How to Select a Digital SLR Camera

A digital SLR camera is not a cheap purchase so you need to put some thought into buying one, but what information do you need to make an informed decision? Here are some tips on how to select a digital SLR camera.

First of all, check out some of the major brands and make a list of all their features. If you don't understand the terminology, you can look it up on the internet but here are a few common terms:

SLR - single lens reflex. This means that the camera has a mirror behind the lens which directs the light in such a way that the lens has different focal lengths.

Megapixels - the number of light pixels within a given space. A higher number of megapixels equals sharper focused images.

Sensor - the bigger the better in terms of quality images as the sensor uses light to create a digital image format.

Decide which of these features you actually need; this may depend on the type of photography you're going to do. Some cameras will be better suited to landscape photography and others to portraits or close-ups. Consider whether you use flash a lot or other artificial light sources. If you take action shots you'll need a camera with a fast continuous drive. This means that the photo will be taken the minute you put your finger on the shutter and continue until you remove your finger.

Compare prices but ultimately, you may want to sacrifice price for features. That will depend on your budget and reasons for wanting to know how to select a digital SLR camera. If you've set your heart on a specific camera, shop around - there are deals to be found.

Visit Amazon, the online store. They carry a wide range of digital cameras and they publish customer reviews. These are really useful because anyone who can be bothered to write a review obviously has strong feelings on the subject. Very often the reviews go into great detail about the camera and will tell you more than just reading the publicity.

I checked out the first camera that came up when I put digital SLR cameras into the search box. There were 240 customer reviews and while I only read the first couple, they discussed individual highlights of the camera and pinpointed disadvantages as well as expressing an opinion as to value for money.

If you want to know how to select a digital SLR camera, then look no further than Amazon for great information and feedback.

Jim Barton is an experienced photographer who wants to share what he knows about digital photography. For more on how to select a digital SLR camera, visit Jim's Digital Photography website.

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Tips On Low Light Photography

Shooting in low light situations can be a challenge to any photographer. Every camera reacts differently to situations where the internal light meter is telling the camera there isn't enough light. In most such situations the camera will default to the only option it has for adding more light, the built-in flash unit.

In the majority of snapshot scenarios the internal flash can manage just fine. You and your mates out a local pub or gathered around the dinner table, are all within the design parameters of most point-and-shoot cameras. Even high end professional cameras like the Canon 5D and Canon 7D have pop-up flash units built into the camera for just such situations.

Move outside that relatively narrow window covered by the camera's internal flash and low light photography becomes a technical challenge that will require either a much larger external flash unit, or some manual intervention by you.

With professional grade cameras it's possible to purchase external flash units that are powerful enough to, literally, light the world. At least the world 290 feet in front of the lens, which is an amazing amount of light power.

Sometimes you don't have one of those fabulously expensive flash units along, sometimes you don't want one.

Often the appeal of a low light situation are the shadows and dark areas contrasting with areas of light or color. When it comes to these type of lighting situations, the Mark 1 human optical device, otherwise known as your eyeball, has no equal. Your camera simply can't compete with the limited number of options at its disposal.

If the scene is too big for the internal flash, all the camera can do is raise the ISO or open the aperture and use a longer exposure. More often it will simply fire the internal flash in a vain attempt to light the scene and deliver the dark picture. At this point you have to step in and tell the camera what to do instead of asking.

An easy adjustment most cameras have in their menus somewhere is turning the flash off. Then you can focus on the lighter part of the picture and press the shutter button half-way down. All cameras are different, but most of the time that will lock the exposure while you re-frame with more dark areas and shadows and take the picture. The lighter parts of the picture will be properly exposed and the dark areas will be silhouettes.

Some more complicated adjustments might include locking the camera's ISO setting. If the camera is free to choose the ISO, it will run the sensitivity up as high as possible. At higher ISOs shadows and dark areas can start showing a lot of noise as the camera software tries vainly to see the detail in areas of shadow. A better option, for cameras that have the adjustment, is to lock the ISO at a lower setting and preserve the shadows.

You'll also want to brace your camera somehow. Carrying a tripod is not always convenient, but a monopod is very easy to pack along and works in all but the darkest times. You can always brace your camera on a bean bag or other stable surface and use the self-timer to avoid button shake.

