The Importance of Wedding Photography

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What's important about a wedding is everything about the wedding. The union of the two individual's celebrating their love for each other. The announcing and sharing of that commitment with their friends, loved ones and wider community. Making a declaration of love, starting a new life together, giving birth to endless opportunities and new life. Weddings are the pinnacle point of dedication and celebration between a man and a woman. This event usually brings together all of the family, friends and individuals that have been a part of the bride and grooms life.

The wedding day is such a special occasion that most couples spend a great deal of time preparing for this magical event. Details become very important and people find themselves dedicating a great deal of time and effort in creating this once in a lifetime event.

The guest list is important, the ceremony is important, the vows are important, the music is important, the transport is important, the attendants are important, the venue is important, the decorations are important, the brides parents are important, the grooms parents are important, the buffet is important, the speeches are important, the dancing is important, the kiss is important, grooming and bridal wear is important, catering is important and photography of course is important.

There are many individual components that go in making up your individually unique wedding day. It is vitally important that you choose the best possible wedding photographer that also values all of the elements and details that you value. You need to be able to communicate freely with your photographer and you need to trust that your photographer already understands and knows what your views and values are and will naturally capture all of the elements and all of those moments that you have spent time and effort to create.

A good wedding photographer will have a great deal of wedding experience and knowledge and will naturally be able to impart confidence and knowledge immediately. All wedding photographers should be able to readily and easily be able to show you an example of their past work and should be able to give you personal referees of happy clients if required.

Photography is extremely important and a good photography studio will be able to show you the latest examples of photography styles available today, including trends and looks that are both contemporary and traditional. Digital manipulation is now available and most quality photographers will use whatever techniques and technology is available to produce cutting edge wedding photography.

Expert wedding photographer Vittorio Natoli is the owner of Viva! Life Photography - Wedding Photography specialists.

Photography Equipment

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Wedding Photography, The Memory Of Your Special Times

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Your wedding is one of the most special times in your life and that it is why you need to capture the entire ceremony on camera and video. Most couples elect to hire professional photographers to help them capture their special day. Rates vary but a professional who has the experience and education you want will usually cost $150 or more an hour. These photographers will spend the day at your wedding and will take hundreds of photos so you and your family can relax and enjoy the wedding.

This can be a very good option, especially if you do not have the professional camera or equipment that is needed. Professional photographers and agencies have the latest digital cameras and video recorders and this can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars as these professional cameras are very expensive and often cost much more than $1000 and can go as high at $8000 and beyond. Hiring a professional photographer also allows your friends and family to relax and not worry about taking hundreds of photographs and videos.

To find a photographer, again simply do a search in Google or Yahoo! for "wedding photographers in [Your City]". This should provide a number of results for the most popular wedding photographers in your area who specialize in capturing the special moments of a wedding. When hiring a photographer, be sure to look for samples and see real pictures that they have taken for other weddings to get a sense of quality. Also, like every other aspect of planning a wedding, make sure you act for a list of references and contact all of the references.

You probably need to hire two different people, one to take photographs and another to take videos using a digital video camcorder as it can be very difficult for one person to multitask these two duties and although it may save you a little bit of money, you will ultimately end up with lower quality photos and fewer photos. wedding photography companies realize this and most of them offer some sort of discount or package if you hire both a professional photographer as well as someone to capture the wedding on video.

Hiring a photographer will enable you to remember your special day forever so it is very important that you hire a professional photographer who will able to do their job well and archive your happiest moments.

Toronto Wedding Photography Offers Wedding Photography services in GTA.

How To Manage Digital Photography Lighting

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Photography blends science with art. The photographer is the artist who engraves his creation with light and shade. Science has gifted the artist a technically advanced digital camera for him to captivate life with it. But he must know to decipher the codes of light

And, Let There Be Light...

Natural light sources like the sun and the moon are considered the best light sources. These lights often invade indoors and make natural shots come alive. Men have created artificial lights like the ordinary bulb, the tungsten halogen lamp or the bright photoflood.

There are various types of lighting, the photographer can employ. The most common is the Directional lighting provided by flash, tungsten or several sources and can be used from the front, back or side.

Front lighting is the most in vogue but it reveals every detail. The light is at the back of the photographer beaming at the face of the subject highlighting every detail. This often results in an unexciting and flat look of your subjects. Another technique is to mystify your subject by lighting up from side. The main illumination from side adds interest and vigor with presence of dark shadows.

In Back lighting the source light remains in the rear of the subject shining in the face of the camera. So, you must be very careful while using this mode otherwise the subject will appear like a silhouette. The main advantage here is, you will be able to capture the natural expressions of your subject in an outdoor shoot, as he will not squint facing bright light.

You can employ Cross lighting where strong directional light comes from both sides. But this method is only suitable for studios with bright flash or tungsten lights.

Lighting For Digital Photography

Digital cameras may offer a wide range of easy lighting modes but there are challenges for the artist in his path to perfection. You must adopt the trial and error method and acquire the knowledge of lighting.

Most digital cameras have preset digital photography lighting modes or 'scenes' for different lighting situation. There is the indoor mode to click without flash, which is particularly useful in art galleries or museums, the night and portrait mode allows you to take pictures of your subject with a gleaming backdrop at night using a slower shutter speed.

The digital cameras provide an automatic setting for white balancing .You can determine the baseline white in your image against which, other colors will be rendered. Your camera may have a histogram to evaluate exposure in different digital photography conditions. Most cameras have various options like daylight, cloudy, tungsten and more.

What Is Auxillary Lighting?

If you want to create art using light and shadow, the Flash unit alone is not enough. Here, auxiliary lighting comes in. If you decide to shoot portraits or product shots in a studio then auxiliary lighting is not optional but necessary.

For great results use head and kicker lights. Flashlights do not generate heat like floods and spots, so are more suited for portraits. Make sure the flash suits your digital camera. If you want to shoot still shots or product shots, continuous tungsten light is the cheapest and best. A range of wattage bulbs and reflectors will help you control the intensity and direction of light too.

If you don't have money you can rent lights. Top studios have various assortments of flash units, flood and spotlights.

How to use light

Light is made up of all colors. If seen through a prism it bursts into different colors. You are free to experiment with the rainbow. Artificial lights have their own characteristics. The photographer can utilize different light sources. You can alter white setting for a different effect. Most digital cameras have color setting modes to achieve accuracy of the colors.

