How to Use a Digital Camera : How To Take Night Photos

Learn all about great night photography using the tips and techniques in thisfree photography video. Expert: Chris C. Conklin Bio: Chris Conklin has three college degrees and is a world traveler. He has retired from the USAF and is following his entertainment and photography passions full time. Filmmaker: Chris Conklin

With the space in your Photos - Digital Photography Tips

Digital photography has many different components to it. There are the technical components and the composition of parts. And in those parts of composition, there is another part ... the room. The space is something that is all or nothing when a photo can be used. You can use it a lot better shots. This article will show, digital photography tips on dealing with space on the right.

What are these different types of space?

There is, first off, negative space. This in itselfis the whole space around the subject that you get a picture of himself. All photos have a negative space. Many people believe that the space around the subject as unimportant, but that's wrong. Use the negative right can make a lot more interesting shots.

For example, take the most pictures of people and isolate the issue on a blank background. This makes the recording simple and compositionally sound. However, it is a blank background, no more sense to take the picture. It does not in anyTo help in defining the message and the concept of the photo.

Negative space can really make a lot more shots. Proper use of this point, you can transform your pictures much more powerful and captivating. For example, if you pray a photo of a person behind a plain background, it is then look good. However, the topic into the balance a war field, or a church and the surrounding area adds more meaning.

Positive space is also important. This is the area that includes the topicInterest. You can use many of the body or a little. With a photo, which is overwhelmingly positive about the distance will be seen much closer and intimate to make. A shot with little positive space is the issue look less important and less powerful.

The area of your photo is very strong. Practice and you will see that this is true.

Tips for a successful night or low-light photography

Twilight is a magical time.

Just because the sun is down, does not mean you should put your camera.

When the sun goes down, another world exists, is looking for photographers. Colors are not displayed, as they do in daylight.

Instead, the display colors on the camera's white balance setting and how this setting corresponds to the different light sources on the scene.

Background less distracting.

Street lights and lit interiors give you outlinesand shapes in different colors.

The chances are not everything in your scene is lit. So what you in your viewfinder is much what you get when you close portray carefully and well.

People in the scene, no matter how much unless you want them. Not to let passers-by to register in your image.

Even if they do, they are a blur when you "freeze them" with flash.

Cars show up as traces of red and yellow lights. Skies take the color or the aura of the city lightsespecially if it reflects low-lying clouds.

Compared to other subjects, night photography does not require a whole range of devices. The following needs:


A steady tripod
a cable release to trip the shutter. Most people can be with the self. The key is to not shake the camera when the shutter button.
a flashlight illuminate the knobs and controls of the camera.
optional - a portable flash with lots of batteries

Youpretty much get what you see in the viewfinder.

You do not need to try to shed some light, unless you include a person to take care of the picture. But I'll discuss that later.

The various elements in your picture even lights up only to relieve you of your composition and exposure to concentrate.

Fountains prone to spots and colored lights on them, Christmas trees are never shown in public without bright lights and beautiful and majestic architecture inMost urban centers are usually brightly lit up shows a city pride.

Go set up as follows:


Change the ISO on your camera to 1600 or whatever is the maximum number.
If you have a digital SLR, connect the longest focal length lens on the camera and take a light reading. The idea is to use the narrower field of view, so that your Luxmeters you can give a more accurate light reading. If you spot meter reading mode on the camera, which you will have a similarResult.
Please note the exposure reading in Step 2
Calculate that exposure reading for ISO 200
Switch lenses to a wide angle or even a "normal" focal length lens and make your shot himself. Mount your camera on a tripod.
Pull all the axles on your tripod head so that your camera is not in itself during the exposure.
Finally, the camera to the self-timer mode. Some cameras give you a choice of 2 seconds or 10 seconds. The whole idea is do not want to pushthe camera when you press the shutter button. Leave the camera on his own and 2 seconds should be long enough.

Calculating exposure

Your camera CCD or CMOS light-sensitive makes it easier for you get a light reading.

If you leave your camera at ISO 100 or even 200, your meter could not register a reading, especially when the scene is lit only by moonlight something.

Remember that there are always 3 components of exposure:ISO, aperture and shutter speed. For the sake of our discussion, let's say, if you pointed your camera in step 2 at the scene, your meter recommends 1 / 15 sec at f 2.8 ISO 1600.

If you have not read it yet, then just take my word on this subject. High ISO settings yield images that are very loud. That is the equivalent of grain in the analog or film world.

