Discovering The Beauty Of Landscape Photography

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Symmetry, repetition, contrast, asymmetry, coherence, symbolism, and a dash of irony?these are the major components that construct a beautiful photograph taken by exceptional photographer. These are also the very same components that one needs balance when taking one of the easiest yet most difficult subjects to photograph? landscapes.

LOOKING BACK

Since they are permanent, familiar, accessible, and part of nature, landscapes have been one of the most favorite subjects by most photographers. Landscape photography can be traced as early as 1849 when the book ?Egypte, Nubie, Palestine et Syrie? containing prints of paper negatives was published. In the 19th century, many eminent landscape photographers emerged which dominate large photography collections in museums and galleries worldwide. Today, many budding photographers continue to fall in love with nature. And as they pursue the road to landscape photography, more and more works and techniques continue to emerge.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH LANDSCAPES

Unlike other kinds and styles of photography, most people would say that it is easy to take landscape photographs because you don?t need to instruct you subject and you can choose whatever angle you want. On the contrary, most photographers believe that landscape photography is one of the most difficult because you will need an intense set of equipment and a very keen eye to make an ?ordinary? scene quite extraordinary.

Imagine capturing the natural beauty of a majestic landscape with your camera and in your own preference. Here are some of the elements you need to pay attention to before you delve into the realms of landscape photography:

1. Camera, lens, and lens shade are great deals. Although you can use any camera, most photographers would recommend SLR or digital SLR because these give wider selection of lenses and ensure superior results. Wide-angle lenses are also advised because it gives a great view into any picture. In order to protect your lens, look for a good lens hood or shade.

2. Tripod is a must. This is a very invaluable and important asset for landscape photographers to avoid the blurred outcomes and to ensure the maximum depth of field.

3. Invest on film and filters. Any film today can be used because it can record nature?s color vividly. You just have to be wise in using the right ISO film to avoid grains in your photo prints.

4. Consider camera position. This greatly affects the overall quality of your photo because it requires your creative decision. (TIP: If there is a horizon line in your composition, keep it leveled so there is a room for greater possibilities.)

5. Set the direction and the type of light to be used. Proper direction accompanied with balanced lighting will make or unmake your landscape piece so make sure that you visit the location and predict the weather before your shoot.

6. Be hands-on in post exposure manipulation. To get the job done, try to learn mastering the do?s and don?ts in the darkroom so you?ll get the result you desire.

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

Focal Length for Portrait Photography - Zoom for Refined Pictures of People

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What is the best focal length for portrait photography? In other words, if you are using a zoom lens, what is the best zoom position for taking a picture of one or more persons? What's different between a close-up and a full-length portrait? Answers to these questions will let us make more refined images of the people we love to photograph.

In order to answer these questions we first must focus on what we want to do. Usually we want two things:
1) Reproduce the persons with no distortion.
2) Throw the background out of focus to avoid a distracting backdrop.

To fulfill point 1) we should avoid getting too close to our subject. So this in turn leads to the question: what is the correct distance from the subject? The answer is twofold, according to whether you want a close-up or rather a 3/4-length to full-length group portrait.

If you are making a close-up, a short telephoto is the best choice, let's say an 80mm lens. Such a lens offers normal perspective, while a standard 50mm lens would force the photographer to get too close to the subject thus altering the perspective (a phenomenon known as "foreshortening"). If foreshortening occurs, the closer parts of the subject's face (the nose, the chin) would appear greater than they are, and the opposite would happen to the back of his or her head. Or, in case of a large group, the faces of the people in front would appear much greater than those on the back. That's why, in case of a large group, an even longer lens than the 80mm would be better. If a 200mm is used for a close-up group portrait, the background will be completely out of focus, if this is what you desire, thus fulfilling the previous point 2). This is because the longer the focal length, the shallower the depth of field (even though this is rather improper). Be careful, however, to put all the faces in the same shallow plane of focus. Finally, avoid using extreme telephotos (300mm) because, again, perspective becomes distorted, with all subject's features appearing compressed. Moreover, keep in mind that the closer to the frame edges, the stronger the distortion. This is even more so for wide-angle lenses.

