For natural expressions, your child should have fun while taking the photos. Try to keep your child’s favorite toys nearby so that you can entertain them.

It is not a good idea to have overwhelming backgrounds. If you want to focus the shot on your child, move closer. By taking a close up picture, you can create interest and drama; at the same time, you are also eliminating extra clutter. You can use the cameras macro or zoom tool to get a closer shot. Why not you experiment and take photos of your child’s hands and feet? When they grow up, they will surely laugh at how small their hands and feet are.

When taking pictures of your kids, place them off-center; putting them in the middle of the picture is not very pleasing. Focus on your child and make sure that you place them in the proper intersecting point. That way, you can create a dynamic photo of your child.

It is good to take pictures in the morning or in late afternoon. Natural light can create beautiful images. When direct light is present, you can produce intimate photos of your kids and you can avoid the red-eye problem of most photographers. When sunlight is coming through the window, let your child stand next to it and shoot or you can also take pictures of your children and their playmates under the sun while playing. The light must be behind your back when shooting the photos; that way, the light is shining on your kids. When the light is behind your kids, your kids will tend to appear as black silhouettes. This is called backlighting. Side lighting is also good but you must be able to capture the right moment.

Photographing your kids is all about having fun. If you try to insist on a particular location or you ask your kid to smile, the photo will not look natural. While your children are happy and relaxed, get your camera and take the shot. Not all your photos will end up the way you want them to but the more important thing is that you were able to capture the moment that will be gone in the coming years.

Children want to be involved. Don’t command them like robots. You must allow them to explore the location so that they can have fun. Be a keen observer because precious moments come in an instant and you should be ready to shoot it. You can even take your children to the park, a bridge, or the beach to have awesome backgrounds.

You must always be on the go. Kids hardly get tired and they just want to move around and explore things around them. You must be quick if you want to be successful in photographing your kids.

Underwater Cameras

Underwater scenes are breathtaking. If you haven’t tried scuba diving, this is the best time to try it out and while you are there, don’t forget to bring the underwater camera. With a camera, you can capture all the beautiful scenes underwater.

If you are up for a great adventure, try underwater photography. But in order to take pictures underwater, you must pick the right camera. There are lots of choices online and in your local stores. Here are helpful pointers to choose the perfect camera:

When looking for a camera, you must choose the one that you can use on land and underwater. There are several reputable camera brands that you can find and if you want to determine the top sellers, check out product reviews. Review sites are all over the internet. Underwater cameras come with waterproof housing and you can use it within 100ft. popular manufacturers of underwater cameras are Sealife and Sea & Sea. Check out the reviews on the camera brand and see if the customers are satisfied. Make sure that the reviews are not biased.

Some photographers purchase the camera and the underwater housing individually. If you do this, the housings of Fuji, Canon, Ikelite and Olympus are great and it costs only around $150.

Photographers often worry about the mega pixels of the camera. For underwater photography, you can get a camera with 6 mega pixels because it can readily handle your shots. If you are not contented with snapshots, it is a good idea to purchase a camera with manual controls. Don’t settle with cameras having underwater mode; for more accurate underwater shots, you should manually set the white balance feature of the camera especially if the camera has no flash. Aside from the camera brands mentioned earlier, you can also get Nikon, whether you are purchasing housing or a camera.

Taking underwater photos is really exciting and it is one way of sharing the world below to others. Digital cameras have definitely changed underwater photography. These cameras are sleek, handy, and offer many features that aid underwater photographers.

You should consider these things when getting a good camera – external flash, land, and sea modes. When you’re underwater, you can encounter many conditions which can affect the picture quality. A good camera allows you to instantly delete a shot after you’ve taken it especially if you are not satisfied. A single button for the operation features allows you to work with ease even when you are underwater. You should also look for other features like good quality and expandable standard lenses, flashes, accessories, etc.

A very good example of a good quality camera that you can use underwater is DX3100 (Aqua Pix) which has 3.1 mega pixels and is fully functional. If you want an effusively amphibious camera, this is an excellent choice. Flooding of cameras and underwater damages are reduced. Most professionals opt for this type of camera.

