Digital Photography Tip #1: Don’t Assume that Your Digital Camera Can Do All The Works!

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.”

Software For Digital Cameras - Select Your Own Photo Editing Software

Today a lot of people are using digital camera as a means to achieve better and quality photos. Yet sometimes we have to admit the fact that we really don't get the perfect image that we want. Because of the existence of the digital photography software, we can now have the ability to modify and edit the photos to get the perfect image we want.



To give you some examples, below is a list of the digital photography software you can use and are made available in the market.



Adjustment of graphics/photos



Infran View. With this software program you can alter the graphics at the same time crop and cut your graphics, produce slideshows and even enhance your graphics. All these features in one simple and free software program. This is also perfect for group processing.



Image Force. This is a free software program with editing and painting tools. This tool has an image editor and will let you transfer images from digital cameras and scanners. It is also best used for modifying, sending and printing you photos. Though this is a complicated program, you can be sure you'll have quality output.



Kodak EasyShare Freeware. This is widely used for modifying, sharing and even printing your photos. This is great for amateurs since it is easier to use.



PhotoFilter. This is a simple software program. Though it has limited features, it is elegant in a way that it has a user interface and lots of image adjustments buttons, effects and filters.



VCW Photo Editor. This free version of graphic editor provides lots of editing and painting features and tools such as, text tool, color replacement, gradients, editing in any scales, selections by region or color, special effects, etc. You can also upgrade to a higher version for a better features.



Picasa. This is a freeware from google. This software has the ability to share and edit all your photos saved on your PC. The good thing about this digital photography software is that it instantly sets all the images and then sorts them by album with date on each folder. This would help you recognize all the pictures. You simply drag and drop to organize your albums as well as to create labels on each album. Moreover, Picasa like other software has the ability to share and send your pictures through uploading them in your emails, and blogs.



Serif Photo Plus. This digital photography software includes features such as, editable text, image slicing, export optimizer, image maps, smart shapes, selection tools and other image enhancement tools. Its current version is now available for free online, but you can order a CD, with a shipping charge.



ADG Panorama Version 5.0. Like other software programs, Panorama also lets you share your photos easily and generate them quickly. It has added features that embed, edit and publish 360 degrees of interactive panoramic composition directly on the web. This software is internet dependent.



Picture Shark. This freeware allows you to "inscribe" visible text or logos on the photos. Additional features includes: The Wizard user interface; the capacity to of produce real watermarks; it also has a feather that create edges between the picture and the stamp, to make the image smarter; and its support any image format.



These are some few of the available digital photography software. As a digital photographer, you can always play with your image. Put some creativity and don't be afraid to explore. Practice and research more on the software program that you think would work best.

Digital Photography Review

Do not miss digital photography reviews as something not worth your time. Contrary to what you may think, you will get a lot of relevant ideas from reading these reviews. In the end, they will help you a lot in your digital photography wants and needs.



Over the years, digital photography has taken over the world of picture-taking and snapshots. It is the very same reason why there are now a lot of real-life photos for people to enjoy.



The need to have photos taken digitally comes from the need to do away with films and other hassles brought about by shooting photos. Not only that, the expenses that used to pile up when buying films and having them developed is also erased.



To be able to keep up with the shift to digital photography, more and more digital cameras and printers have sprung. It seems that what seems to be the most advanced feature today will be outsmarted by another in a few months time. This is the reason why people are always on the lookout for digital photography reviews. This is where they get to read about the latest and where they get the option of what they should have next.



What are some of the reasons why people embraced digital photography so warmly?



1. No film required.



This is probably the primary reason people would rather buy digital cameras even if they cost as much as 5 times more than the conventional film camera. After the initial money spent, there would be no need to buy films over and over again so that they can take pictures.



Without films, you do not have to fear that they will run out any minute. This is especially if you have to take some shots only to find that you do not have film left. With digital cameras, you can take as many pictures as you want as long as your camera has a large memory.



Not only that, days of waiting for the pictures to be developed is definitely out of the question. You can print the photos yourself in the comfort of your home.



2. Easy to carry.



Digital photography cameras are lightweight and they are getting smaller and smaller every year. You can expect manufacturers to come up with additional features that will make photo taking much easier.



Now, you can do away with handbags to carry your camera anywhere. You also do not have to bring camera accessories anywhere you go because one digital camera is all you need to take great pictures all day.



3. Instant edit and delete.



Not satisfied with the way the photo was taken? No problem. All you have to do is edit them before you have them printed.



In addition, you have the capability of deleting unwanted shots even before they are printed. This certainly saves you time and resources since you get to choose the photos you want to have on your album. The initial amount of money you have paid for the digital camera is worth it once you realize the minimal expenses you need to pay in the developing and printing.



These are enough reasons why you should shift to digital photography. Not sure yet if you want one? Try reading digital photography reviews and be convinced.

How To Select a Printer for Digital Photography

Although digital technology allows people to display and store their images using various media which are reputed to last for centuries, there's still something to be said for having an actual photograph in your hands. Displaying digital images using various types of high-tech equipment can be a bit expensive. Because of this, many people still prefer to showcase their digital images using the conventional picture frame. For this reason, many people like buying printers for digital photography.