Direction of light is important in digital photography. People look best in diffused sidelights and backlight produces a halo effect while overhead lighting produces sharp contrast of light and shadows. Strength of light is also an essential factor. You can have placid effect from diffused lighting and sharpness from strong light.

Indoor lighting gives you ample scope to shoot nice pictures. You can assemble light as per your choice and can even harness sunlight when it enters your house to soften your image.

Outdoor shots are more challenging. It leaves you at the mercy of Mother Nature. While landscape looks good in soft light, the wildlife is captivating with fine details in bright light. So photographers try to capture wildlife just before dusk or before dawn.

In digital cameras, you do not need to worry about ISO film speed. Most digital cameras have preset ISO setting. However, experimentation is the perfect way to curb imperfection. So inflame your imagination and hone your skill. You are ready to enter the luminous empire of photography.

Connie Fillmore is a successful writer and publisher of photography related issues, for more informative articles go to www.digitalphotographyguy.com

Digital Photography - What's So Great About It?

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I admit it - I've been slow to embrace the digital photography phenomenon. As a hobbyist, I have two film cameras, an old manual focus Nikon and a newer autofocus Canon Rebel, and I resisted the temptation to indulge in a digital camera up until recently, even though each of my children had them for years now. But recently my father gave me his mid-priced Olympus (he didn't like the menus), and I've been giving it a try. And, to my surprise, I even like it.

My favorite thing about the camera is pretty obvious - no film. My father gave me two (bless him) substantial memory cards, and I just don't run out of film. I don't pay to develop photos that I don't really want now that I've seen them (I don't pay to develop photos period), and since I can actually see how they look on the spot, I can delete bad shots to save the space for more. Taking lots of shots helps me improve, and improves the chances of a better than average photograph as well, and now it's free. My camera has settings on it that allow me to pretend I have film - I can set film speed and worry about aperture/shutter speed combinations just like with my other cameras, so I can still use what I already know about photography, which I really like. And I love not having to wait to see how the pictures came out.

The other really cool thing about digital photography is photo editing. I haven't invested in Photoshop yet, but I have my eye on the Elements program for next year. I just use Google's free Picasa and sometimes my PhotoDeluxe editor (came free with my scanner), and even then I can do an incredible amount of really exciting things with my pictures. The best is being able to correct poor exposures (I admit, I often don't notice backlighting). With a couple of adjustments, what would have been a throwaway photo can become a keeper! I remove red-eye easily, sharpen focus, adjust contrast, warm up colors, and remove excessive unwanted tint (such as from lamplight). Cropping is my favorite - those lucky few who have their own darkroom crop their photos routinely, but us regular folks used to have to take what we got - no longer! We can pick and choose, and glory in removing unwanted background, excess sky - we can even remove most of the shot and make it a close-up. Resizing is a snap - want some wallets? No sweat. 8x10, 5x7, some oddball size - just a simple selection will do it. And don't forget special effects. Depending on the editor, you can turn your photo into a painting, add glow, filters, neon - your imagination can go wild!

When you have your masterpiece ready to go, you can print it on photo paper at home, or you can send it out for processing. Through Picasa, you can click and send it to a processor via the internet, and get your professionally printed photos in the mail - but only the ones you have decided you want. You can upload your photos to a web page, email them, use them in a blog or on MySpace - they are easy to share.

So, as you can see, I am a digital photography convert. There is so much fun in having this kind of control over your work that it has actually rejuvenated my love of photography. If you haven't already converted too, think about it. It really is a blast.

Interested in learning more about digital photography? Then try visiting DigitalPhotography4All.com where you can get real information for regular folks, and lots of ideas to improve your own digital photography.

Carol Miller is a long-time photography fan, and the owner of many websites, such as http://www.DigitalPhotography4All.com

A Traditional Film Photographer Finally Gives Digital Photography A Try

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Being a rather traditional amateur photographer for the last number of years I have to admit that I wasn?t too thrilled when digital cameras came on the scene. Little did I know it but all of that was soon about to change.

Many of the earlier ones were clunky, sporting poor quality lenses. In general, early on, digital cameras just left a bad taste in my mouth. I initially use them to share pictures of merchandise I selling with other people around the globe.

Although I started to find digital cameras useful I still found them awkward and lacking the precision of a film camera. As time and technology marched on, however, my outlook on digital photography began to change. Digital camera models emerged with greater resolution in the high numbers of megapixels, which was initially unheard of. Needless to say, however, these fine instruments were priced well outside the reach of most any amateur photographer.

Let?s fast-forward to today. High megapixel models can be found for under $300 is absolutely amazing. I haven?t ventured out in purchased one of those models yet. Actually, I?m still toying around with my 1.2 megapixel digital camera that I bought some years ago for right around 500 dollars.

I originally purchased this 1.2 megapixel digital camera to use to take pictures of products I was selling and place those pictures on eBay. It?s very simple to use, and believe me even though it was somewhat cumbersome it was still a lot easier than using a scanner to digitize actual photographs of products taken.

One year while on vacation, I decided to take the digital camera along with my regular photography rig. I found it so convenient, and so easy to use, that I started to find myself getting hooked. I finally took a leap of faith and decided not to be a photography snob and give digital photography a fair shake. Before I knew it I was taking some pretty artistic photographs with my simple digital camera.

What happened next surprised even me. I loaded the files of the digital photos into my computer and then clicked on each one just to get a glimpse of what they look like. Even with my simple 1.2M pixel camera the pictures exploded on the screen, and I was then forever hooked on digital photography.

So if you?ve been fighting the urge to explore digital photography I?d suggest that you get off the fence and give it a try. You?ll be very glad that you did.

For more information on better Photography as well as great Photography, tips, tricks, and techniques visit MaxPhotography.info located at http://www.maxphotography.info

Starting Your Pet Photography Business

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If you love pets and other animals, starting a pet photography business is possibly a great way to make money, on a steady basis for yourself. A genuine business opportunity.

Not only will you get to make good money, but you will also get to do so while enjoying your job. These two wonderful points are something that everybody is looking for in a career. Do you agree? If you think this is small potatoes just look at some of the fabulous home businesses around the internet world that are based on doggy and kitty care. They are big puppies, pardon the pun, for their owners.

Now before you start a pet photography business there are some key things that you will need to keep in mind. Remember, you cannot simply start a pet business because you like animals. Although, this is another massive benefit for you.