You'll learn even more with Proud Photography - one of the best online photography schools available today at http://www.proudphotography.com/

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Photography In A Pinch

Good photographers try to be prepared for almost any contingency. Unfortunately, if you tried to carry everything you'd need to meet every contingency in the field, you'd have to pack like a Bedouin trader.

Many times that simply isn't possible and other times it's not desirable. So the seasoned photographer learns to be resourceful. Here are a few miscellaneous tips that can save your back, particularly on short trips near home.

A Monopod

In all but the most extreme lighting situations a monopod can substitute nicely for a tripod and is a lot easier to carry. With practice you'll be able to hold a monopod nearly as stable as a tripod, for a short time anyway.

Another trick for stabilizing a monopod is to wrap the camera strap around your upper arm and push on the monopod while exerting gentle backward pressure on the strap. Similarly, you can place a large clamp on your monopod and use it as a shoulder brace, almost like a gun mount. It might look a little funny but it works surprisingly well.

Working In Sand

For those times you have to drag a tripod to the beach or sandy area, grab three tennis balls on the way out the door. Cut a hole big enough for your tripod leg and fit a tennis ball over each end.

The tennis balls won't sink in the sand, will keep most of the grit out of the end of your tripod leg and you can throw them away when you're finished.

Another great thing about working at the beach is you don't need to carry sand bags, just bring bags. There's usually plenty of sand already on the beach. Those are priceless for weighting reflectors, which tend to act like a sail in ocean breezes.

Bring A Cooler

But leave the ice packs at home. A cooler has several advantages over an equipment case in many situations. They're solid, many have a handle and wheels, and you can sit or stand on them in a pinch. If you lose or break it, you're only out about $40.

You can still carry drinks with the camera gear, but carefully. Get those drink cozies you put in the freezer. Those will keep your drinks cold without bringing down the temp too much in the cooler. The last thing you want to do is bring cold optics or a camera out into warm, muggy atmosphere. Expect instant condensation if you do.

Carry a Bag of Rubber Bands

They're just so handy for so many things and so easy to carry. You can use them for emergency repairs and to keep papers from flying away.

A fat rubber band is handy for dislodging a stuck filter. Wrap the rubber band around the edge of the filter and that should give you enough grip to get it loose.

And, if you're stuck waiting outside a courthouse waiting for a photo op, they're also endlessly entertaining for taunting your fellow photographers.

Incident Light Meter

Many photographers still carry a light meter, even in the days of high end digital SLRs. If you're packing light you can use a styrofoam cup over the end of your lens and use your camera's light meter, hold it in place with one of your rubber bands.

Note that cups do come in different thicknesses, so you may want to calibrate yours using the Sunny 16 rule before you leave.

Record the exposure at the subject, then walk back to shoot the picture.

You'll learn even more with Proud Photography - one of the best online photography schools available today at http://www.proudphotography.com/

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Photo Booth Rentals For Conventions And Trade Shows

The same type of photo booths you've seen at the mall can be used at trade shows and conventions. Many party rental companies rent photo booths for use at weddings and other social events. But a master marketer should realize that putting a free photo booth in your exhibit space is an excellent way to increase your foot traffic, spark conversation with prospects, and generate general warm fuzzy feelings about your brand. Further, if you know what to look for, a photo booth rental can actually give you much more than that. Modern photo booths take advantage of technology to spread your brand or message, and collect information from prospects. Some will even collect video testimonials about your product.

Make sure any photo booth rental is capable of putting your message on the photo strips. Better photo booths will even allow you to design a postcard with your branding all over it. In my opinion, this is the way to go. People loose the swag given out at shows. Free pens get used up or lost. T-shirts fade. But people generally keep photos forever. Imagine your message pinned to your prospect's refrigerators for 10 years. Be sure to ask if the rental company charges extra for the design work.

Some photo booths will allow users to email themselves their photos. They simply enter their email address and the booth sends them an email with your custom message along with the images attached. Booths that do this are capable of storing the user's email addresses to use for your marketing purposes later. It's great way to fill your lead list. Since you're giving them something for free, there's no ill will about collecting the email address and using it. Just make sure you use a professional email service like Constant Contact to allow users to un-subscribe if they wish.