So what do we do next is figure out equivalent exposure at say ISO 200th How have I come to a shutter speed of 1 / 2 seconds for aSwitched aperture of f2.8 when I ISO-1600-200?

ISO 200 is 3 f-stops less sensitive than ISO 1600. There are 2 options for me to do to achieve the same exposure. Let's examine the first method, leaving the opening of the same at f 2.8 and only changing the shutter speed brings.

That is, I'm just always the time the shutter opens, allowing more light from the same 3 f-stop factor.

So you need to set the shutter speed from1 / 15> 1 / 8> 1 / 4> 1 / 2 sec (calculated from 1 / 15 sec> 1 / 8 sec> 1 / 4 sec> 1 / 2 sec = 3 stops)

Now you have your risk of an aperture of f 2.8, let's say your subject has some depth and you want to be sure, more of which is the focus. You can change your exposure to the aperture, only the figure, leaving the ISO the same at 200th

Let's say you decide to make your picture at f11 will give you more depth of field. Have you re -Increasing the time the shutter is opened in the same ratio or f-stop to get the appropriate exposure. Q11 can in 4 stations or 4 times less light than F 2.8.

So you need to set a shutter speed of a total of 4 seconds. (Counting the aperture settings of f2.8> 4 f> f 5,6 sec> 8.0 f> f 11 = 4 stations)

(Counting the settings of shutter speed 1 / 2 sec> 1 sec> 2 sec> 4 sec = 4 stations).

The second alternative to achieve the sameExposure to the opening of the aperture more light is not always practical, because I use my "fastest" lens, a 50mm f1.4 would be restricted.

Also, the lens has physical limits - the widest aperture f 1.4. The resulting image would still be underexposed by 1 stop. I would need a 50 mm 1.2 lens f buy. Do you have a price? Canon makes one for about $ 1500.

If you have a tripod, you have the luxury of dropping your shutter speed without worrying avoid camera shake.This is often the best choice, because you really do not want to be that images the whole time your largest aperture, whether it is 2.8 g or 1.4.

In these openings, the focus is critical since the depth-of-field is very shallow. If you are working on the creation of a pedestrian bridge and the people in mind as you make the exposure is done, then you may have to wait for a break in the pedestrian traffic.

Easy Photo Taking Tips

Of all the various issues that people great photos. Nothing is so fascinating to us than other people. A good 'people' photograph shows character, emotion and a connection for the viewer. Here are some tips to help you have a large photographs of the people in your life.

Subject Placement. The biggest mistake many photographers make is to try to choose a person on the whole body from head to toe shoot. Do not try this if you need the clothing / uniforms in the recording.Instead, concentrate on the face. The eyes and mouth are the most important features, so start there and work until you have just enough to represent the individual.

Lighting. A standard lighting technique is to position itself in such a way is to let the sun behind him and on one side. This arrangement will shine light on the face of the subject, while the slight angle, producing shadows to illuminate form. A better approach is to the subject in a shady area with a shaded background. UnlikeThe human eye, photographic film can not easily handle bright areas and dark shadows in direct sunlight, so use the shade for a narrow tonal range. Overcast days are usually best for portraits. Use the flash to add light and fill the face in shadow.

Setting the Scene. Try to set-up the camera to wait before their time than men. Help relax your subjects by engaging them in conversation. Get them to laugh or smile with a joke of the day. When shootingChildren, squat, so you shoot at their eye level. Finally, you must be in the shot put, which is, after all, what is the self-timer!

Chase Jarvis TECH: Packing Unit Photography Gear (Basic)

Award-winning photographer Chase Jarvis shows us the advantages and disadvantages, as he packs his photo gear for shoots on locations around the world, and at the end of the road. Whether you are an established and aspiring professional or amateur, you can get some great tips from Chase, including his, what path he traveled with, what bags / packs, he needed as he navigates the airlines and freight companies with his photo equipment in tow.

A Digital Photography Tip - The Secret of Clear Digital Images

Recently I've been getting a lot of questions about clarity. This leads me to the answers about lenses. You know, if you are not a good lens, you still have a good photo usually have.

The reason why I say that is much better than a professional SLR camera or a prosumer point and shoot, because my desire to look "pro" when I make his photos, because the degree of control you have over the photo. You can use the light is so much more control, you can control the exposure and thegeneral aspects of the image. And with that freedom comes the choice to get the clarity of the lens. To win, the ultimate freedom in razor-sharp image, first all you need to know what lens, what does.

