How to Do Trick Photography Like a Pro

Trick photography can be done using a number of tools such as camera, special lenses, digital photo editor, and tripod stand, among others. It all depends on what trick you want to do, and the nature of the image.
Here are some popular trick photography techniques you can use:

HDR Photography: HDR stands for High Dynamic High Range photography. This technique combines several photos into a single photo to increase the photo's dynamic range. Increasing the photo dynamic range will allow you to make the highlights and shadows more visible in a photograph. Digital SLR cameras can only contain so much information until the brightness and darkness levels exceed what it can record, so in order to get a wider visible range of shadows and highlights, we need to "bracket" (take multiple photos on a tripod that vary in brightness) and then combine them on the computer. HDR uses digital imaging software like Photoshop, HDRsoft's Photomatix Pro, and HDR photo studio to create highly dynamic images. However, it is not advisable to overdo HDR because the photos may look cheesy.
Shaped Bokeh: We know that the classic bokeh look of the dreamy blotchy circles in the background of an image taken from lenses with large apertures is very appealing and pleasing to the eye, but shaped bokeh will bring it to another whole new level. This is an excellent way to emphasize a certain theme in your photograph. Not too many people take the time to do this stuff, so your photos will definitely stand out against the crowd.
Forced Perspective: This mind-twisting trick can be done right in-camera with no photo editing software. For these shots, all you have to do is carefully align the camera in front of your model until they appear to be interacting with something behind them. If possible try to use the smallest aperture possible in order to increase the depth of field so everything is in focus.
Upside-Down Reflections: This is a classic trick that always comes out interesting. If you ever see a pond, lake, reservoir or puddle, turn your camera upside down and zoom in to get a close crop of the reflection. You will usually want the focus point to be on the reflection and not the actual water surface, but you may try experimenting with both. This produces a surreal effect. Note: It will help if the main subject is well illuminated for the reflection to be visible.
Infrared Photography: Another trick photography technique is infrared photography. This works with modified digital sensor or film that captures images in black and white or coloured images. The special sensor uses the infrared spectrum to give the image false colours or give them black and white effect. For instance, you can have an infrared photography where trees become white while the sky becomes black
Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails: Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails is another trick photography technique that is used to create an impression of movements in a photo. This effect is sometimes referred to as slow sync. This effect may seem complicated to produce especially if your camera's flash control settings cannot be adjusted. Generally, slow sync is achieved by adjusting the flash control settings in the SLR.
Other trick photography techniques include levitation photography, tilt shift miniature photography, and long exposure (light painting) photography. Learning all these techniques is not difficult so long as you can learn them from an experienced photographer or online.

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Learn Digital Photography - Shooting Photos for Facebook

One of the things that really irritates me is the number of out of focus and downright terrible photos people post to Facebook. I know that photography is all about creating memories but really, do you want to show just how bad your photos are? So why are so many bad images posted to Facebook? The answer is simple, the point-and-shoot phenomenon. People point and shoot before they think. It's not the type of camera or cellphone but rather the type of person.
So, how can people take better images for posting to Facebook and other social media sites. Follow these simple steps for immediate improvement to your photo taking abilities.
 
1. Think about the lighting

When taking an image have a look at your lighting. Firstly, make sure that there is enough light to take a photo. I know sometimes this is not possible but consider it carefully before you shoot. Secondly, look where the light is coming from. Unless you are trying for a specific effect never place the light behind your subject. The camera will always focus and meter off the brightest area of a scene so your subject will be dark and indistinct. Rather shoot with the light coming from behind the camera over the shoulder of the photographer. Good images need good lighting to get a good exposure.

2. Use your feet

Sometimes it's more important to use your feet before your head. Use them to get in closer. Most of the time photos are being taken with cellphones or point n shoots with either no optical zoom or very little. So the subjects are little blips in the photo. Get close to your subject and fill the frame so your see more of the person or object. Don't use digital zoom as it degrades the image. Try it out and see which image you prefer. I like to see more of the memory I am making rather than all the clutter around scene.

3. Change your angle

Ninety percent of images are shot from in front of the subject approximately 5 feet (1.5m) above the ground. They all look the same, just different people. Change your angle so that you shoot from either low down or high up. Move around from your left to your right so that you aren't directly in front of your subjects. Turn your camera at a forty five degree angle or hold it high above your head or at your waist. Digital photography allows you to review quickly and see if it works.