There is more to it than that. If you want to be successful at what you are doing you will need to be the best of the best. The best you can be. Please let me show you how below.

To begin your business look into the local market that you live in. There are two things, distinctly, that you should look at. First of all, are there enough people in your area that will want to use your service?

The bigger the city you live in the better your chances are of getting a lot of business. Are there a lot of well cared for dogs and cats in your area? That is, people who care about their pets? Who might want pictures of and with them?

You will also want to make sure that you do not have excessive competition in this industry. If there is already an established pet business like this in your area you may want to reconsider where you open up shop. This is a targeted niche market for you, and if somebody has already tapped into it you may have a hard time grabbing a share of the market.

To succeed and have a successful photo business you need to be good at taking pictures. That is a bottom line. If you are lacking the skills to take top good photographs nobody is going to pay for your services.

In addition, you will need to have the necessary camera equipment in order to be a success in the pet photography industry. This can be costly, but it is something you need to have to move up in the industry.

Another area, to speak of expenses to consider, is that a good photography business has a professional atmosphere in which clients can bring their pets. You will need to have a good, easy to find, location to do this as well as different props and backdrops. Also, keeping your working area clean and fresh smelling, is an absolute must if you are going to be having pets in and out all day long. Giving off an extra good sense of professionalism is a terrific way to get repeat and referral clients.

Still, another area seldom used in pet photography is to offer to come to client homes to take pictures. Virtually all photographers like to go to pet shops or drug stores to take their pictures. If you create a niche for yourself in this area you will be one step up on your competition. Make or get a clear sign for your business, with your phone number on it, and attach it to your car. You will get easy sales and leads this way. Do what others do not to succeed.

Get picture business cards made, dirt cheap, on the internet by going to Vistaprint and be sure to select a picture, on your business card, with cute dogs and cats on it. Pass out and post these cards at every opportunity for easy sales. Many of us pet lovers will not be able to resist calling you and having just one picture done.

Once you get some customers under your belt make a little cheap brag book, you can get for a dollar at the dollar store, that you can carry around with you. Keep it in your car. Customers will not be able to resist when they see this because they will picture themselves and their own pets in this cute little albums. Ring up more sales this unique way.

Have an article content writing service make a sales letter for you on the internet. You can have one permanent letter made for your specific business for less than $10 total! Print these up cheaply and pass them out. Ask the content writing service to post them on the internet for you with your contact information on them for free. This will, in time, bring you more sales.

Overall, a pet business like this, is a great way to make money in an industry that is interesting, fun and full of love. If you love pets, and have a knack for photography, you should really look into this industry right away. Who knows, you could even carve out a niche in your area and garner lots more clients than you ever thought possible.

James M. Lowe writes original articles about http://www.contenttomarket.com/ArticleWriters/home business opportunities

Action Photography

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Of all the kinds and styles of photography being practiced today, sports photography is probably the most exciting?not to mention the most difficult?of all. Since this kind of photography involves so much speed and action, photographing the subjects or players would require more than the usual knack for good angles but also the strength to endure physical limitations during the shoot.

Sports photography usually include shots that are taken during the game or while the subjects are in their respective field. Aiming to ?freeze? moments during the actual event, sports photographers should be equipped with the right photography equipment, trained with enduring tenacity, and fueled with an overwhelming desire to capture each moment and emotion at their best.

PHOTOGRAPHING DIFFERENT KINDS OF SPORTS

The best thing about sports photography is that the photographer can freeze a single moment that contains pure and raw emotion and share it with the public in print. If you?re into photography and quite interested in taking adrenaline-pumping shots, you should familiarize yourself with different kinds of sports first. Since each sport varies, the styles and techniques used in capturing and freezing each moment also vary.

If you are already in the field taking photos, it is a must that you have a brief background about the sport you are covering. Knowledge in the fundamentals of coaching style, sport rules, and players will help you identify their most interesting angles. It is also a must to identify your ?safety? (a shot that is easy to shoot and can be published if you don?t get good photos all throughout).

Here are some basic sports photography guidelines fit for common sports:

1. Baseball. Most seasoned sports photographers would agree that baseball is one sport that is hardest to shoot because of its unpredictability. Make sure that you get your safety first before getting experimental shots.

2. Basketball. Unlike baseball, this is the easiest sport to shoot because you only have to focus on two subjects: the player who handles the ball and the net. But its simplicity limits you to different angles, so make sure you get plenty of shots to choose from.

3. Football. This is another easy sport to shoot but it is considered as the most equipment intense sports because it would require waiting for the perfect shot. Although it?s easy to get safeties, it?s still up to you to produce action shots that would be a stand up.

4. Soccer and Hockey. Because of the speed and sudden movements involved in these sports, auto focus cameras are recommended.

5. Volleyball. Although it is one of the rarely covered sports events, volleyball is also one of favorites because dramatic shots can be derived all throughout. Since moves in the sports are quite tricky, make sure that you turn your camera?s auto focus on.

6. Golf. It?s hard to shoot photos during the game due to the nature of the game itself. What you can do is to camp at one location and take shots as players pass by or use a cart to follow the individual players.

7. Track and Field. Though access can be limited, this is one sport that is fun to shoot because movements are predictable and easy to shoot. All you need is good timing.

8. Gymnastics and Figure Skating. One basic rule in these sports: NO FLASH. Since they involve individuals performing, the use of flash is restricted because it distracts the players. The major problem you?ll encounter is lighting but this can be solved once the venue is lit up.

9. Motorsports and Racing Events. These are fairly easy to photograph because you can get away with slower lenses. But since you?re far from the track, you need longer lenses for the shoot.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on photography & other useful information, please visit http://photography.articlekeep.com

The Art Of Photography Magazines

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A photograph is a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art (Ambrose Pierce). Let?s face it, we cannot all be Van Gogh or Monet, and we will not even try; but photography. Now that is an art for the common man. From the childhood pinhole camera to the digital SLR as an adult, all of us have dabbled, some of us more than others, in this form of expression. There is something about memories ? we all hold on to them, in our minds, and in our scrapbooks.

If you want to know how to make your photographs look better, then a subscription to a photography magazine is the best way to get there. I would recommend subscriptions to at least three, actually.

The Popular Photography Magazine is great for beginners, and is referred to by professionals as well. Each issue of this magazine teaches you the basics of photography, like composition and production. There is a section for new products, to help you make the correct choice of equipment, according to your budget and level of interest and expertise. There are helpful tips and solutions to making your pictures look better.