Fixed focal length lenses

A fixed focal length lens is a lens that most point and shoot and prosumer cameras is. They are usually an average wide angle lens. There is no such thing as a "mid-range quality" lens. Then, when you compare it with a zoom lens and the two, a fixed focal length, issmaller and often has a greater opening up. That's good, because they work fairly well in low light situations. These lenses seem clearer than zoom lenses. The only problem is that your person or object appear smaller than you want, when you can move in closer.

Zoom Lenses

And what a zoom lens? Without going into too technical details, zoom lenses are often more practical focal lengths for digital photography. There you can get a good angleProspects for completing the frame, for example. These lenses are great if you want to come closer to the recording if it is impossible to get a little closer.

Optical zoom lenses are the best. My advice to you would be completely forgotten, digital zoom. Digital zoom is not a true zoom, in other words, it is not a true reflection of what is there. You only get more noise on the image that you can not actually be processed.

The problem with zoom is that it easily the closer you lose. Theyhave lower openings, and can be difficult even in low light conditions. In some situations it is possible to use the flash, and have adequate lighting, but other times you this because you zoom away from the subject and the flash is only effective within several meters.

There is no general answer to "What lens should I?" The answer is: it depends on what your camera sees and what you can do yourself. But the more one understands what lenses, what, the better you arean informed decision and the right lens for the job.

Best wishes,

Photo Card Picture Taking Tips

Their purpose in mind when the photo. Sometimes you are lucky, and that it would "open shot just right, you want to find to sit on your photo greeting cards. More likely, however, you specifically want to take a picture for your greeting cards. Plan ahead. Make sure everyone is cared for. Avoid images in logo T-shirts and other casual clothing. If you have small children, do the image at a time during the day, if they are not tired and restless. If you are college-age children,Set to include a reminder in your calendar to the picture when they break back home.

Oh, and make sure your camera batteries are charged the night before. (Common errors try: to choose a new camera key on a picture. If you are not familiar with your camera works, you can know a quick "photo-trip" a few days in advance to let you how to operate it.)

Lighting is everything. You can just say, a professional photo on the quality of lighting. CloselyLighting will significantly improve your picture. Do you plan to take your picture in the open, or use a professional photo studio, if you need inside. Avoid using an image in the night. If you are in your home, a picture during the day in a well lit room.

Outdoors, look for even lighting, cloudy days actually work best when the sky is not an important element in your photo. When the sun shines, make sure that it is not directly behind the lighting issues they would likepossible in their faces.

As you make the shot through the viewfinder or LCD monitor on the camera, look for odd or unflattering shadows on your subjects. It is perfectly appropriate to use a flash outdoors to "fill in" hard shadows. If you take a picture like a pro, bring a Mylar sunscreen for your car. Keep it at the feet of the camera back on the photo subjects, aimed to "bounce" light and shade areas to fill the frame.

Good, bright, uniform illuminationto do more than any other factor to look like the photo well. Good lighting makes even the most beautiful, bright, saturated colors for your photo.
Close-up is centered. The camera should be relatively close to your subjects distance not more than 5-7 meters. Resist the temptation to stand way back and "Zoom in." The less is "Zoom" They use shorter and broader point of the camera, and the higher the quality of the image that you will receive. Remember, the "point and shoot" digitalCameras are designed to work best, less than 10 meters from the subject.

If the "composition" of your recording is professional photography experts always suggest that your subject to one or the other, never-center-frame. However, especially for photo cards, you will find that the centering of your family, children or other issues under the will look best. This is an example where a centered shot looks much better than off-center is. Almost every photo card designAvailable, the best centers to accommodate an image.

Looking through the camera viewfinder, check that there is an equal distance on both sides of the subject, and there are no interfering background directly behind them. (Often times mistakes: If you take a picture with trees in the shot, also ensure special attention to the background that it does not appear that a branch "growing out of his head," a family member!)

Faces first. Almost all of the emotionalExpression is mediated through a person's face. Occasionally, a photo in silhouette is dramatic and captivating, but beautiful faces, smiles and expressions, especially when the eyes are clearly visible almost always make good pictures. Make sure the faces of each member of your family is clearly visible in the photo. Also, remember that a photo card is often a memory of your family for the recipient. Genuine smile and friendly face in a photo album wear better over time as an odd andstupid expressions.