The lenses of the camera should be appropriate for underwater and land photography. These cameras have meniscus lenses, correction filters built within the camera, macro lenses, and flash diffusers. For good quality shots, multi flash is required. You can even find cameras with 15MB memory that comes with good editing software and complete storage.

Underwater photography may be a challenging venture but if you have the guts and skills to do it, you can pursue this endeavor. Taking close up shots of underwater scenes may be a bit difficult especially if you are not a good diver. You can take shots of corals, conch shell, sea fan, and many other sea creatures. If you can’t get close enough, you will end up with all-blue photos. If you are far away from the subject, you will get a bad shot even if you’re using external flash. The flash can only penetrate about 3 to 4 feet.

Here is a very good rule that you should keep in mind – if you can touch the subject, go ahead and take a shot. When taking pictures, never shoot down; if you’re shooting far from the subject and you’re doing it face down, you will never get the desired shot. Sea creatures have their eyes on the sides so if you shoot down, you can’t capture the personality of the creature.

If you can choose a good camera and you know how to take a good shot, underwater photography will be very easy.

Common problems in Digital photography

Your subject not smiling the moment you clicked the button on that camera is actually the least of your problems when it comes to digital photography. Besides finding it hard to compose your shots, find a great background for your subject or good foreground, looking at one way to declutter your frame, there are a lot of other things that you have to contend with, after the shot has been made. Here are some of them:

1. Underexposed photos
These are the photos that are just too dark, you can not see the subject anymore. All there is to the photo is actually shadows that you don’t really need. This happens when there is not enough light coming into your camera. In layman’s terms, it means that you took the shot at a dark place or one with a low light condition without using the flash. It can also happen if you are standing too far away from the subject or when your shutter speed is too fast, which you can usually adjust with a D-SLR.

2. Red eye
Another problem is the red eyes that you usually see in your subjects. This happens when the light reflects from your cameras flash into your subjects retina. Unlike other problems in digital photography, this is one problem that can sometimes not be avoided. Even professionals encounter these problems. Often, what most photographers do is do away with the flash altogether or if they do not have the choice at all, they can always eliminate the red eye in Photoshop. There are also cameras right now that have the red eye reduction mechanism that helps minimize the occurrence of this problem.

3. Blurred photos
This is often seen in photos that have movements in them. Cameras are very sensitive and the slightest movement can actually create for you blurred images. Another important thing to consider is when you have a problem with a lack of lighting and when your hands cannot remain steady.

Because of this common problem, camera companies have already incorporated an anti-camera shake into their new cameras. This helps minimize the unsteadiness of the hands and also the effect of movement in the photo. Another secret is to find the right timing for the photo. In taking pictures of people in stage plays or in sports competitions, wait for that moment when they are seem frozen in air like when they are taking a shot. This will be less blurred.

When to Use a Filter

Professional photographers have their own filter set together with other camera equipment. Even amateur photographers are learning fast and some of them already have filters whenever they are taking pictures. Do you know what filters are? What are the uses of these filters?

Filters are used to improve recorded images. These are optical and transparent elements that can change light properties entering your camera. If you use filters, certain properties are affected like color, light intensity, highlight flare, sharpness, and contrast. These properties can also be altered with the use of filters.

The filter is placed on the lens and aside from affecting the light properties it also serves as a lens protector. Salt air can affect the lenses but if you have filters, the lenses stay protected. There are also cameras where you can’t use filters unless you have adapters.

Filters can be used both in film and digital cameras. Some digital cameras blow out highlights, but if you are using a filter, you can easily reduce excess contrast. Digital cameras are not UV sensitive and so UV filters will not be of much use to you; if you want, you can use infrared filters instead.

There are different types of filters and you should learn to use the appropriate filter for a particular purpose.

Ultraviolet filters absorb ultraviolet light. Film cameras are sensitive to UV or invisible light. This type of filter is great for taking outdoor pictures especially in elevated places. Without the UV filter, you will find it hard to view the objects that you want to shoot from a distance. Haze is created with the use of UV filters and so distance details are diminished. The absorption levels of UV filters vary and you need to get the appropriate filter that suits your needs.