If collecting photographs is more up your alley, then the Blind Spot Magazine is for you. Not only does it feature the finest works of art that you will find, it also showcases some upcoming talent. This is the best source of works for a collector, or a curator, as well as for designers, who are looking for innovations in their work. Most of the photographs featured in this magazine are those that have never been seen before. Try it; it will satisfy the artist in you.

Aspiring and established photographers swear by the American Photo Magazine. It is very technical, and has reviews and curtain-raisers on the latest equipment in the market. There are sections devoted to industry trends and techniques as well.

The digital way of living has changed the way photographs are taken. Some people have welcomed digital cameras with open arms, but the more orthodox one swear by film. Without being biased, there is no denying that computers are here to stay, and there is a beautiful relationship between computers and photography in this age of flawless imagery. The PCPhoto Magazine makes life easier for the digital artist. This magazine provides, in each issue, step-by-step instructions on how to enhance and improve your digital images. There is a whole section dedicated especially to the newest cameras, scanners and software in the market.

Another magazine that tries to please both factions in the digital vs film war is the Photo Techniques Magazine. This magazine deals with Photoshop in detail; essential in today?s imaging business. It should be of great help to both the professional and the amateur.

As for the video enthusiasts, there are two magazines that will help, whether you are a beginner, or an expert ? the Videomaker Magazine and the Camcorder Magazine. Now you can make your own home videos and edit them, but better than your parents did!

There are many more magazines in the market. You just have to figure out which one is of more useful to you. And remember, when you click in color, you capture the clothes; when you click in black and white, you capture the soul.

James Brown writes about Magazine City,Magazines and MagMall Magazines

Digital Photography Thru An Amateurs Lens

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If you haven't taken your first digital photograph, or even heard of digital photography, then I really must congratulate you. You are truly a contradiction. Since your reading this article, you must be browsing the web, yet you still haven't heard of digital cameras. Apart from the computer itself, and perhaps the cell phone, photography has been more revitalized than practically any other industry in the digital universe. During it's early introduction, it was reviled by professional photographers, as being a sub par and mediocre technology. In other words, the picture quality was pathetic. However, Like any high tech toy these days, it has matured at an alarming rate, and the cries of mediocrity have been gagged and silenced. Everyone, even a multitude of pros engage in the sinful passion that is digital photography.

Digital Delights vs Digital Dystopia

Not to say that aren't a cornucopia of complications to overcome in this new digital wonderland. And hardly the least of these is the managing of the overflow of new pictures you now own copyrights to. It seems that being cheap little buggers, is a genetic trait of most human beings. Way back in the old days, when taking pictures actually meant buying real film with real cash, we were very judicious in what pictures we took. Now that digital photography allows us to endlessly reuse those overworked little bits on our memory sticks, we click, snap and shoot every cute, furry, adorable thing that comes into range. Once are hard drives are crammed with a gazillion of these images ranging from dubious to heirloom quality we really start to worry. What happens if our hard drive makes that klunk-grind-klunk-kratch sound that next time we boot up our pc? Or . . . however will we find that one really priceless picture we're looking for, in that wasteland of hopefully-forgotten digital visions? Gotta have backups folks. And really you must get more organized. It's that simple. And hey, while your at it, dump that crappy and boring old screen saver of flying toasters, and crappy windows logos, for your own maniacal barge sized load of digital pictures on your hard drive. Why not at least view your images on your own pc periodically before your hard drive commits digital Hari-Kari.

Revenge is the Ultimate Panacea

Of course there are many more creatively satisfying tactics for dealing with all this digital photography abundance. All those free picture sharing sites that allow us to inflict our photographic genius on other unsuspecting travelers of the net. You upload your pictures in varying sizes, and mediums of presentation. Yes, the already tortured world really needs to see a slideshow of my 4 year olds magnificently produced, directed and choreographed version of the Teddy Bear Picnic. As harmless as this strategy may seem, it's effectiveness is not ruthlessly devoid of passion. Of course why just settle for a inner feeling of joy, when you can turn all those pictures into hard cash. Start a picture blog, and surround your beautiful works of sublime art with greed driven capitalistic advertisements. Nothing like that oh so moving picture of junior playing with his very first barf, and a caption of "Ads by Gaaaaaaagle" eloquently underneath. I'm sure once you put a little thought into it, you can come up with your own wonderful form of digital dysentery. Best of luck, I'll be watching for you.

For more on digital photography visit photographyfunonline.com or read other digital photography articles.

Web Cam Astrophotography Basics

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Web cams have changed amateur astrophotography profoundly. You can now have a CCD for a fraction of the cost. Web cams can take awesome planetary and lunar astrophotos right out of the box. You can use the capture software that comes with the cam for capturing your shots and then use freeware to process the results. Can't get much cheaper than that. Of course for better results it is you should use specialized software, but that is available on the cheap as well.

And if you are a do-it-yourselfer, web cams can also be adapted to take long exposure astrophotos, pretty cool right? Plus there are ready to go, web cam based planetary imagers now available from Celestron, Meade and, Orion. Meade and Orion also have imagers for long exposure, deep-sky imaging. All these include software. They are however more expensive.

If you already have a web cam great, you only need some software which can be downloaded for free, and an adaptor to connect the web cam to your telescope. If you don't own one the following cams have proven to be good for astrophotography and good deals can be found on eBay for example.

-ToUcam Pro by Philips PCVC740K or PCVC840K ToUcam PRO II. I have both of these. I am leaving the new one as a dedicated planetary imager and adapting the PCV740K for long exposure astrophotography.

-Vesta pro also by Philips. I haven't personally used this web cam but others have with great success. It can also be adapted for long exposures.

-Quickcam pro by Logitech. I used to have one of these, but I prefer the ToUcam. It does a good job though and can also be modified for long exposures.

-There are other web cams which are good for astrophotography but these three are the only ones I have experience with.

Now for the adaptor to connect the web cam to your telescope. I use a Mogg adaptor, made by, surprise Mr. Steve Mogg. More information and purchasing can be found at: http://webcaddy.com.au/astro/adapter.htm For either ToUcam you will want the UWAT-F, for the Vesta Pro the UWAS-F, and for the Quickcam Pro the UWAL-F. He has adaptors for other astrophotography web cams as well.