If you are making a 3/4-length or full-length group portrait, a standard 50mm lens is the optimum choice. This time you will be farther away from the subject and the aforementioned foreshortening will not take place. Unfortunately, with such a lens it will be impossible to separate the subject from the background, thus rendering difficult the fulfillment of requirement 2). The best you can do is using it with wide aperture, because this too helps reducing the depth of field. This recommendation holds true even when the photographer is forced to use a wide-angle lens to fit a big group into the frame and still maintaining a reasonable working distance.

Just in case you are using a compact digital or film camera with a zoom lens, if it has a 3x zoom, its focal length will be something like 35mm when completely zoomed out (wide-angle position) and 105mm when completely zoomed in (telephoto position). On the other hand, if you possess a 10x zoom lens it will be about 35-350mm. These equivalences will help you apply the recommendations of this article.

Andrea Ghilardelli runs an online photo retouching service. For more articles and to get your photographs transformed into something special, please visit his site: www.ilghila.com.

What Digital-SLR-Photography Is All About

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The cameras of the past did not have that much clarity or depth. Even with the development of the lens which allows the user to focus in on images, this did not yet make photographers completely satisfied after a take.

Fortunately, the digital age has brought about the creation of the SLR camera. This single reflex unit allows the user to produce quality images from pressing the button till it comes out when it has been developed.

The SLR is quite expensive. One unit costs about $5,000 and upgrading the lens to reach farther will be another expense. This is probably why many advise to have this insured in case this gets lost or damaged.

Here are some of the known brands of SLR camera?s worth checking out in the market.

1. The first is the Nikon D2x digicam. Though its features are almost the same like others in the market, it comes with a GPS recorder so that the person can remember when and where it was taken so this can be done again.

The pictures can be downloaded to a laptop so the pictures can be printed or developed in the store.

2. Another great SLR camera is the Canon EOS-1DS Mark 2 Digicam. This model enables the person to shoot in any environment. This has better shots per second than the first one mentioned which is great for shooting moving objects.

3. The Kodak DCS Pro is another camera worth checking out. This lightweight model can use Nikon accessories and lenses to be able to get those shots that other units cant.

These units are just one of many that are available in the market. The price of each are not that far apart so it will really depend on how comfortable the user is. Some hobbyists have used one brand for a number of years and decided to stick to it.

In order to keep these in good condition, the owner must also know how to properly store or clean these items. The cover must always be placed on the lens when not in use and should be wiped after each use.

Some people who are not happy with the cover can use a filter which is better protection from dirt, fingerprints or crashes.

A lot of stores usually sell the SLR camera with a bag but others usually buy a bigger one to hold other equipment and accessories.

The digital SLR camera is one innovation that is here to say. Though it may hurt the pocket in getting one, the shots taken will be rewarding.

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

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

Techniques In Photography

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Like all fields, photography, professional photography at that, is not as easy as one may think. In fact, it is actually quite hard to produce photographs that will grab one?s attention in an instant. Here are some tips that can get you started.

Simplicity

In composing photos, one must remember that the fewer objects there are, the better. Simplicity is good in photographs as there should be few distractions from the main subject. Cluttering the photo with so many elements will only For instance, it is not good to take photos of a crowd without a main focal point for instance a building, a colorful object or an image that you can focus your into.

It is necessary to find a point of interest and then do your best to highlight it or emphasize it by using the other techniques that will be mentioned later in the article.

To practice on your composition, you should study advertising photos in newspapers. You should also scan magazines for photos or visit photo exhibits.

Contrast

Another technique that one must learn is contrast, as this makes for a great and interesting photo. For instance, a colorful subject will shine more when placed in a dark background. The same goes with for instance an African American with dark skin set against a backdrop of colorful textiles. Another example is pairing up a small and a large object. By using contrast, you are not only highlighting one but two focal points, which will draw the eye into the photo.