A natural density filter is used when light intensity is very high. If you need more exposure or if there is a required lens opening, this type of filter can be very useful. This filter can absorb light and you don’t need to change the lens opening or shift colors.

Visible light can be reduced with the use of infrared filters. These filters are great if you are taking pictures in heated places or in the presence of aerial haze.

To enhance color control, reflection, and contrast, you can use polarizing filters; this type of filter follows different principles. The image can have different effects by simply changing alignment. Stronger colors can be created by perpendicular alignment of the filter and the reflected glare. Contrast and color saturation of outdoor photos can be improved through the use of polarizing filters. You can even darken the sky color with this type of filter.

Professional photographers often use optical filters to create different effects. Lively images can be achieved by using optical filters since it provides various features and effects.

If photography is your hobby, you can also use filters to enhance picture clarity. Again, you must keep in mind that filters are available in different types and you should use them appropriately.

Magazines, brochures, and other reading materials boast of beautiful pictures. You are probably unaware that the photos were created with the use of filters and good editing software.

Some filters can create cross and star effects. Star filters can enhance pictures of theme parks, street lights, and glass surfaces reflecting the sun. These photos are hard to shoot but with the filter, image brightness is enhanced. If you’re shooting an individual wearing jewelry, try to use cross filters. With this type of filter, you can create a dramatic effect. For outdoor shots and portraits, you can use a spectral cross filter.

Close up filters are much better than zoom lenses. If you’re taking close up shots, use this type of filter. You can even find macro close up filters which can capture tiny insects and flowers.

If you want to display your subject repeatedly in one photo, you need to use multivision filters. This filter is available in different ranges depending on how many times you want to repeat a subject in one photo.

Now that you know the uses of the different types of filters, you will know when to use them. Get your own filters now.

Digital photography for the novice

Digital photography is not actually as simple as pressing the button and clicking the camera every time your subject smiles. The truth is it involves far more than what you think you can do with a camera and that means you can also do things that you never dreamed possible just as soon as you know the basics in photography and camera handling.

But before you do that, there are things that you should know first about digital photography. One of them is the eye. Just because you have a 20/20 vision does not mean that you will be able to take great photos. Not all people are capable of taking stunning shots. Only some are blessed with what photography enthusiasts and hobbyists call the EYE. The eye means that you instinctively know what will look great in the picture. This calls for good taste and aesthetics. You need to be able to distinguish what is great and what is not.

Although the talent cannot be created, you can at least improve your aesthetics and taste by surrounding yourself with beautiful pictures. You can do this by buying photography books. Look at the photos that photography experts call great photos and you will at least be able to see what is great and not. Soon enough, you will be able to distinguish for yourself what the components are for great photographs. Besides, by looking at great photos all the time, you can train your eye to taking great photos.

Another important consideration is the camera that you will be using. Your camera can help a lot in the photographs that you will be taking. With a good camera, you can at least produce quality pictures even if the shots are not composed as great. Nikon for instance are known for their great colors and clear shots. Canon and Olympus are also brand leaders in the field of photography. Although D-SLRs are often said to be the usual models for professional photography, for beginners, a compact digital camera will do. There are actually a lot models out there in the market that can already compete with a D-SLR when it comes to the clarity and the pixel size. Besides as noted photographers love to say, it is not in the camera that you get stunning photos, it is in the hands of the photographer. A good camera can help but it is you who will create the winning shot.

Digital photography for children

Believe it or not, children can take great pictures if they are taught the basics. As photographers have already known through the years, the eye for digital photography is not exactly taught but innately inside a person. No amount of training, experience or age can supplant a talent that is already there. Thus, children can be great photographers too if they were born with the eye for it. They may even take better photos than older people.

But before they can do that, they first need to educate themselves in taking photos. Just because talent is important does not mean that you don’t have to study. Studying is important because you need to learn the basics first before you can break the rules. Children especially need the training in terms of handling the camera and in using all the other functions on the digital camera.