Because of the demand for digital photography printers, many companies are scrambling to build products. Each company produces a different kind of digital photography printer and then goes all out in proclaiming it to be the best. Isn't it just frustrating? Imagine for a moment, that you were a person who wanted to buy a new digital photography printer. To make things easier for you, you decide to choose the best one available. So you go into the store and tell the person at the counter that you want the best digital photography printer available. And then you get hit by this question: what do you mean?



What, indeed, does the term "best" mean when you are selecting a digital photography printer? As with most of things in this life, the term "best" is relative. What's best for you may not be the best for somebody else. In order to minimize your confusion, here are some standards you should use:



1) Cost – many people actually try to choose the best digital photography printer based on the cost. Of course, most people will claim that quality is expensive. Hence, the most expensive thing on the store must have the highest quality. Others define "best" as being the cheapest. They believe that if they find the lowest-priced digital photography printer available, they would have found the best product for them.



It is important to remember, however, that companies often take customer psychology into account when they are pricing items. Some deliberately price items low in order to encourage sales. Others deliberately price items low in order to give buyers a sense of prestige.



2) Design – some people go by the looks when they are choosing a digital photography printer. Because of this, many companies today hire top-notch artists and designers. People want equipment that looks good. They want to buy a digital photography printer that lets them express themselves through its sleekness and overall appearance.



Design isn't all about looks. Design is also about function. Many companies today design their digital photography printers to be more appealing functionally to people. They often design digital photography printers to be compact in order to encourage people who, today, think that small is always better.



3) Features – nowadays, people want a digital photography printer that does everything. This is understandable; of course, since having such equipment means that you have to do less work. Many people today like to buy digital photography printers which only need human supervision once every century. Some of the digital photography printers available today are so packed with features that it is actually very surprising that they don't make lunch as well. Oh well, whatever floats your boat.



Just remember, however, that sometimes having fewer features can be an advantage. This is especially true if you are looking for a digital photography which can perform one function well. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Digital Photography Lighting - How To Get 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.

This Is Why You Should Switch To Digital Cameras

With the entry of digital cameras, photography has never been so exciting.



Today, there are varieties of digital cameras to choose from already. Whether you shop either at the department store or online stores, you will see lots of them. Different digital cameras offer different features and capabilities. This is the reason why choosing one is getting more and more difficult. Once you see what each have to offer, you will obviously have a hard time deciding which one to buy.



One of the usual mistakes that people commit when buying their own digital camera is to be enticed by what the advertising mediums have to say about them. By the time they own that camera, they will realize that they are not as good as they first thought it is. It would then be too late to return it and opt for another kind.



Keep in mind that getting a digital camera should take a lot of consideration. Just like buying a car, you have to consider all aspects since this is one thing that you want to work well and would want to have for a long time.



Below are some of the things that will aid you in your decision making process before buying a digital photography camera?



1. The cost.



Ok, so you wanted the latest canon digital camera out in the market. But are you ready to shed the needed amount of money for it?



Cost is a big factor when buying digital camera. It is obvious that the best camera comes with a price. And your budget may not exactly encompass its high cost.



This is not saying that cheap ones are not as good. There are those that you can get for a reasonable price and still works just as well as an expensive one. You need to shop around for the best deal first before you decide on one. Better yet, you can save up on that expensive camera that you wanted all along.



2. The purpose.



Will you be using the camera to shot your family members? Or are you planning to shoot some good photos worthy of a professional?



By knowing what use your digital camera will have, it would be easier to determine the type of digital camera to buy. If you buy a simple one that can be used at home, you will not get the capabilities that you need if you plan on taking really good photographic pictures. On the other hand, it would be a waste of your money if you have the latest digital camera only to be used for personal photos at home.



3. The durability.



Since digital camera is more expensive than the conventional film cameras, you definitely would want something that will stay durable for a long time. You want something that will last even through rough handling and seasons.



If you happen to purchase a typical digital camera you may want to buy some accessories to protect it from scratches and damage. It is best however to get one that is known to have a good quality and durability.



Get the best value out of the money that you will pay for a digital photography camera. Think hard about these important factors first so you will get it right the first time.

How To Mastering Digital SLR Cameras

There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.



Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:



1.) Categories of a camera



Cameras can be grouped into:



a. ultra compact – no flash mode

b. prosumer or compact – for hobbyists

c. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professionals



If you want to master the art of photography, it is suggested that you master using the third category. Models that fall under this category are priced for their resolution, among other things.



2.) Mega pixels



Mega pixels can be classified into:



a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshots

b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels – images have good print quality

c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made



3.) Zoom



A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:



a. optical zoom factor – what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lens

b. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image



Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.



4.) Storage media



These are the some common storage formats:



a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)

b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)

c. Smart Media



Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels



5.) Carrying case



You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.



6.) Tripod



Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.



7.) Lenses and 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.



Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:



1. Holding the camera



You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.



2.) Focusing



To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.



You may also use a tripod for better focusing.



3.) Previewing



Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.



4.) Archiving



Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.

Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!