Steady as she goes. The photo-taker is always a better image among the camera from his hand and placed it on a tripod. An inexpensive tripod will do wonders for your picture taking quality. And since most cameras a "timer"-have feature, a tripod works great when you're not an additional person in the picture to have. You can use the camera on a tripod, press the shutter button, and have time to run into the shot before the shutter snaps.

Shootfor plenty of choice. With digital cameras there is no film, so no additional costs of having many, many pictures. Make sure you give yourself enough opportunities. If you can only rely on the tiny camera's viewfinder or LCD screen, you are missing a photo of closed eyes or other problems that can not be corrected later. On average, a professional photographer would expect a "very good" shot taken from all 10. Below 10-15 decision a few minutes longer could, but you'll be glad whenChoice on your screen that you taken the time to "capture perfect shot."

Which comes first, design or picture? If your first photo card and take the image to match in color and style, or should the image first and then select a photo card to compliment it? It's the old chicken and egg question, and there is no best answer. Select With so many great photo card designs, you will do well in any case.

Getting the picture on the card. If youplans to use a "digital photo card" option with your stationery manufacturer, you may want to enable the highest resolution digital photo for the best playback possible. In general, a 6x4 photo at 300 dpi resolution (or measuring 1800 x 1200 pixels) is sufficient.

Go PRO? Studio Photos very good for photo cards. But is the copyright regulations, most gyms will not allow their photographs to reproduce them on your own, dear, that you buy prints from them instead. IfYou want a studio shot to use for your photo card, you should such a plan with the photographer before taking the pictures there to discuss and ask if there is a charge or limitations on the use of photos of the studio for your holiday greeting.

Photography Lighting Techniques: Backdrops in photography

The scene in the photograph was not the attention from the topic of photography. Set up photography scenes with the tips in this free video on photography lighting from a professional photographer. Expert: Mark Bowers Contact: www.bowersphotography.com Bio: Mark Bowers runs Bowers Photography, located in American Fork, Utah. Bowers earned a Certified Professional Photographer degree (CPP) in 1986 from the Professional Photographers of America. Director: MichaelBurton

As the preparations for a Boudoir Photography Session

The day of your romantic magic session is finally here

OK, you've booked your session and everything seems to be glamorous to be fit for this important day.

So now what?

After this first step, your goal should be to this intimate photo session can best do it.

A glamor photographer can do much to help your look, but these are must-dos in order to help you for the photographer.

# 1 - When is your boudoir session?

If your photo session is in theTomorrow, be sure to eat and a good breakfast.

If you spend an afternoon with him, eat a light lunch. It needs to do a lot of energy, romantic portraits, and you do not want to puff out before the session is over.

# 2 - Do not have time to stress out - it will show in your photos

Try to leave the house early enough to improve on the boudoir session on time, or even be a little early.

If you are in a hurry, stress sets in. Although we do not rush you in a session(Some photographers do) the anxiety that you fell the feeling to be there to receive your photo session, it becomes difficult to require in a relaxed, romantic mood that is set to have a successful boudoir photo session.

# 3 - Do not try to go it alone

Bring a friend with to the photo studio. If a romantic photographer refuses this request, check a little closer before him or her. This is a security measure that should follow every woman.

We have no problem with aFriend or family member with you. All we ask is that they are in the studio section not be during the session. Boudoir Photography is not a spectator sport. d :-)

# 4 - Wear clothing that is appropriate for your romantic photo session

Their intimate photography session wearing clothes that fit loosely to insure the least amounts of marks on your body to come.

This information and may take some time off your limited time allotted for the portrait wasteMeeting. (Professional glamor models know this secret and are willing to go without waiting period)

# 5 - The hair! - The hair!

Instead of a sweater, wear a shirt button up so that you do not interfere with makeup and hair when you begin your boudoir session change.

# 6 - The Clothes! - The clothes!

Apply a clear deoderant instead of white, powdery kind, so that your clothese the color, they should stay.

# 7 - But smell is sooooo romantic

If youWear perfume to the photo shoot (not recommended), make sure that it is very easy.

Boudoir photographers sometimes work in small studios and strong scent, your photographer and the other to work with you to have overwhelming.

# 8 - Do I wear makeup?

Many boudoir photo sessions will also be a make-up and / or hair artist. If this happens to your session without any makeup or concealer and make sure your hair is coming good and clean.

