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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7 Types of Trick Photography and Special Effects

With all of the different photo editing software and applications readily available today, it is easier than ever to add great special effects and trick photography illusions to your favorite photos to give them an "otherworldly" appeal.

Several other stunning effects can be achieved by making adjustments to shutter speed. By using these tips even the most amateur photographer can make their photos look professional.

 

Tip # 1: Light Painting Techniques

By reducing the shutter speed on your camera and using it in a night setting along with a flashlight, you can create some really interesting and cool special effects.
Simply wave the flashlight around, aiming it at the subject of the photograph, as well as occasionally aiming it directly at the camera lens. What you will end up with will appear as if the light is painted throughout the photo.

Tip #2: Light Drawing Techniques

Light drawing is similar to light painting, but differs because the design is more specific.
Keep the camera about fifteen feet away from the subject and set the shutter speed to around 30 seconds. Using a flashlight, or other light source, begin making your pattern or design.
If you are drawing something simple such as a basic shape, you may wish to go over the pattern several times. If it is more complicated, stick to going over the pattern only one time fairly slowly to get the desired effect.

Tip #3: Using Flash Stencils in Photography

Using a flash stencil in your photos will give you a cool special effect. For this, you will need a box, a piece of sturdy white paper on which to make a stencil, or a pre-made stencil, and an external flash source for light.
Cut an area out of the box so that you can place your stencil in it. Tape the stencil into place. Then, on one side of the box, cut a hole just large enough for your external flash to fit into. This will cause the flash to illuminate the stenciled area.
Set your shutter speed to around 30 seconds, and then move about within the area you would like the stenciled image to appear. Remember not to stand too still or stay in any one spot too long, or partial images of your body may end up in the photo along with the stencil.

Tip #4: Motion Blur Effects

Motion blur images are one of the most popular of types of trick photography and special effects available. To capture the essence of motion, while at the same time having a subject in the photo appear focused, there are a few tricks you can use.
One option is to freeze the entire image by shooting with a shutter speed of about one thousandth of a second. Another way to achieve motion blur is to pan your subject, following them while everything else around you continues to move. Another option is to have the subject remain still as you focus on them and things blur past around them.

Tip #5 Double Exposure Special Effects

When attempting a double exposure effect, two slightly underexposed images must be taken. These images will then be combined to create one double exposure image.
The superimposed images will overlap in the finished product, so try to get them to match so that everything looks uniform and natural, aside from the subject matter that you desire to look slightly unnatural and stands out.

Tip #6 HDR Photo Effects

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and involves taking one or a series of images and combining or adjusting them after processing. Typically, this works by using three images of the exact scene, all taken using different shutter speeds.
Using special software, you can then combine these images to enhance the highlights and details, such as shadows. This helps the photographer to achieve the full effect of the scene as the naked eye would actually see it.
Tip #7 The Bokeh Effect
As the last of our list of 7 types of trick photography and special effects, this one can be achieved by using a DSLR camera and large aperture settings. Set the camera to A or AV mode and to use a low f-number (lower f-stop = larger aperture) to obtain a shallow field depth.
Using a fixed focal lens will also help in creating the Bokeh effect. Keeping the subject very close to the lens and the background as far away as possible works to create the most effective Bokeh shot.
There is also good news for the point and shoot camera user, as photo effect programs and even downloadable apps for an iPhone or other mobile device are available to give you the Bokeh effect without all the extra work or special equipment.
All of these methods will give you the soft, circling patterns of light that Bokeh is known for.

Conclusion

Many of these methods of trick photography can be achieved by simply adjusting the shutter speed. The shutter controls how much light is allowed into the camera, which can greatly effect how the photograph is exposed, as well as the ultimate outcome of the shot.
It is important to keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money to make your ordinary photographs look extraordinary.

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

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Trick Photography Ideas - Producing Unique and Special Photographs

Trick Photography Importance
In order to sustain the competition and stand apart from the rest of the crowd, you will have to produce frames that are unique and special. This can be easily achieved with the help of trick photography ideas. Trick photography along with the right mix of special effects can create amazing photos.

Following are certain tips and ideas that will help you create outstanding photographs:

 

Understanding the Light:

In order to understand the trick photography and use of special effects that can be incorporated into a photograph, you should know the potential your camera and most importantly understand the light and its impact on the photographs. We all know that no photographer under the sun can take photographs in utter darkness. Though understanding light is the most difficult part of photography, it is the most important as well.

Creating the Right Mood:

Once you understand the light and its impact on a photograph, you will be able to create the right mood out of your subject using the right lighting effects. All great photographers are the ones who have captured the photos when mood right. You have to understand that the light can be harsh, soft or cool and you have to make use of the right lighting effect to make your picture look alive.

Trick Photography Techniques - Light Paintings or Drawings:

Just as we use different kind of illumination such as back lit, side lit, etc to get the desired texture, light paintings or drawings are taken by manipulating the source of light which in turn produces different effects. This all may seem easy to read but is difficult to master. Once you master this technique, you can take pictures that are unbelievably awesome and brilliantly deceptive. As a starter you might want to take pictures of the people drawing their names in the dark using a light and then slowly become creative.

Understand The True Potential Of Your Camera:

People who understand the true potential of their camera often take better pictures than others. Understanding you camera includes knowing the shutter speed of the camera and controlling it. The shutter speed determines how much light that you are letting in while capturing a photo. You should also understand the function of the aperture which controls the width of the hole in the lens. Using aperture if you are able to let the right amount of light into the sensor, you are bound to get a good result.

Take Levitation Photos:

Taking levitation photos is a one of those trick photography ideas that allows you to take the pictures of the people, pets, etc while they are on the fly. These photographs are taken instantly when the act is being performed and later with the help of the special effects available, you can personalize these photos which can be highly deceptive and original.

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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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Top Tips For Better Digital Photos

When an amateur photographer first discovers the fantastic photos that they can take with their digital camera, there is often no stopping them from taking snapshots of everything that they can. However, there are some techniques that the professionals use in order to make sure that they capture the perfect image, and the novice can do well to learn these 'tips of the trade.'



Focus On The Main Object

When trying to capture the perfect image, you really need to make sure that you are focusing the viewer's attention on the person or object that you wanted to capture in the first place. Many amateurs make the mistake of trying to cram as much into their pictures as possible, but the trick here is to remember the phrase, 'less is more', because a photo that has a lot going on in it can detract the eyes of the people looking at the photo, to elsewhere rather than on the main subject. Secondly, you do not always have to make sure that the main subject or item is centered in the frame; this is a rule that has been around for as long as people have been taking photos, however, this is not always the best solution and sometimes the best photos have the main object off center.

Get as Close as You Can

There are many digital cameras on the market that are coming with powerful zoom lenses, and although these can be great fun to use, you can lose a bit of the clarity of the picture when using zoom and this especially applies to digital zoom rather than optical zoom. The thing to remember is, if you can get close to the subject then do so, try to avoid using the zoom if the option is there to get closer to the object. Also one thing that makes a good photo, is when you can draw the viewer into the photograph with a well placed item, such as a road or fence or even a doorway that gives the impression of being in the picture.

Don't Get Left in The Dark

It is no good following the above tips if you do not get the most important thing right from the beginning, and that is light. You will probably not have access to professional lighting so you are going to have to make good use of the available light as well as the flash that comes with your digital camera.

 

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