4. Think outside the box

Try to come up with a composition that is out of the ordinary. Be creative and take time to think about what you are going to shoot before pressing the shutter button. Look at the scene and ask yourself if you have seen a picture like this before. If you have then try another composition or angle. The key is to experiment.

5. Review your images

Before uploading to Facebook, review the images you've taken. Look through them and delete or remove the ones that you aren't totally happy. Rather upload 10 good images than 50 average or bad ones. A little time taken to ask yourself whether you are proud of the image will ensure that your photo gallery stands out from the rest.
 
The bottom line is to learn digital photography and apply it so that you become a photographer and not just a picture taker. A little bit of thought and putting into practise some basic photographic principles will help you create images that you can be proud of. Facebook is there to showcase your images so try to upload only your best ones. Just because people aren't making funny comments about them doesn't mean they aren't thinking them.

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Learn Digital Photography - 3 Lenses Essential to a Photographer's Bag

I am presupposing that you have a standard kit lens that came with your DSLR and it has a zoom with a range of 18-55mm as most do. The lenses listed below would be additions to your kit zoom.

1. The nifty fifty or 50mm f1.8
Despite the fact that most cameras come with a zoom kit lens in the range of 18-55mm, I always advise buying a camera body and choosing the lens that most suits you. The kit lenses that come with a camera are most times of dubious quality. In order to keep the entry level cost down an inexpensive lens needs to be sold with the camera. So why is the 50mm prime lens a first choice? Firstly, it's a better build quality lens than the kit lens and secondly, it's reasonably priced. What I like about it is the f1.8 aperture. This gives you the option of shooting in low light conditions with such a wide aperture and the depth of field at f1.8 is great. You don't really need the kit zoom lens because at this focal lengths you can use your feet to zoom in or out.
2. An all-purpose zoom in the range of 70-300mm
Most photographers want the ability to zoom despite the fact that in most situations you can use your feet unless of course you are shooting snakes, crocodiles or lions. This is a useful lens for an amateur photographer especially with the crop factor on most DSLRs that aren't full frame. This can give you an extra 60% when zooming and it brings the 300mm focal length to the equivalent of 480mm which is useful when shooting wildlife such as birds. There are a number of quality lenses in this range at reasonable prices. Remember that the quality of the glass is important and you will always get what you pay for.
3. A wide angle lens in the 17-85mm range
Wide angle lenses are great if you're into landscape photography or need to shoot indoors where space is limited. Again the quality of the glass is going to be important especially when you are shooting in close confines. The reason I place this as the third in my list is that most beginners don't really find a wide angle lens an essential part of their kit. It's a more specialist lens but if you can afford one it's great to have it in your bag.
It would be great to be able to buy all three of these lenses with your camera but most of us aren't able to do this. Use these three choices as a guideline for growing your kit. They aren't set in stone so if you want to get a zoom first and then a 50mm it's up to you. Or if you know that you really love landscape photography then start with a wide angle.

These are my suggestions based on my experience and the photos I enjoy shooting so yours might vary. Once you have these lenses in your bag you can find what you really enjoy and buy a specialist lens for that particular genre. Remember the quality is in the glass so look at whatever lens you buy as an investment in your photographic future. Happy shooting!

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Learn Digital Photography - Portrait Photography Tips

Learn Digital Photography - Portrait Photography Tips
Portrait photography was once the realm of the professional portrait photographer but now most amateur photographers can shoot a reasonable selection of portraits without much experience. This is because digital allows you to review your images immediately and make any colour or lighting corrections. So how can the average amateur take good quality portrait photos. Here's how.
The bottom line for any budding portrait photographer is good basic photography gear. If you have this then you are on your way to good images.
 
1. Relax your subject

The difference between a professional portrait photographer and an amateur can be seen immediately by how relaxed the subject is in the photo. Experienced photographers will put a subject at ease very quickly. Without the ability to do this you won't progress much further in your portrait photography. So take the time to master this before attempting any shooting of your subject. This can be done by an informal chat before the shoot, allowing a child the freedom to play with interesting toys or just playing around with your camera and allowing the person to shoot some images of you or the surroundings. Develop your own techniques to relax them that work for you and your subject. There is one problem though, if you aren't a people person you are going to struggle in this field as it is focused people. So, either find a way to become more outgoing or choose another genre of photography.
2. Use props
This can be a contentious issue as some photographers don't like using props. I say whatever works, use it. The bottom line is that you want a great image at the end of the shoot and however you do it is okay. Now, it will be difficult to keep a supply of props for every kind of person so doing a bit of research prior to a shoot is essential. Ask the subject to bring in their favourite things, work or play items or just something that they'd like in the image. Children make this easy as they always have something that they are interested in or like. Before you jump to conclusions, these are not to be included in all the photos and perhaps none of them. They are there to relax your subject and get them in the zone. Of course some may be really appropriate like an Ipod for a teenager or a book for an elderly person. One of the best personal portraits I ever shot was of my elderly grandmother looking up from the cowboy book she was reading.