Next you will need some software to make this all work. Good news it won't cost you a single penny. First you will need some capture software. K3CCDTools version 1 is absolutely free. It works very well to capture astrophotos with web cams. I use version 3 which costs $45.00 because I use some of the other features it offers but you won't need that for basic planetary work (yet). You can download it at: http://www.pk3.org/Astro/index.htm?k3ccdtools_download.htm.

To get really nice detail in your shots you will need to combine(stack) multiple images. A really nice piece of software is called RegiStax. It is also freeware. You can download a copy at: http://registax.astronomy.net/html/download.html.

The next article in this series will be on setting up your web cam and software, capturing your first image during daylight, then getting your first astrophoto (the moon).

Carl Gilbertson has been involved in amatuer astronomy for over 30 years and astrophotography for over twenty-five years. Learn more at his site: http://webcamastrophotography.blogspot.com

Improving your Wildlife Photography

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I often wish I had some of the wildlife photography experience I have now, all those years ago, when I was still a struggling amateur wildlife photographer. I now know exactly what it takes to get a good wildlife photo, and I have also learned what to do to achieve what it takes...

1. Get up early in the mornings and stay out late in the afternoons

The main thing that makes a wildlife photograph excellent is the lighting. In the early mornings and late afternoons when the sun is low, the light is very warm and makes for excellent wildlife photography. You have to be in the field when this is going on... So, drop the excuses, get up earlier and go get that shot.

For more on good light, see the Wildlife Photography section of my website: http://www.africa-nature-photography.com/wildlife-photography.html.

2. Use proper camera support

Sharpness is a must for any wildlife photograph that is going to be admired or published. If your pictures are not sharp, forget it. They won't cut it. Trust me, I learned this the hard way...

Always use proper support for your camera. In Africa, this would have to be inside your vehicle, as you can not leave your vehicle to use a tripod while photographing dangerous animals. I use a door bracket or beanbags.

3. Get that prime lens

I have worked with both zoom and prime lenses over time and I am a really big fan of prime lenses now. The are sharper, faster and smaller than zoom lenses (except those f/2.8 or f/4 monsters).

I know they are expensive, but there is nothing that would improve your photography more than using the best equipment. I know, as I had to figure this out the hard way. I wish I got the best gear sooner, as I would have been able to use all my old photos now that I am professional.

4. Spend time in the right places for wildlife photography

Go there where it is still really wild. Nothing beats the photographs you get when you go into the real wilderness.

Stop wasting time at your zoo, and organize a trip to Africa! I give information on visiting Africa on my Africa Safaris page at http://www.africa-nature-photography.com/africa-safaris.html and it would be a good idea to read what I say there before planning your visit.

When you have taken pictures in the Okavango Delta, you will never photograph in your back garden again.

5. Get some action into those photos

Frankly, the world has seen more than enough pictures of wildlife doing nothing. Enough already. Get that action shot!

My results improved considerably when I realized this and started taking photographs of animals doing something. Start trying to capture that special moment where the Impala is flying through the air while fleeing something, or the lion is chasing the warthog, or even just a pretty water bird catching a frog.

Conclusion

If you start applying the principles outlined here, you will see big improvement in your wildlife photography results. Who knows, maybe shortly you will also be among the prizes in that famed wildlife photography competition.

Dries Cronje is a professional freelance wildlife photographer and web designer. He has a passion for teaching and has dedicated one website completely to helping his fellow wildlife and nature photographers.

For wildlife photography, see http://www.africa-nature-photography.com/wildlife-photography.html.

For landscape photography, see http://www.africa-nature-photography.com/landscape-photography.html.

Wedding Photography: How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

Once in while I receive e-mails or phone calls from aspiring or beginner wedding photographers asking me for advise on how to become successful in the wedding field. My first question is always what their motivation is to become a wedding photographer. Some will reply that they heard from somebody that it is easy money, or that they got a cool camera that takes great photos or that they would like to make some money on the side etc. While it is true that wedding photography can be a very profitable business achieving success in the wedding industry is not just a matter of getting a camera and start shooting. Wedding photography involves artistic talent, human sense, complete mastery of photographic techniques, business knowledge, and a strong desire to learn and deliver the best to the wedding couple.

Here I have summarized some points that I believe will guide beginner wedding photographers:

1. Learn photography before anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a master of the craft. You will be in charge of capturing people's most precious life moments. The wedding day is not the place to learn photography.

2. Just because you got a brand new camera it does not automatically make you an effective and reliable photographer. Photography goes beyond cool toys and gadgets. Learn composition and develop a unique artistic vision. Some of the great photographs of all time were taken with manual cameras.

3. Master the digital workflow, including color management, digital image processing, file management and image correction and enhancement.

4. Learn to love photography more than anything else. Don't come to the wedding photography field with just dreams of making money. It is true that there are many successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money. However according to the Professional Photographers of America the average photographer in America makes about $24,000 a year.

5. Focus on delivering quality more than quantity. Seek with all your heart to capture unique photographs.

6. Develop a style that is recognizable and unique. Don't try to be like somebody else. Clients look for unique photographers, with a unique vision.

7. Give wedding photography all your heart and effort. Long when you are gone your photographs will last forever. It is a great way to be remembered.

8. Open your heart and your mind and great photos will happen. Concentrate on the human aspect of weddings, the details, and emotions and be ready to capture them. Let the camera become an extension of you.

9. Share your technical knowledge and make connections with other wedding photographers.

10. Participate in wedding photography image competitions. It will give you the opportunity to have your work evaluated by peers and the motivation to improve your work quality.

11. Learn something new everyday. Take advantage of professional photography organizations such as Professional Photographers of America (PPA), WPPI, etc. Attend their seminars, workshops. Participate in Internet wedding photography forums and learn and share tips, tools and techniques.

12. Don't neglect the business aspect of wedding photography. Learn to manage your business effectively. Take business courses and seminars.Juan Carlos Torres is a very respected and awarded wedding photographer in Oregon. He has a Masters Degree in Remote Sensing with a strong background in digital image processing and photography. For a sample of his works please visit Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer and Salem Oregon Wedding Photographer

HAWAII PHOTOGRAPHERS DISSCUSS PROS AND CONS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Part One

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

As a professional photographer for the past 31 years, I am acutely aware of the magnitude of the effect that the digital revolution has had on my profession. The vast majority of professional photographers who have kept up with the technology will agree that 'digital' is fantastic.