Balance

Generally, imbalance or any asymmetric element in the photo will be able to make the articles more interesting. This means that placing the subject off center is vastly more preferable than putting it on the center. This is actually contrary to what most people think that subjects should be in dead center.

Framing

Another technique in photography is the framing. This is when you use an element in your composition to stand as a frame for the main subject. For instance, a branch of a tree serving as a frame to a couple of lovers sitting underneath it is better than just a shot of tree with the lovers under it. This will emphasize the subject better. One thing that photographers must remember though with framing is that the subject must be the sharper element. Focusing on the frame rather than the subject will only distract the eye from your focal point.

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 Glamour And Nude Photography

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Creating nude portraits has long been an element of art - instead of capturing these portraits with the brush on canvas; today they are captured with the pixel.

Since the invention of photography the naked human body has been a natural subject for photographers and there has always been a large audience there for it.

What is glamour photography? Glamour photography covers a wide range - from the partial nude body, which you may see an a billboard advertising ladies underwear to the erotic images or the full nude body you may see on Page 3 of some papers or adult magazines.

There are no special elements to photographing glamour; all the standard photography techniques remain the same. Care should be taken when photographing models, nude or partially nude because some may find a sexual element attached to it.

Finding a market: Glamour photography remains one of the most lucrative areas of freelance photography. For a student trying to break into the glamour photography market, he would be well advised to use a film camera over digital. Film will give you warmer skin tones and give you a greater chance of being published.

When trying to find suitable markets for your glamour photography, the same principles apply as in any other photography field. You must study ?Glamour Photography Publications? to find out what sort of material they use.

Where to shoot: If you don?t have your own studio, don?t worry. Most of the great glamour images are shot on location. Shooting in the natural environment will be rewarding - use the early morning light to give extra warmth to the skin. Try different places - your neighbours hay barn can make an effective setting for a glamour image or if you have an attractive garden - perfect.

Choosing a model: One of the basic elements of glamour photography is a willing model. If you are having trouble finding one try your local art classes. People with an ambition to be a model may let you do test work. But if you are serious about being a glamour photographer you should work with a professional model.

Glamour images don?t always need to be sharp. Many of the great glamour photographers defuse their image with a filter to add mood to their nude portraits. The best way to get good is plenty of practise and sharpen your eye by looking at glamour publications.

There should be greater emphasis on controlling light contrast to ensure that the human body isn?t lost in heavy shadows or bright highlights. Controlling exposure is very important to get the perfect body tones.

While many may find this type of photography offensive, the glamour photographer is an artist and should be respected as one. It?s not for me to comment on whether the use of glamour material is good or bad, but to explain the art of this competitive and lucrative market.
TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the Art site Goldprints.com and the Gift ideas site shop-4us.com To view or buy some of his images visit his on-line gallery of - pictures of Ireland and flower pictures

The Top Five Reasons To Switch To Digital Photography Now

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Consumers are clearly switching over to Digital photography from film photography in droves. All you have to do is take a look at the number of ads for digital cameras and compare them to those that you find for film cameras these days. It becomes very obvious then that digital photography is the wave of the future. What if you're still using film to take your snapshots and photos though? Well here are the top five reasons that you should start seriously considering switching over to digital photography in the near future.

1. Perhaps one of the most outstanding features of digital photography that makes it so much easier and more convenient for the average person is that you can actually see the photo or snapshot that you just took in the viewfinder of your digital camera. This is an invaluable aid to help you make sure that you get the shot that you want. With film cameras, you have to wait until the film is processed and developed to know whether it actually got the shot that you intended. And by then, its usually too late to do anything about it. But a digital camera gives you immediate feedback and lets you see exactly the photo that you just took. If it didn't turn out the way you want, just delete it and try again until you get it right. Now isn't that easy?

2. A second big advantage of digital photography is the ability to print out your photos almost immediately. With film cameras, you have to take the film to be developed, and then go back to pick them up. Even with a one-hour photo store, it still takes longer than with digital photos. In fact, if you have a digital photo printer, all you have to do in many cases is just connect your camera to the printer and press a button.