If your boudoir photographerwants you to do your own makeup for the session, here for glamorous makeup tips on how to go for make-up for the camera and light.

# 9 - Have Fun!

Going to a female professional photographer for an intimate photo session does not mean that you can have fun.

In the following the above steps help to ensure that you enjoy during your boudoir session when we have a good start.

Romantic glamor photography is a collaboration between the model andPhotographers and the more you prepare for your boudoir portrait session the more you will enjoy your day of romance.

High School Yearbooks - Creative Photography Ideas

Here are some tips to use the impact and effectiveness of the pictures in your yearbook.

1. Cover to cover. The template or create custom Encourage photography. Last year was our high school yearbook cover an abstract image of CD reflecting light hit it in rainbow colors - from a student member of the staff. A cover contest generates interest and personal interest in the yearbook, the increase of students isParticipation.

2. Club and team shots. Chess Club? Tip for an artistic shot a chess table with the team behind and slightly blurry. Debate club? How about a staged fight? And come to think of some creative planning, with original and amusing pictures.

3. Baby Match. Take advantage of open shots and they sprinkle baby in the yearbook. It will match fun for the students who have the rightChildren.

4. DVD Insert. Recital prefer a DVD slideshow in a plastic jacket as upsell. Make sure you legal music for the soundtrack. Many programs can be used to take pictures and music and a DVD. ProShow is my favorite.

5. Pro Photos for ad space. Consider sprinkling in photos taken by professionals, in exchange for advertising space.

6. Faculty shots. How about a hobby? focus Instead of the same dry shots, have the ability to bring clothes or objects that they make to use in a hobby or interest, and a mini-bio for their pictures.

7. Contributor Web. Consider how Winkflash a public website where anyone can view photos available for examination in the yearbook. Make sure that you are their names and their credit they used on the page, where the images.

8. School Shots. Take some creative shots of the architectureand the characteristics of the school, such as mascots or public areas. Select a few times in which they are employed and filled with children, and the contrast when they are empty. This will create pride and good memories of the school building and property.

9. City Images. Some pictures from the surrounding towns will also be appreciated. Consider, for ad sponsors and season their contribution by a photo of their business and the inclusion in the book. ThinkProduct placement will be made.

10. Meetings and events. Make sure you have someone from the yearbook staff were permitted to freely shoot at assemblies, pep rallies, sports and art / music events. Try all the educational, recreational and sporting / musical activities such as record capture snapshots, so the depth of the high school experience.

Have fun with the High School Yearbook!

How to use a manual camera - Digital Photography Tips

With an automatic camera is easy, but you know, there may be restrictions such as. This article will give you instructions how to use a manual camera.

Manual cameras, you control the settings automatically in the rule. For example, you can choose how much light let in, let in light for how long, etc. Overall, Manual, you can control the cameras, the recording light.

There are many different mechanisms in the camera, but the two most important are the shutter speed and aperture.

Whatis the trigger?

This little device is closed in your camera almost all the time. It opens only press when the shutter button. It will choose for a certain time near you in the manual. A short time will be open shutter has settings from 1 / 500 and is great for bright areas, or in the blazing sun.

The aperture is what?

The shutters partner in photography is the aperture. This little guy controls how much light through the opening of the letCamera. It's like our students. You get bigger, if it is not much light, more light can come in and if there is a lot of light, the pupil smaller. This is the same with the aperture. You want a larger facility in dark areas and a smaller frame for bright surfaces. For example, in the sun, you could use f16 and in the shadow you could use f5.6

Well, there's a lot more functions on the camera, but these two are the most important. If you do not know how you get them at the endmany blurred, under or over exposed shots.

Beginning Photography Tutorials (on pixel)

A short walks designed by photographer Robert Vasquez, to educate them about the importance of early photographers pixels PPI and DPI. Presented www.samys.com enjoy and learn from

DSLR Tips: How to get a lot in Focus

Detailed instructions at: www.dslrtips.com / DSLR Tips: How to get a lot in Focus

Cristina shoots with Roy Cox Photography

Cristina spends the day shoot with Roy Cox for her portfolio. Four different looks have been chosen. They are connected with make-up artist Jen Quin, clothing stylist Teronce Styyles and Hair Stylist Kahlil Oliver.

Photography Tutorials - Wedding Photography

www.photographers-academy.com Learn the best kept secrets of photography professionals.