The most advanced booths allow users post their photos to their Facebook accounts right from the booth. If you are advertising at a trade show, imagine having your message show up in the Facebook news feeds of professionals in your industry. People almost always have colleagues from their same industry in their Facebook friends list. If they are doing something goofy in the picture, the picture will spread even further as people hit the "Like" button.

If people at the convention have already used your product, why not collect some video testimonials about it? A video capable booth will do this for you, as long as you have someone there to coach the users through it. I recommend using specific questions to make it easier on them. For example "when was the last time you used my product?" Or "how has my product changed the way you do business?" Post the best videos to a YouTube channel, and embed them on your site. As an added bonus, having a YouTube channel associated with your brand and web site will help your search engine rankings. Google, in particular, loves a site with rich content like videos.

Make the most of your photo booth rental by having a strategy. People will be laughing and having a great time in your exhibit space. Capitalize on the jovial atmosphere created by the booth. Engage prospects in small talk as you usher them in and out of the booth, and let that lead into your sales pitch. Most of all, have fun! If you're having fun with it, your prospects will loosen up too.

Tim English operates a San Diego photo booth rental company with photo booths that do all of the things in this article. Please visit http://www.starlightphotobooth.com/ for pictures and more information.

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Be A Fine Art Photographer

How do you proceed to grow and develop as a Fine Art Photographer? Basically, regular use of your camera with deliberate intent, while paying attention to the following, is what brings it about.

1. PURSUE THE GOAL: to make images that stir the viewer's thinking and emotions.

2. DEVELOPE YOUR 'SEEING' SKILLS: its the first and most important skill that you need to learn.

'Seeing' exercises: Set aside 45 minutes from time to time around your home, with your camera and a subject that has your sustained interest. Relax for a few minutes then start taking pictures. Study part of your subject for a moment or two, then re-focus on another part of your subject and study it for a while. Become aware of colors and shapes. See how many details you can find. Then note the following:

* Personal responses : You're 'tuning in' to your feelings/thoughts to locate the subject matter, or portion of it, with most personal interest for you.

* Impression : look at your chosen subject matter, or any part of it, and see it simply as a geometric shape or an arrangement of geometric shapes. Note the position where things look most graphically appealing.

* Expression : What does the subject matter seem to express in the way of:

- Sensation; rough/smooth? hot/cold? sharp/dull? hard/soft? moving/still? Etc.

- Emotion & Mood: love/hate? joy/sadness? anger/delight? peace/turmoil? Tranquility/disturbance? Respond with your perceptions of sensation and emotion.

* Meaning : What ideas does the subject matter seem to suggest? Respond with your intellect.

*Subject Theme: In view of your personal responses, the graphic impression, what is expressed and seems to be said, decide upon a subject theme, the main idea/feeling you wish to convey to the picture-viewer.

3. DEVELOPE NEW FRESH WAYS OF 'SEEING': You can get into a visual rut of looking for the same old subject matter and then photographing it in the same old way, producing yet again the same old kind of pictures, etc. You become bored, and find yourself in the doldrums. When this happens, or better yet, before it happens, you need to know what to do about it.

A good way to break habitual 'seeing' rules that gain unwanted control over your picture-making is to, first of all, write them down. Next, with list in hand, make about 40 pictures while deliberately contradicting your visual 'habit' rules.

When you examine the resulting images keep an open mind. Remember, you're looking for new ideas so look for either images you strongly like or dislike. Then take some time to figure out in each case what makes you feel that way, and how you might go about making more similar-but-improved pictures. Bear in mind, you want to be sensitive, and open, to chance.

Finally, be sure to apply the new things you learn as soon as possible. And remember that the exercise above, for thinking and 'seeing' in new ways, can be done almost any time and anywhere, not just when you're taking pictures. Performing this exercise from time to time will keep you out of a rut in your fine art photography and also help you find new ways of 'seeing' and making fine art photographs.

4. DEVELOPE YOUR IMAGINATION: making fine art photographs involves the use of free imagination; Enrich your imagination by going to art galleries and studying art in various media, and noting your Personal Responses, the Graphic Impression, Expression and Meaning. Practice pre-visualizing before going out to take pictures; imagine yourself taking pictures, see the resulting pictures, fantasize photo-adventures, etc. Start a train of photo thought just before going to sleep and then 'sleep on it'. In these ways you can develop your imagination.