3. Another huge benefit of digital photography is the ability to edit and change your photos and snapshots in any way that you desire. Because the photos are in digital files, they can be opened in photo editing software programs that let you adjust the image in lots of ways to make it better. For instance, you could crop out sections of the photos that you don't particularly care for, or you could adjust the brightness or contrast of the snapshot to your heart's content. There's lots more that can be done with a good photo editing software package. And all of this gives you far more creative control over the finished product than you could ever get with film cameras.

4. There are lots of products on the market today that let you unleash your creative side too, and turn your digital photos into coffee mugs, T-shirts, greeting cards and so much more. You can make calendars out of your family photos if you wish, and all of this creativity is due to the fact that the files are in digital format allowing you to use them in a variety of ways other than just printing them on photo paper.

5. Finally, one of the great advantages of digital photography is the fact that you can quickly and easily share your photos and snapshots with friends and family no matter where they are around the world by e-mail. Try doing that with your film camera. Of course, you can have your film photos converted into digital format but that is an added expense that is just not necessary for digital photographers.

As you can see digital photography has opened up a whole new horizon for the average person, making photography easier, and letting then take much higher quality photographs at the same time. We hope you will agree that there is no better time than now to make the switch to digital photography.You can find out how to buy digital camera online and about digital camera technology by visiting our Digital Photography website.

Black and White Photography: No Color is Good

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The world of black and white photography is considered a Fine Art form and it is done to induce an emotion of timelessness and freeze a moment at any given time.

It goes without saying that a few great photographers like Ansel Adams and Steigletz have made black and white photography what it is to today and even long after their deaths keep it strong and alive. This type of a picture is a true classic form of art and extremely breathe taking. There can never be enough said about black and white photography, but the pictures themselves will speak volumes for all that are looking at them.

Black and white film comes in a few different classes. The tabular black and white film is a new and thinner emulsion film that has more of a surface area and it gives off less depth with high sharpness. Conventional film is the standard type that gives off a superior detail to highlight and was used before the tabular film was introduced in 1988. Orthochromatic film is the best for shots of people and landscapes and gives off a tone that stands above all other film types. Chromogenic film uses dyes and not the silver particles that are used by the other film types. There is no control over the development process and it is more difficult to work with.

There really is no other special equipment or camera that is needed for black and white photography, only the film. When you bring in your roll of film to a store to be developed just let the person behind the counter know what it is. Some places specialize in the development of black and white and it is best to use their services to gain the true feelings you desired to achieve and portray with the photos. Other places develop this type of film, but in return you may not get the true color, or lack of color you desired.

Felix Zhucha has popular black and white pictures on his site.

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.

Digital Photography: The Basics

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This information ishttp://www.santaclausca.com and Loring Windblad. References for this article include the author's personal knowledge and experience, but also incude Digital Photography Quick Steps by Doug Sahlin and other printed and internet sources. Additional pertinent information compiled by Kathryn Whitaker http://www.digital-camera-guides.com, T. J. Teirney http://www.goldenirishlight.com, Ron Swerdfiger http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk, Gary Hendricks http://www.basic-digital-photography.com, Roy Barker http://www.photographic-photography-resource.com, and Jack Shafer http://www.jandmjewelrydesign.com is available and may be found very useful. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including this header, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

You have decided on going digital. But it doesn't end there - you go out and buy a digital camera and you're off and running! You need to identify the kind of digital camera you are going to make your first digital acquisition. To do this you need to know what you are going to be using your digital camera for. You will also have to consider what you are going to do with your digital images. And your first step must be to learn a few basics of digital photography to understand just what digital photography is and how it differs from film photography.

To begin with, there are new terms relating to digital photography you need to become familiar with. And there are things you learned in film photography which still apply to digital photography. Finally, most people relate their digital photography to 35mm film photography; I certainly do. So here goes.