Of course, there are many professionals, while agreeing that digital is great, will moan that "digital has caused the loss of much business!" We'll get back to that in Part Two, but first I'd like to say that the advent and development of computers and programs like Photoshop, in my humble opinion, is cause enough for celebration!

I probably should admit at this point that I am in no way a computer "Geek", and that to me, Photoshop is magic! It amazes me every time I use it. I can't praise the makers of Photoshop enough. But I digress...

I have used film in my business for a long time. And I used medium format film which gave me beautiful, crisp images I could enlarge to 30x40 very nicely. I was in no hurry to "go digital" until I saw with my own eyes, and my own images that digital could produce the same quality I had been used to. I had never seen a 'digital' print that could fool me into thinking it was from film.

That day came in 2002. I saw what was being done with 6-mega pixel capture, and Epson Stylus Pro printers and I became a "believer".

ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

The obvious advantages, just about everybody knows: No film cost, no processing and proof costs, no prints you don't want, instant view-ability. Well, instant gratification and saving money. What's not to love? For a pro, the savings in film, processing and proofs is substantial. Also as a pro, instant view-ability has a marked positive influence on sales.

Deeper advantages include having complete control of your images with imaging software. (It's a given that you need to have a good computer and good imaging software..) With those tools you can correct color, add special effects, re-touch, crop, burn & dodge, sandwich images, all kinds of things! It's as good or better than having a chemical darkroom.

We'll take a look at the disadvantages in Part Two, and revisit the "loss of business" issue.

P. Cox II runs a Portrait and Commercial photography studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been a professional Hawaii photographer for 31 years. His web address is: http://www.ParamountPhotography.com. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Stan P. Cox II runs a Portrait and Commercial photography studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been a professional Hawaii photographer for 31 years. His web address is: http://www.ParamountPhotography.com.

Abstract Photography - Has Photography Come Of Age

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

?Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance. Always, I am on the threshold.? -W. Eugene Smith

The invention of the camera liberated painting from its reportage role. Gone was the need to produce a likeness, detail the events of the story, painting was free to express emotions. True what had gone before contained an emotional content but now painting could experiment and through imaginative interpretation allow the emotional content to predominate.

As the 19th century evolved and throughout the 20th century painters from the impressionists through the cubists and expressionists to the minimalists could to use colour, line and form to go straight to the emotional content of their work. The representational aspect of the work become coincidental and was pushed to the point that it became akin to lying on the grass making shapes out of clouds. Enjoyable as it may be it is secondary to the nature of clouds.

The introduction of the digital darkroom has given this freedom to photographers. The range of tools to fix and enhance the camera?s capture when pushed to its extremes produces a range of fascinating effects. When added to the filters built into the better software, images can be produced that any comparison to the original photograph is purely coincidental.

With the use of these tools, the skilled photographic artist can take the pop song and create, in visual terms, the lyric beauty of a baroque symphony or the down town jive of a jazz variation without a tree or high rise in sight. Just the light captured by the camera and fine tuned into something completely different, something new that comes from the photographer.

The photographer has been liberated like the painter before them by technology. Now photographs can explore the full range of human experience including those that have no words to express them. Large statements will be accessible by the photographer not only in physical terms. Like their painter counterparts a large canvas is becoming the order of the day. That this canvas can express feelings rather than just illustrate them denotes that the photograph has become an adult in the arts.

Henry Bateman is an artist/photographer. His work can be seen at http://www.pissedpoet.com

Wedding Photography That Will Last A Lifetime

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

Having pictures that you can look at in the years that follow your wedding is just one of the things that you want to invest your money in. But if you?re on a constricted budget, then there are also options for you.

Things to consider

One of the main things to consider when it comes to photography is what you want from your pictures. Do you want pictures of your while family or mainly of the two of you? If it a larger wedding or is a more private celebration?

You and your soon-to-be spouse should sit down and list all of the pictures that you would like to have in your wedding album?that is, poses for pictures. With this list, you?ll be able to see if you should invest in a professional or consider other options.

Where do you want your pictures taken? Some couples like to have outdoor shots, so they will need to find a photographer that does that as part of their services. The length of time you would like the photographer to be at the wedding will also factor into the price.

Look at photographer samples to see if your styles match. If they don?t, the photographer may recommend someone else. They want you to have good pictures, even if it?s not with them.

When you?re on a budget

If you?re nervous about spending a lot of money on your photographer, but still want a lot of pictures?you?re in luck. With the new and improved digital cameras, you have a better shot (no pun intended) to get great pictures.

Have a good friend (who isn?t in the wedding party) volunteer to take the pictures. Since digital cameras show you what the picture looks like instantly, you can take as many as you need in order to get it just right. And the quality is just as good as many professional photographers.

Another way to get a lot of chances for good pictures is to place disposable cameras at every table. People love to take pictures of other people, so you?ll get a lot of candid shots of your relatives and friends. Plus, the quality is pretty good, so you?re not wasting your money at all.

It doesn?t matter who takes your pictures as long as you get the ones that you want. If you want to have someone else do it, then invest in the professional. But for the budget conscious, having a friend or relative take charge is just as good.

Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to make sure that you have the day of your dreams, and avoid wedding day disaster! Get the free course "Your Special Day from Start to Finish" now at at http://www.weddingdata.com

CAROLINE NADER AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHER RECEIVES HONOURABLE MENTION IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

CAROLINE NADER AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHER RECEIVES HONOURABLE MENTION IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

Sydney artist Caroline Nader was awarded an Honourable Mention in the International Photography Awards (IPA) 2005 Competition.

Los Angeles, California, 2005 - Caroline's photos in the 'Architecture in non-professional' category, won her an Honourable Mention for her series of images titled "In Search of a Holy Space, Spain." The 2005 IPA Competition drew an avalanche of images from around the world - 16,648 entries and across 32 countries.

The outpouring of these thousands of photographs from cities, towns and small villages continues to prove the global power and presence of the still image. Susan Baraz, one of the competition judges, said: "as one of the IPA judges, I was overwhelmed by the incredible talent displayed by all who entered."

About Caroline Nader

Caroline was born in Lebanon, and spent her early childhood in Nigeria and England, before settling in Australia at the age of eight. It seems that travelling was always in her blood.

Although titled "In Search of a Holy Space", it was Caroline's love of football that originally took her to Europe. "I guess that's the joy of travelling, you find something special that you never originally sought," she said.