5. PRACTICE ISOLATING AND CHOOSING: making fine art photographs also involves:

Isolating - separating the various parts of the subject matter from the whole; looking at a subject and noting: 1) what evokes your 'personal responses' 2) what constitutes the elements of 'impression', 'expression', and 'meaning'. You can, and should, try to improve in your abilities to isolate by means of practice, and you can practice almost anywhere, anytime.

Choosing - picking out the essential subject matter elements from everything else, in order to bring about the most effective arrangement within the picture, through camera position, focal length, depth of field, shutter speed, over/right-on/under-exposure, etc

6. INCORPORATE 'EXPRESSION' AND 'MEANING':

With regard to your subject matter's inherent 'expression' and 'meaning', it comes about through symbolism. You need to become acutely aware of the symbolism(s) inherent in any subject matter. Such are called 'symbols of content. 'You also need to become aware of those symbolisms that can arise within your picture because of the way you choose to photograph the subject matter, 'symbols of style'. The symbols of 'content' and 'style' have to work together. An analogy; the words of a marriage proposal (content) and the tone/inflection of voice used (style) must go well together, being ear-pleasing ('impression'), having appropriate feeling ('expression'), and clearly expressed thoughts ('meaning'), for effective communication of a main, central idea - 'will you marry me?' ('subject theme').

Expression: Bear in mind that people in general respond with different sensations/emotions to different shapes, textures, lines, tones, colours, patterns, etc on the basis of qualities they perceive in them. Thus, a picture of snow can express the sensation of cold or the emotion of sadness. There is something inherent in the snow's shapes or color that evokes a sense of coldness, or sadness. Through color and shape, etc we recognize the expression of sensations and feelings or moods. Whenever something draws your interest, try to notice first the inherent expression. Respond to your subject matter with your perception of sensations, emotions and moods.

Meaning : Not only do people respond with perception of different sensations/emotions to the visual elements in subject matter, but they also respond with perception of different ideas about them. Thus, a picture of a mountain may suggest ideas such as majesty, permanence or isolation. So, try to notice inherent meaning in your chosen subject matter. Respond mainly with your intellect to this aspect of the subject matter.

7. EXERCISE CONTROL BY AWARENESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY'S UNIQUE PROPERTIES: There are a number of fundamental characteristics of photography that distinguish it from other visual media, and you need to be aware of them when making pictures:

a. An existing object always in front of the camera.

b. Ability to precisely render detail.

c. Choice of the moment of picture taking.

d. The speed of exposure.

e. Can take advantage of fortuitous events.

f. Complete dependance on light

g. Camera sees some objects differently from the human eye, because we mentally correct distortions while the camera does not.

h. Different camera lenses see space in different ways.

As a fine art photographer you must examine the picture carefully through the viewfinder in order to preview what the camera will record and be sensitive to any elements that will not be recorded as the eye perceives them. Then you can consider whether or not they need to be corrected and, if they do, how to go about doing it.

8. EMPLOY THE BASICS OF GOOD COMPOSITION: The fine art photographer's thinking and efforts to visually arrange a picture's various elements within the camera's view-finder, according to the principles of visual design to effectively communicate what he sees, feels, and thinks, in connection with the subject matter, doing so simply, freshly, and to as many as possible.

Elements: The graphic components, basic visual things, that make up a picture. Keep in mind that each of these elements not only contributes to the 'impression' of a picture but also to the 'expression' and 'meaning' as well. The components are:

Lines, Shapes, Tones, Colors, Mass, Space, Texture, Perspective

Principles: The basic guidelines that need to be applied in making a fine picture:

Subject Theme: The paramount principle. At the very outset of making fine art photographs the selection of an appropriate 'subject theme' is essential. It is a thematic idea which can readily underlie the subject matter, and is developed or elaborated upon in a picture of the subject matter. Making an extended,detailed, and specific word description of things is the quickest, most helpful, and practical means of deriving an appropriate subject theme.

Order: Organization of the picture to bring about simplicity and clarity to the overall impression,expression, meaning and subject theme.

Dynamics : contrasts of any sort produce tension, and bring dynamics into a picture; a sense of force,vitality, life, etc; much of it is already present in the the subject matter with all of it's inherent contrasts (inlines, shapes, tones, colours, etc) - the challenge is simply to control, direct and organize them.