There are actually a lot of workshops out there that are already catering to children. Enthusiasts and hobbyists have influenced their kids to also love the lens and these children are the avid students of digital photography. Some workshops will even have themes where parents and children work in tandem. This is a great way of not only learning digital photography but also a bonding time for them.

Children are actually pretty easy to teach. Contrary to popular opinion, they are malleable and more able to absorb lessons easily. That means lessons will be better used. Also, children do not have egos yet. That means that whatever you teach, they will listen to and follow. This is unlike older people who need to think of an idea first or become dubious of it before they can actually follow what is stated in the lessons.

Another advantage that kids have when it comes to being new in the photography field is their enthusiasm. Children have so much energy and when they like something, they will be able to focus on that task and spend all their days perfecting their craft. Besides, with nothing else to do but play, they can do more productive things with digital photography.

So don’t discount yet the photos that your kids can bring into the table during family getaways and outings. If they are only entrusted with a camera and taught the basics, they can get away with their first few photos. You’ll even marvel at how great they are.

Digital photography for the newcomer

Digital photography is not really all that hard but neither is it easy. When you are just starting with it, you need the basics in order to be able to at least start taking good photographs. At this time, you are just going through some easy paths. It is when you really get serious and entertain the thoughts of making it into the professional level that it becomes difficult. Here are some tips on how to survive being a newcomer in digital photography.

1. Buy the equipment
If you are really serious with the craft, don’t just settle for the second hand, buy a new one. Let me remind you though that it can be expensive. If however you want to try it out first and you are not yet sure if you will be able to like the field, then it is best that you first borrow the equipment and take practice shots. That way, if you lose the interest, you will not have invested in the equipment.

Why is it important to buy a new one as opposed to an old one? Like many gadgets, frequent use can lessen the quality of the performance of a camera. Older cameras that are frequently used are more prone to blurriness than a new one. It will also help if you can start with a new camera and get your hands used to the feel of the gadget.

2. Leaf through magazines and photography books
If you really want to improve your shots, you need to first determine which are the good ones and separate them from the bad ones. You can do this by buying lots of photography books, not the self-help type, and magazines. These are mediums that contain wonderful photos that you can immerse in. You can also go to photography exhibits and see how established photographers have taken shots that you yourself have been trying to do.

At first, you will be using their angles and their styles, whether consciously or unconsciously, but as you gain your footing, you will be able to find your own voice and see what you can do using your own style. Many photographers have started this way and later settled for the styles that they have become known for.

3. Take lessons
Take time to learn about digital photography. Enroll in a class or in a workshop. Buy a self-help book.

Digital photography on the beach

When you are on the beach, all you want to do aside from going for a swim is to take photos of the scenery as well as the people that you are with. But look at the shots that you have compiled over the years, don’t you find the same boring shots that you have done the previous years? It’s like cloning the shots with an entirely different set of subjects and background but the same composition and poses.

To make your beach shots unique and interesting, you have to make sure that you find things that you feel will stand out in your photo. So how do you do this? Here are some ideas that you can use for your next beach album. Happy clicking!

1. Look at the little things
The smallest things that are often not noticed by people are the usually more interesting. For one reason, it is not usually part of photos and for another, it is not usually seen as something worthy to take pictures of. But making what is small and insignificant into something big and important in your photo is the contrast that you need to make your photo very interesting.

Look for instance a shell that has a hermit crab inside it. Take photos of the sand and how the patterns are made when the sea sweeps against it. Take a shot of your footprint on the sand or maybe a dried coconut washed ashore. How about a coin dropped by someone or a bottle with a message inside? There are many things that you can take picture of that are not your usual subjects. Go beyond your horizon and see what your imagination and creativity can come up with.

2. Candid shots
Fire squad, all smiling shots are just boring. Although this is great for albums and family reunions, it can get tedious when done all the time, every year in fact. Take shots of your family when they are not looking. Candid shots are great in exposing your subjects personality and character.

3. Action shots
The beach is a place for fun and games and one way you can make your shots interesting is to make sure that you take shots of people doing things, playing volleyball, swimming, sunbathing. The more movement, the more interesting. Make sure though that your camera can capture the movement so you will not end up taking blurred photos. This happens often when the subject is moving.