The legendary Santiago de Compostela provided the perfect photographic setting. "Places of worship have a certain magic, a raw energy. People's fears, hopes and dreams are captured within a holy space."

Are there any more Spanish adventures in the future? "Seville is a dream, the blending of Spanish, Arabic and Northern African cultures."

Currently Caroline is the Creative Director at Etcom, a specialised multicultural communications agency. Etcom is part of the Worldwide WPP Group as well as the STW Group in Australia.

About Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Since the 12th century, thousands of pilgrims have completed the "Camino de Santiago". The final destination is the cathedral containing the scared relics of the apostle St. James. Santiago is the second largest Catholic Pilgrimage centre after Rome.

About IPA

IPA is comprised of 18,000 members and affiliates from around the world. IPA's mission is to salute the achievements of the world's finest photographers, to discover new and emerging talent, and to promote the appreciation of photography. Since 2003 IPA has acknowledged photographers' achievements from around the world in various categories. The 2005 gala Lucie Awards ceremony will be held in October, New York.

Visit www.photoawards.com

For more information, please contact:

Guadalupe Millan PR Manager, Etcom, Australia etcom@etcom.com.au +61 2 9568 8398

Caroline Nader caro_nader@yahoo.com mobile: +61 (0) 422 458 969

IPA Contact: Clio Van Ert press@photoawards.com 310-659-0122 (USA)

Caroline was born in Lebanon, and spent her early childhood in Nigeria and England, before settling in Australia at the age of eight. It seems that travelling was always in her blood.

Although titled "In Search of a Holy Space", it was Caroline's love of football that originally took her to Europe. "I guess that's the joy of travelling, you find something special that you never originally sought," she said.

 

How to Chose Stock Photography for your Web Site

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

How to Chose Stock Photography for your Web Site

So youve decided to take the plunge. You know that stock photography is an effective tool for your web business, but where do you start and how do you choose the stock photo thats right for you. Here are some tips to get you started so that you are happy with your choice.

1. Decide where you want to purchase your stock photography. There are large agencies and small independent photographers. While the agencies will have more to chose from and sometimes lower prices an independent photographer will offer more personalized service and opportunities for you to have custom work done, if that is what you need.

2. Dont go in expecting to find an exact image that is in your head, a large agency or an independent photographer will not have the man in a blue suit, holding a cell phone, next to the white blinds nor will they have the beach landscape with the green and white striped chair. You need to have a clear idea in your head of the message that you want to convey and search for an image that creates the message that you want. (If you want something specific youll have to pay for a photography to shoot to your specifications.)

3. Make use of a free comp image to try out the image and make sure that it fits with your project or web design. Most stock agencies offer some sort of free comp image for position only so that you can make sure that you like what youre going to buy. Please use this option, if available, and make sure that the image is going to convey the message that you want it to.

4. Pay for what you need. Dont pay for a 300 dpi image for a web design, and dont buy a 72 dpi image for something you intend to print. Make sure that the agency or independent photographer offers at least a printable and a web version of every photo. Buy only the size image that you need for your job.

5. How much do you want to pay and for how long to you want to use the image? This comes down to royalty free or rights managed. If you dont want the chance of your competitor using the same image or you plan to use the image on or for a product you may want to look at rights managed. This will cost you more but it will lessen the chance of your competitor using the same image. Keep in mind that if youre using the image for an extended period of time you will have to pay for the use of the image every year or so. If you dont feel that your competitor using the same image is a threat or you dont have the money for rights managed photos look into royalty free photography. This product is also great if youre planning to use the images for an extended period of time.

I hope these tips help to get you started in choosing stock photography for your web site, business, or product. Remember to shop around and look for what you need. Also if an agency or photographer doesnt have what you need ask, you may be surprised how helpful they can be even for specific requests. If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography Forum at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php and post your question there.

Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. Recently she started her own business Kelly Paal Photography (www.kellypaalphotography.com). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design.

Is digital photography expensive?Jakob Jelling

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

http://www.snapjunky.com

Being such a fascinating device as the digital camera, this technological masterpiece is of course a precious and priced possession. And acquiring it also means that one time achievement feeling. Thus a person must also be very careful and at the time quite a little knowledgeable in order to make a good purchase and not lose a good bargain in the maze of soaring prices and mist of exaggerated cost myths. This discussion is again focused to pierce that mist and unravel that myth to reveal the truths and facts regarding the actual and economic cost of a digital camera!

As per recent marketing trends, the conventions has it that there are only two types of digital camera users, firstly the average people who only craves to push the button, and secondly the professional photographers, people who looks for good control over the digital camera and its well carved features and are willing to pay virtually any price. Thus with this idea in the back of the entire process of sell and purchase, diverse levels of resolution for such digital cameras are available that are the real culprits in defining the price range of the cameras. United with such singular features the digital cameras come in a spectral variety of price range for an even varying customer range that are willing to pay anything from 30 to 1,500. The cost of an average digital camera probably lies in the region of 260, however in spite of this a person must be aware of what functionality or resolution that he or she is looking for and ultimate paying for, so that the purchase does not result in too much in exchange of too little of whatever must be desired from the digital camera. A person must self analyze the reasons for purchasing the digital camera before venturing into an expensive rendezvous. He or she must be aware of what the real purpose is, is it only snapping for casual reasons or a serious plan to produce super quality photographs to be printed as art or for professional purposes.

Looking into the price index in a little more detail reveals more facts! SLR (single-lens reflex) digital cameras have attained quite a price shedding with the invention and market release of digital cameras like Canon's EOS Digital Rebel, an SLR priced below $1000, perhaps the very first of its kind. Even with certain add on into the digital camera that even add to the price a bit more, still the Rebel cost remains about $600 below its flanking competitors. However comvention has it that these standard digital cameras cost around $2500 to $4,000.

In an effort to find out the reasons behind such soaring high prices, research reveals that digital camera sensors are, for all intents and purposes, computer chips. The bigger the computer chip, the more likely it is for errors. The reason remains that a single blemish in the silicon wafer may reduce to rubble an entire chip. Thus the random flaw increases with the size of the wafer. This is the exact reason why costly chips like Intel Pentiums processors are basically not bigger than 20mm square and can be also manufactured in greater volumes. Yet with the reduction in size the prices soar up and this proves the high costs of the digital cameras.