Dominance: some aspect of the composition influences it more strongly than all other aspects. The dominant part of a photograph is often called the centre of interest.

Balance: there are two kinds of balance; symmetrical(formal) - conveys regimented formality, stiffness, staticness, etc, and asymmetrical(informal) - is more dynamic, with tension between objects of different size, colour, shape, etc. Balance may be achieved either through the 'impression' of objects in the picture,or through their 'expression' and 'meaning' in the picture.

Proportion : has to do with the relative size of objects in the picture space. The proportion of space allocated to a major object in relation to that given a minor one

Pattern/Rhythm: are closely related. A pattern is a specific configuration of visual elements - a design. Rhythm involves repetitions of a pattern, at regular intervals. It brings both order and a sense of the dynamic to a picture

Deformation : the deforming (altering the overall shape) of visual elements which makes them unstable,creating tension. It can also create perspective (the impression of depth) in the picture or subject matter.Both camera position and lens choice affect deformation strongly.

9. USE VARIOUS APPROACHES, TYPES AND AVOID THE PITFALL OF FORMULAS

Picture Approaches: there are three basic approaches to composing fine art photographs:

- The Introspective approach: in which primarily your personal feelings and ideas for the subject matter determine the picture's design and composition.

- The Extrospective approach: in which, regardless of your natural response to the subject matter, you're guided solely by the subject matter's inherent visual characteristics in determining picture composition.

- The Ambispective Approach: an approach which is some combination of the two foregoing approaches. It is the best approach and the one to use most often.

Picture Types: A fine art photograph may be one of the following types as determined by the artist:

- Documentary; the picture's emphasis is on simply portraying the subject matter, transmitting visual information about it as accurately as possible.

- Interpretive; the picture's emphasis is on conveying the artist's feelings and thoughts about the subject matter, which can result in a very impressionistic image.

- A Combination; picture emphasis is some combination of interpretive and documentary

Picture Formulas: Do not turn your fine art photography into a set of technique formulas. It will stifle intuition, and emotional input, and put technique ahead of 'expression' and 'meaning'.

10. WATCH FOR THE INTERESTING AND PRACTICE COMPOSITION: Always watch for things that excite your interest. When something does so, examine it closely and begin verbalizing, 'What is it that attracted me?' Visually explore the subject matter and give thought to the subject matter's impression, expression, and meaning, etc, all the while verbalizing to yourself as you do so. Decide on a picture-making approach and a particular picture-type.

With the ambispective approach you will proceed by crystallizing and condensing:

1) your personal thoughts and feelings about the subject matter;
2) what is the most graphically appealing aspect of the subject matter;
3) what the subject matter inherently expresses; and
4) what the subject matter inherently says, into a concisely worded subject theme, while seeing in your mind's eye a final picture which nicely and effectively conveys it. Your chosen subject theme serves as your primary guidance for all of the compositional efforts that follow.

11. CONTINUALLY MAKE PICTURES: The most important thing you can do with your camera is use it. By shooting a few minutes every day, you'll develop your skills and abilities as a fine art photographer, and soon have an extensive collection of fine art photographs. Otherwise, you will lose your skills and ability. To have the joy of doing good work, and growing as a fine art photographer, you have to continually make pictures!

John Maxymuik authored this article for those photographers who want to transition into fine art photography.

This article is the condensed version of a much more detailed one found on John's website at: http://ambienceimages.net/id83.html

To see examples of John's art photography go to his art photography website at: http://ambienceimages.net/

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How to Become a Photographer - Picture Taking Made Easy

Photography can be a wonderful and rewarding hobby. The question is how to become a photographer, and where to start this process. We will discuss things like equipment, portfolios, patterns, skills that may be necessary to learn, and where to find good material for your photos. By examining these points we will discover how to become a photographer.

The first thing you want to look at is the equipment that you will be using. There are hundreds of different cameras out there ranging from disposable to complicated monorail cameras. For the person just starting out you will want to look at digital cameras. They come in a variety from point and shoot (no focusing or exposure setting necessary) to more complicated DSLR (digital single lens reflex) models. I recommend the DSLR camera as it allows changing of the lenses for different focal lengths, such as wide angle, or telephoto lenses.