How to Sell Stock Photography - Tips on How to Take Microstock Photographs That Sell

Stock photography is based on having pictures already in stock: the pictures have already been taken, ready for printing and available to the buyer. In contrast, assignment pictures, where the camera-is-for-hire are still to be taken based on requirements. Another thing to remember is that stock photos are owned by the photographer, and the right to use is sold to the buyer. Whereas pictures from an assignment are owned by the buyer.

In stock photography, since the pictures are owned by the photographer, these are submitted to the stock photo agency in order to sell the rights for use. In effect the photos are in a shop waiting for a client to pass by. If the client sees a picture which fits his requirements, he buys the rights to use them.

The concept seems simple enough. The only thing the photographer has to do is take pictures of what the buyer would want. In this case, stock photography differs from most types of photography in that the pictures are generic and represent an idea or concept. The pictures tell a story or can serve as a background to some text for an ad campaign, for instance.

On the internet there are now lots of micro stock agency websites which handle this kind of business. A stock photo agency is a middle man between the photographer and the buyer. The buyer, usually an ad agency or a magazine or a design house, buys the rights to the picture for a specific use.

There are a lot of stock agencies on the internet and it's only a matter of signing up and uploading the pictures, and to keep submitting more pictures.

Tips and Tricks For Family Portrait Photography

Whether situated in Perth or around the world on a family holiday, capturing the perfect family portrait in public surroundings can be tricky. It is necessary to consider all aspects of the shot; from the people within it and the background, to the place and people around you.

The common trap that people fall into when taking a family portrait is not providing a good contrast between the focal point and the background of the shot. The people in your photo are the focal point you are working with, and to draw maximum attention to them it is vital that the background displays a fairly constant pattern or colour without any distracting objects which could steal the eye. A good way to frame your focal point is to look for such things as doorways or arches. This helps place more emphasis on your family and leads to a better picture.

When choosing your background, it is also useful to consider your location. Taking the photo in the middle of a busy site or path may lead to people walking in on your shot, or you inconveniencing a lot of people. Try finding an area that suits the photo you want to take, without having to shoot in difficult circumstances.

The amount of light at the time is also a very important part of your photo. Firstly you should avoid taking the photo in direct sunlight, and the optimum times for outside family portrait photography generally occur at either sunrise or sunset. If you have situated your family in a more shaded position then you should make use of the flash.

You should also make allowances for errors on either your part, or that of your family. If you are using a digital camera, make use of the LCD screen to check for mistakes such as closed eyes. Take multiple photos to eliminate the possibility of you missing a mistake when checking the photo.

By taking these tips into account, you can be assured that your outdoors family portrait photography work will turn out looking both professional and special.

Do-It-Yourself Ground Pod

A do-it-yourself ground pod for your photography is described along with some tips to use it.

Shoot Stunning Sunsets With a Digital Camera - Digital Photography Tips Complementary Guide

What draws us to a beautiful sunset? What makes you want to capture that scene? Perhaps the warm colours and tones ... and then there are so many variations of sunsets, which adds that extra excitement, so let's take a look at these digital photography tips on how best to capture a glowing sunset with your digital camera ...

Timing and Composure

Get set up before the sunset starts, at least half an hour beforehand. A couple of things to consider: the exact time the sun sets, which is the moment the sun drops below the horizon. Note this could be affected bearing in mind your landscape, that is, if there are any mountains which could block the sun, before it has chance to reach the horizon. So it's worth finding the right location where you have an uninterrupted view of the sun, perhaps from a beach, edge of a lake or cliff edge ... anywhere with an uncluttered view. This will greatly emphasise the sun and the sky for a stunning sunset shot

You must also consider as the sun approaches the horizon, this is the time to start shooting, as you should see some dynamic scenes before the sun disappears. Take a couple of shots every few minutes to capture the changing light from the sun's rays once the sun nears the horizon. If you have a tripod, this will help compose your shot by keeping everything steady for your framing.

VIP

Be careful when preparing your shot not to look directly at the sun, either through your viewfinder or with a naked eye, to avoid damaging your eyes. Your digital camera will have an LCD panel, so use this to frame your shot for safety. It will help you with more accurate framing.

Can Dust Particles affect my shot ... True or False?

