Buying your first SLR camera can be extremely exciting. For most photographers, amateur or professional, finding the perfect accessory to make your photography better is a lot of fun and can really help improve your results. There are plenty of tools that are sold on the market at varying prices, but for newer photographers or those hoping to find out what the ‘must have’ accessories are, here is a list of some of the gadgets you may find useful.
There’s no doubting it – in many people’s households, the pet reigns supreme. Cats, dogs, hamsters, fish – everyone has their personal favourites. Unsurprisingly, pet photography is now extremely popular, with owners paying for professional portraits in the same way they would for photographs of their children.
When photographing animals, its important to remember that they have zero tolerance and can’t be forced into doing something they don’t want to. Here are some tips on how to make the process just that little bit easier.
Black and white images look classic and timeless; no wonder so many people choose to take photographs or convert them mono. Without the distraction of color, black and white images transcend time. Some images translate better when in mono than ohers, like those with stronger contrasts between white/black, dark/light, highlight/shadow. In the past, the best black and white photographs were achived with a ‘wet’ darkroom but now, we can print these images at home using a PC.
When you buy a digital camera, it will come with a selection of Automatic or Auto functions. Its not only beginners who find these modes useful – there are times when professionals will need to be able to take a photograph quickly without fuss and will choose an auto setting.
These modes should give you the optimum shutter speed and aperture mode for the situation you are in. Every camera has slightly varied auto settings and you should have a good play with each one to get used to it. Here is a look at the most popular modes and what they mean.
Home Printing photographs is becoming an increasingly popular option, as it can be cost effective (especially when producing larger prints) and there can be greater control over the finished print. However, many people who are new to this find that the colors that they thought they captured or saw on the computer screen aren’t quite what they see on the finished print. This is because your camera, computer and printer all interpret color differently. Color management is the way to solve this problem.
Whether you are new to photography or more experienced, its always fun to pick up new tips on how to use your camera and make your images better and better each time. Here are five top tips to keep in mind every time you pick up your camera to help you avoid common photography mistakes and get a better result.
The rule of thirds applies in photography. Imagine three lines lying vertically and three lines lying horizontally across the picture creating nine equally spaced rectangles. In every photograph you take you Read the rest of this entry »
When choosing a portfolio folder, presentation case or book, remember some important points; is it durable and strong? Does it look great and make you feel proud if it? Is it the correct size and shape for your needs? Does it fit into your budget? Is it easy to carry and transport, or is this not an issue? Think about all these technical details before you even start printing out your images in high quality prints.
A newer concept is to have a photo book printed. These days, they are affordable and not just reserved for professional photographers. Read the rest of this entry »
A photographer’s portfolio is his bible. Traditionally, a portfolio is a folder of some sort – these come in all shapes, sizes and prices. You can also have a digital portfolio, presented online on a personal website or a third party web host.
You should always include your best work in your portfolio – no exceptions. Before putting images in there, ask for critiques from people you know are honest. Quality control is everything, eliminating images that have blur or any technical faults. This must be the representation of your best work and show what you are capable of. Ask for opinions and accept criticism. It is better to have six photographs of high quality than twelve mediocre prints.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you want a way to expose your photographs to the wider world, as well as getting some essential feedback and winning prizes, there are plenty of photography competitions to look out for. There are competitions that cover every genre, have various prize pools and specify different requirements. The most important thing is that you read the instructions and follow them closely before you submit your entry.
The best place to look is in photography magazines in your country and the Internet. If you are a member of a camera club, they will often hold competitions for free. There are also thousands of photography dedicated websites and forums that hold competitions where you will be set a theme. Read the rest of this entry »
It may be gloomy at the beginning of the year, but its never too soon to start planning your travels. For any photographer, going on holiday is a fantastic opportunity to take some new and interesting shots towards the portfolio. There is no location in the world that doesn’t have its own unique and photo worthy qualities. Here are some tips on what to do before you go and what to look out for once you are there.
Before you go, make sure you have all the equipment you need to take the photographs you want. Once you have your kit together, make sure that everything is working and that you know how it functions! Many people buy new equipment before they go on holiday and as a result, spend too much time figuring out the controls rather than taking pictures. Read the rest of this entry »