Once you have acquired your camera it is time to go out and start taking pictures. Your camera should have a memory card, if not go get one. It allows you to take and save hundreds of pictures. In order to learn how to become a photographer you have to take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

Digital photography allows for a great deal of experimentation, so don't be afraid to try weird and wonderful things. Yes you will make mistakes, but that is one of the joys of digital photography; you can delete those mistakes. Just remember what you did, and don't do it again. Conversely you will also get some wonderful images. Try to remember what you did and be sure to try it again. This is how you can learn the skills and the art of picture taking.

When you go out to take pictures you must learn to slow down and take a look at the world around you. These days people are in too much of a hurry and tend to miss the beauty of their surroundings. Keep your eyes open for patterns in nature.By seeing what is right in front of you some stunning images are possible.

By going out and photographing the world around you, an understanding of what kind of photographer you will want to become will begin to assert itself. You may decide that you wish to try some studio photos as well... go ahead. Again, it never hurts to experiment. In the studio you have more control over the lighting of your subject material and other aspects of more advanced photo techniques.

Your next step will be to compile a portfolio. This is a collection of the best shots that you have taken in as many different areas of photography as you like. If you decide for instance that you would like to be a portrait photographer, there should be an abundance of portraits in your portfolio. However, it is a good idea to include pictures of other genres of the photographic arts in your portfolio.

I hope that examining these points have helped to point you in the right direction of how to become a photographer. Just remember to keep on clicking that shutter.

Author bio:

Dave Grierson is an avid photography buff and blogger. To learn more about digital photography click on the following link: http://learndigitalphotographynow-daveg3.blogspot.com/

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Ways To Make Money With Photography

In this horrible economy, it is often necessary to try to supplement your income. Instead of getting a low paying second job, try to think of other fun ways to earn extra money. There are many ways to make money with photography. My wife has helped out our financial situation by specializing in senior portraits.

Take pictures of high school seniors. If you have a knack for taking portraits, this is a great way to earn money without having to invest much. Getting business is usually not too difficult. You probably know of someone who is graduating from high school soon. You can offer to do the pictures with no sitting fee and only charge for the prints. If you do a great job you WILL get referrals. A studio is not necessary. You can find a scenic spot at a park or lake. If it is winter, sometimes a local community center will have areas for taking photos. You may have to rent a spot, so try to get this money back in the sitting fee or the up charge of the prints.

As as add on, you can offer to put together graduation announcement cards. Offer to take photos at the graduation and at the grad party.

Real estate photos. This could mean residential listings or even listings for hotels and businesses. Agents and business owners don't always have time or the ability to take high quality photos of their properties. You should be able to find the agents that do the most business in your area just by seeing their yard signs. Contact some commercial real estate companies to see if they could use your services.

Weddings. If you are thinking about getting into wedding photography, I would think twice before doing this on the side. Weddings are very time consuming and you are going to need more equipment than just a camera. My wife doesn't normally do weddings but she did accept a job for a wedding that was casual and outdoors. We knew that this person wasn't going to be high maintenance and the job turned out well. Even though I don't have much experience, I became the backup photographer, and I did manage to get some good shots that my wife didn't.

Stock photography. Taking pictures of cars, people, flowers, mountains, just about anything you can think of. There are websites you can join, such as Shutterstock, where you are able to upload your pictures for a chance to earn royalties on them. Think of someone with a website. They quickly need to find an image of a car for their auto parts site. They will look to download one off the internet instead of taking the time to take the picture themselves. Plus, they will probably find a much higher quality picture than what they could have taken.

Special events. Anniversary parties, birthdays, graduation parties are just a few examples of places where someone might want professional photos taken so they can remember the special day. You can make money by charging for your time and then by the mark up on the prints they purchase.

These are all great ways to make money with photography. If you need extra money, or you lost your job this could be a fun career to get started in.

My wife supplements our income by taking senior pictures and family portraits. She is able to bring in extra money even while taking care of our small children due to the flexibility of this business.

If you have a passion for photography and have some skills, this might be a great business opportunity.

Even in a tough economy, quality photographs are important to people. To get started earning money doing something you love CHECK THIS OUT for information on starting a photography business!

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