Parallax: This deals with the relationship between "parallel" and the resultant angles produced between the lens and the photographic subject. You don't need to know or remember the term parallax; what you do need to understand is that the closer you are to your subject the more distorted the final photographic result will be. Thus, if you are taking a picture of a person from 3 feet away, the facial features could be somewhat distorted; chubby cheeks, small ears, prominent nose; versus taking the same picture of the same subject from 10 feet away.

This effect is identical for both digital and film pictures. Thus, if you want to take portraits you should be 10 feet away using 3X optical zoom rather than 4 feet away with 1X zoom.* This relationship corresponds to the same differences you would get if you were using film and a 135mm lens at 10 feet rather than a 50mm lens at 4 feet.*

Focal Length: Technically speaking, for a thin double convex lens, all parallel rays will be focused to a point referred to as the principal focal point. The distance from the lens to that point is the principal focal length f of the lens. For a thick lens made from spherical surfaces, the focal distance will differ for different rays, and this change is called spherical aberration. The focal length for different wavelengths will also differ slightly, and this is called chromatic aberration. The most important characteristic of a lens is its principal focal length; related to 35mm film photography the typical "standard" focal length is 50mm to 55mm. Most digital camera focal lengths will be compared to film camera focal lengths.

As an aside, the inverse is used most often in optometry and is called the lens strength or lens "power". Optometrists usually prescribe corrective lenses in terms of the lens "power" in diopters and both telescopes and binoculars are rated in "power" also.

Pixels: In film photography we deal with round "dots" of color or shading. In film photography we say a picture is "grainy" - meaning we can see the individual dots. In digital photography we deal with square "pixels" of color or shading. We say that the picture is "pixielated" or "out of focus" when we can see the effects of the individual "squares" of color or shading.

Megapixels: Megapixels refers to the number of pixels contained in 1 square inch of photographic information. It stands to reason that the more pixels you can get inside your 1 square inch the smaller those pixels will be, thus the higher your resultant resolution (the better your focus) will be. However, this is only part of the "resolution" equation.

Focus: Focus deals with two very related concepts: In film photography it is concerned with the "fineness" of the film (size of the dots) coupled with the "quality" of the lenses. In digital photography it is concerned with the "number of pixels per square inch" (size of the squares) coupled with the "quality" of the lenses. 10 million pixels per square inch should provide higher resolution than 1 million pixels per square inch? But if it is coupled with poor quality lenses you could get better results from a high quality lens on a 1-megapixel camera. In film photography "camera cost" is generally related to "lens resolution"; in digital photography "camera cost" is generally related to both "image resolution" and "megapixels per square inch". In digital photography "image resolution" is expressed as "X ppi".

Boiled down to layman's terms, "image resolution" is a product of "focal length" and "color correction". Remember the discussion above concerning the focal length of a given lens having both spherical and chromatic aberration? It is the "chromatic aberration" with which we are concerned here; the ability of a lens to "focus" all wavelengths (colors) at its primary focal length. This is lens quality. So when you purchase your digital camera you should make your decision based upon both "megapixels" and "image resolution".

JPG, JPEG: This is the "coding" standard which refers to digital still images as put forth by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). Their web site, and information on standards, is located at http://www.jpeg.org/.

MPG, MPEG: This is one of two major standards for digital moving images as put forth by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). Additional information on MPEG-1 (Video CD and MP3), MPEG-2 (Digital Television and DVD), MPEG-4 (multimedia for fixed and mobile web) MPEG-7 (description and search of audio and visual content) and MPEG-21 (multimedia framework) can be found at http://www.chiariglione.org/mpeg/.

AVI: This is "Audio Video Interleave. It is a special case of the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format). AVI is defined by Microsoft. AVI is the most common format for audio/video data on the PC" as found at (http://www.jmcgowan.com/avi.html#Definition).