3. Change your perspective

By simply changing the position you are shooting from will create a different image altogether. Don't be afraid to vary your height or angle. Shoot from low down looking up. With children you need to get down to their level and make sure that the camera is at the same level as their eyes and they are looking directly into it. So often images of kids are taken from above their eye level and they are just not as effective so remember this point.

4. Get in closer

We all tend shoot from too far away and rely on zooms. By shooting just part of a subject's face you immediately change the whole character of the image. Eyes of course are the most effective as they are the window to the soul, as the old adage goes. Remember that portraits are shot to make memories and a closer image allows you to see more of the person which is important years in the future.

5. Lighting

I can't even begin to scratch the surface of this subject as books are written every year on lighting. What I would recommend is that you get a good flash with a diffuser to break down any harsh lighting. Reasonably priced lighting kits are available for the beginner so explore online and in your local photography shops for entry-level gear. And, don't be afraid to explore natural lighting, another huge subject.
These are just a few tips that if put into practise properly and regularly will help you achieve a level of excellence very quickly. Happy shooting!

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Digital Photography: 5 Essential Tips

It is always good to check out for the most current photography guidelines and tutorials whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field of photography.
Many individuals take fantastic photographs without trying hard. However, to do this consistently most people will need guidance and advice from time to time. No matter how experienced photographer you are you never stop learning. In fact the more experienced you are the more you know this to be true.
These digital photography tips are vital to amateur and professional photogrpahers alike. Point and shoot cameras are increasing in popularity, camera phones are everywhere and DSLRs are coming down in price as the technology becomes cheaper by the day.
All of these cameras are easy to manoeuvre, very convenient and produce extraordinary shots especially if used well. Pay close attention to these guidelines and you will be well-resourced to capture photo-worthy events.

 
 
Below are 5 essential digital photography tips.

Tip #1 Find a point of Attention

To produce great pictures, you should look for a point of concentration that is an area where the viewer's eye is usually first dawn to. The problem normally arises when a picture is congested with subjects. At times, it can be complicated to select just one focal point, particularly in group settings or candid shots. However, settling on one will really pay off. Therefore, when taking pictures, it is advisable to ensure that you find the point of focus.

Tip #2 Fill the Frame

Sometimes, people choose a point of interest and photograph it from a distance so that the subject is enclosed by tons of boring and open space. This can be awesome especially when done appropriately but particularly if you are a beginner photographer, you will want to fill the frame up by getting a little closer.

Tip #3 Move Closer for Natural Zoom

Many digital cameras particularly high-end ones have excellent zoom features. However, you should not rely entirely on these zoom features. If you can move closer physically, that is good. Being closer will produce a much crisper and stunning effect compared to standing back and just zooming in. Zooming should only be an option if you are taking photos from a location that calls for it.

Tip #4 Understand White Balance

A number of digital cameras usually have white balance settings. The settings are there to fight unnatural or obstinate lighting and make colors in the picture as attractive and accurate as possible. The cameras settings are a bit self-explanatory; for example, your digital camera perhaps has a sunny or cloudy setting. You should not be afraid to use these.

Tip #5 Use a Tripod

The last but probably the most important tip for a beginner wanting to improve their photography. It is fairly simple to get your hands on a decent tripod. Therefore, you should consider investing in one as soon as possible. Once you've shot with a tripod you will never look back. Even with anti-shake technology there is a marked difference between hand held shots and tripod shots. Especially if the camera is not super high quality. Tripods exist for point and shoot and camera phones too.

These are some of the 5 essential digital photography tips. For beginners however, you should try standing at a different angle every time you are capturing pictures. It might be your only chances to capture that specific picture, thus, do your best.

Eric Cross is a budding photographer who balances his time taking photographs with time spent writing about taking photographs.

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