True ... Dust particles and humidity from clouds can have a great effect on how the light from the sun's rays will give you that dynamic sunset. When the sun is near the horizon the light has to travel its longest wavelengths. The light travels though dust particles and water vapour from the clouds, and so helps create that dramatic sky, giving those deep rich warm tones of red, orange and yellow. If you happen to be close to a town, city or desert on a humid evening, sand dust particles is perfect for scattering light - you'll be in luck to get that 'stunning' sunset.

Set the Scene for that Creative Sunset

Now you're ready to start shooting you'll need to frame your sunset. There is a rule of thirds, and to use it, make sure to keep the horizon level low (bottom third of your framed scene) filling the above two-thirds of your frame with the sky. Be creative by keeping some darker foreground in your shot as this highlights the sky, adding more appeal. You may wish to add other objects, for example trees, figures, overhanging ferns (if on a beach), birds etc, which should give you an attractive silhouette, against your glowing sky. If there happens to be low clouds around, then this will add even more dynamism to your shot - you can imagine the scene right now!

Be patient, be creative, I hope you find these digital photography tips useful, but most of all ... have fun!

Digital Photography Tips - What's Wrong With This Picture? Part 2

What's wrong with your pictures? Why are they not selling? In this article, you'll get hammered with a few digital photography tips about how to make more photo sales. Plus you'll learn the things you need to do and should not do when it comes to the digital photography business...

So let's get down to business. The first thing you need to understand is this, if you're TRULY serious about making money in this business. There are way too many flower, tree, landscape, self portrait, pretty pet and sunset/beach photos being submitted to stock photo websites. If you're doing that, you need to stop it right now. I'm not kidding. Stop it.

Then take yourself to the top stock photo websites and read their FAQs. Look for 'photos we need and photos we DON'T want.' They'll phrase it differently but that's it in a nutshell. Focus intently on the 'photos we need' (or photo themes in demand) section. Every stock photo website will have a list like this somewhere. After all, they want to save your time too.

Dude, this is why so many photos get rejected! Think of it like this. A stock photo agency has a job to do. Something like, provide beautiful and appropriate photography to fit their customers needs. So YOU need to be savvy here. You need to find out what their customers want. And they'll happily tell you too! (See above). Are you beginning to get the picture here?

You see, what they don't want is another pet or sunset photo. Why? Well, simply because there's already 10 billion of these types of images floating around out there! And not only is there TOO many, but a lot of these pics aren't going to keep art directors up all night either. :)

So the point here is that you want to tap into what the NEEDS are. And then you go take photos that FIT those needs. That's how you'll do well with your photography. And if that's not a digital photography tip that you can take to the (photo) bank then I'll eat my e-hat!

How to Sharpen Your Photos - Digital Photography Tips

Digital photography is quite different than taking pictures with film. Unlike film cameras, digital photos are turned into pixels and stored digitally. The main problem that can arise with storing pictures in pixels is that these pixels can get "noisy" and make for very unpleasing images. Because of this problem, many digital cameras nowadays have filters created within the camera that will soften this noise and make the noise less pronounced.

If you are having to get rid of noise and edit it out in photo editing software then you'll probably have realized that certain situations create noise that is much harder to reduce or get rid of than others. Getting rid of noise from a night shot with a very high ISO can be very easy if the photo is of a bright building and the noise is in the dark sky. Because the sky is dark and mostly one color the noise can easily be stamped out. However, if there was noise over the bright building this would be very hard to get rid of.

When the digital cameras reduce the noise themselves the result can make for blurrier photos. Many people will try to get rid of this blur by sharpening the image. However, when sharpening the image the noise that was reduced from the camera will become much more obvious. That's why sharpening the image can make the image much nosier.

Fortunately, there is a rather simple way to sharpen photos without actually sharpening the noise that the picture has. The way we do this is through the color modes in a photo editing software, preferably Photo Shop. There are various color modes. For digital images the main mode used is RGB or red, green, and blue. For print the color modes used are CMYK. If you are going to print your image you should try sticking with CMYK. Another color mode that you can use is the LAB mode. The lab mode has three different aspects to it. The first aspect is the lighting. The second is the green and red parts of the photo. And the last aspect is the yellow and blue parts of the photo. This means that you can adjust any one of these without affecting the others. You can adjust the lighting without affecting the colors.

What you can do with this special mode is choose to make the light mode sharper and not make the color channels sharper. This will sharpen the noise of that specific node but the others won't be sharpened.

Of course, many special techniques for digital photos won't work if your photo is too noisy to start with. So the best thing to do is to take the best picture possible at the start.