Thus it becomes clear from this discussion that a predetermined mind set is required when approaching for purchasing a device like the digital camera. This discussion provides an overview of the price ranges of good digital cameras, but a person must identify his or her own needs and preferences and have an open mind but with some notion of what a good but should be, and the cost of the digital camera would be a guaranteed perfection!
http://www.snapjunky.com

Being such a fascinating device as the digital camera, this technological masterpiece is of course a precious and priced possession. And acquiring it also means that one time achievement feeling. Thus a person must also be very careful and at the time quite a little knowledgeable in order to make a good purchase and not lose a good bargain in the maze of soaring prices and mist of exaggerated cost myths. This discussion is again focused to pierce that mist and unravel that myth to reveal the truths and facts regarding the actual and economic cost of a digital camera!

As per recent marketing trends, the conventions has it that there are only two types of digital camera users, firstly the average people who only craves to push the button, and secondly the professional photographers, people who looks for good control over the digital camera and its well carved features and are willing to pay virtually any price. Thus with this idea in the back of the entire process of sell and purchase, diverse levels of resolution for such digital cameras are available that are the real culprits in defining the price range of the cameras. United with such singular features the digital cameras come in a spectral variety of price range for an even varying customer range that are willing to pay anything from 30 to 1,500. The cost of an average digital camera probably lies in the region of 260, however in spite of this a person must be aware of what functionality or resolution that he or she is looking for and ultimate paying for, so that the purchase does not result in too much in exchange of too little of whatever must be desired from the digital camera. A person must self analyze the reasons for purchasing the digital camera before venturing into an expensive rendezvous. He or she must be aware of what the real purpose is, is it only snapping for casual reasons or a serious plan to produce super quality photographs to be printed as art or for professional purposes.

Looking into the price index in a little more detail reveals more facts! SLR (single-lens reflex) digital cameras have attained quite a price shedding with the invention and market release of digital cameras like Canon's EOS Digital Rebel, an SLR priced below $1000, perhaps the very first of its kind. Even with certain add on into the digital camera that even add to the price a bit more, still the Rebel cost remains about $600 below its flanking competitors. However comvention has it that these standard digital cameras cost around $2500 to $4,000.

In an effort to find out the reasons behind such soaring high prices, research reveals that digital camera sensors are, for all intents and purposes, computer chips. The bigger the computer chip, the more likely it is for errors. The reason remains that a single blemish in the silicon wafer may reduce to rubble an entire chip. Thus the random flaw increases with the size of the wafer. This is the exact reason why costly chips like Intel Pentiums processors are basically not bigger than 20mm square and can be also manufactured in greater volumes. Yet with the reduction in size the prices soar up and this proves the high costs of the digital cameras.

Thus it becomes clear from this discussion that a predetermined mind set is required when approaching for purchasing a device like the digital camera. This discussion provides an overview of the price ranges of good digital cameras, but a person must identify his or her own needs and preferences and have an open mind but with some notion of what a good but should be, and the cost of the digital camera would be a guaranteed perfection!

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snapjunky.com. Visit his digital camera guide and learn how to take better pictures with your digicam.

Selling Stock Photography for Amateurs

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

It may have crossed your mind at some point that you would like to sell your images with some of the photographic stock agencies online. You may have then visited their sites only to be put off by the costs involved with regard to the equipment needed to "produce the goods". Many of the larger agencies need file sizes of 50MB which require professional or semi-professional equipment and for which the costs run into thousands.

What a lot of people don't understand is that there are "micro stock" agencies that cater for a different market altogether! You see, the huge image files required by the larger agencies are what are needed for large advertising or marketing companies that need to either show off exceptional quality or reproduce the images in print, at greatly enlarged proportions. But what about the rest of the world?

What about small companies that cannot afford the rates offered by large stock agencies? What about the sole trader or self employed that simply needs a few decent images for his/her website or small marketing campaign? What about colleges or faculties that have a strict budget but still need good images for their workshops or tuition? This is where you come in!

The agencies I am talking about, only need good, nice clean images of 2.5 megabytes or above which can be produced by cameras of around 3 mega pixels or higher. This would include your everyday advanced digital compact like a Canon Sureshot for example.

The cost of buying the images is kept very low for the consumer as the file sizes restrict the applications for which they can be used, but are perfect for the type of outlets I have just described. Therefore the payout is less to the photographer but sales happen a lot more frequently and you can earn yourself a nice residual income for as long as your images are online. Obviously the more you have the more you earn.

It doesn't mean that you can send any old tat in; the images must be clean (in all respects), interesting, well taken and well exposed. The agencies normally have a "wants" list which is excellent as it lets you know exactly what you have to do to earn money! Apart from anything, it also gives you more of a reason to go out and make use of your camera in a more exciting way.

There is a forum on the site that I use and recommend, that has a bunch of regulars that are always there to lend a hand with advice, hints and tips and also to give inspiration and motivation. It has a community of photographers that will put you at ease and help you on your way to earning money from your camera, and I can guarantee you will make friends there too.

After I had registered (which is free), I was a little bemused by it all as I had only ever used the larger agencies, so before I uploaded any images, I introduced another photographer to them. He had about 20 moto-x images on within a week and sold 6 of them immediately. I uploaded 1 image after that and sold a copy that night. I then uploaded 48 more, 5 were rejected but I sold 18 of the others within a week. I then submitted another 90 and so it goes on, all very exciting as the sales stats are updated every 15 minutes and you cannot help but keep "refreshing" the page!

It is by no means my main source of income, but the way I see it, I can upload smaller copies of the 50MB files I have on with larger agents here and add another stream of revenue for very little work. If you have images sitting around on your hard drive, or would like a reason to get up in the morning and go out and do something constructive, give it a go, there is nothing to lose.

One word of warning though, read very carefully the criteria for uploading images. If you consistently upload rubbish, your account will be suspended for 6 months pending review. I suggest that you read the submission guidelines for all stock agencies at my site here;

Selling Stock Photography at "All Things Photography"

and look for the yellow information box halfway down the page.

This will require work and a bit of commitment, but you can earn some nice pocket money here from your hobby and some of the regulars earn a good living from it, but you must follow and abide by the rules.

Good luck and hope to see you in the forums!

www.all-things-photography.com

Nick is a professional photographer with over 20 years experience in wedding, portrait, industrial and advertising photography. He is a member of the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) and BPPA (British Professional Photographers Association).