SLR: This is Single Lens Reflex, which means that when you look through the viewfinder you see exactly what the picture is going to be, whereas if you see the framing through a separate viewfinder your exact picture will be slight offset from the framing of it you see through the viewfinder. In a long-distance landscape it generally makes no difference but in a close-up portrait or snapshot it could mean cutting someone's head off at least partway.

Digital Picture Preview: This displays a digital image on the back of your digital camera which fairly corresponds with the image you would see with an SLR camera - that actual picture that you will be getting as opposed to a view through a separate and offset viewfinder window.

These are the basic things you need to understand about photography in general and digital photography in particular before you decide to purchase a digital camera. It helps to understand that most digital cameras come with either MPG or AVI video image capability but that SLR digital cameras do not have digital video capabilities. It also helps to know that AVI video format is more easily edited than is MPG video format, but that both can come with built-in Audio tracks.

What you need to understand about your "built-in" audio track, however, is that your audio volume will be very low, actually too low unless you are very careful. However, you can, when composing a video presentation, use "silent" MPG or AVI footage and add a soundtrack recorded separately. This is very easy to do if you have a computer with Windows XP SP2, which comes with both a sound recorder (it came with all versions of Windows) and a Windows Movie Maker.

You can see examples of the audio level problem and solution if you view both video presentations at http://www.santaclausca.com.

The final pieces of choosing your digital camera are determining just what you are going to use the camera for and how much money you have available to invest in your camera. Your considerations should be 1) your purpose for using the camera, 2) quality of product (particularly the lens), 3) megapixel rating of the camera and 4) buy the best camera you can afford.

* - refer to my next article, Digital Photography: Choosing Your Camera.

Loring Windblad worked as a freelance photographer for more than 20 years. He and his wife presently own and regularly use 1 VHS camcorder, 2 digital 8 camcorders and two digital still cameras. His latest business endeavor is at: http://www.santaclausca.com

How to Easily Select the Important Photography Category for Your Home Based Business

         >>  Digital Photography Secrets Revealed <<

 

You may have already started to make money from your photography, but if you are still a gifted amateur, then there are effective methods you can use to kick start your chances of making a profit. At the present time there has never been more opportunities for the photographer. New technologies in the form of digital cameras are changing the face of the industry. However that has always been the case for photographers, and it is no reason to get discouraged.

It has never been easier for the amateurs to take their own photographs. However there are certain circumstances where it is harder than others. An example here is pet photography. There are plenty of people living alone, who have pets, and whilst they can photograph their pets it is far harder to get a photograph of them with their pets. Advertise locally to take pet photos, or take a walk in your nearest park and ask people. If you use a digital camera, you can advertise to people that not only can they have a copy of their pets, as a photograph, but they can have it on their desktop as wallpaper. Digital online printing services will also print the photo on postcards. Get some done and then post them to friends or relations overseas. mugs and serve them in your house to pet owners and see how long it is before someone else wants one.

There are other possibilities, with the tee shirts and mugs, some people will want their own photographs on a tee shirt with perhaps their own caption, advertise these services locally through the means of small ads.

Have some business cards printed, and go and cover local sporting events and contests, there is always someone without a camera, especially if they win, they will want a photograph. Or you may like to consider joining a local society, and advertising yourself as a photographer, there is nothing as effective as word of mouth advertising, all the money paid for advertisements cannot beat it!

Be aware of local activities that take place in your area that you can capitalise on. Graduations are an occasion when people wish to have a more formal record. The cost of graduating itself is so high that what is the cost of a formal portrait in comparison. Especially if you have a digital camera and have no film, you can almost use it in a speculative manner. In other words there are a lot of people together who constitute a market. If you photograph them all then the chances are that you will sell about 40% of your work. There is always someone who has a jammed camera, or in the wrong place, or even proud grandparents who do not possess a camera.

Not everyone lives down the Road from the Taj Mahal, or Gracelands, but many of you will live near a landmark that attracts photographers. Many people will have their cameras but they will not necessarily be digital. If you have a digital camera you should be able to show people a photograph they want in front of something. These photographs, though time consuming to start with, are a start on the photographic market ladder.

Join a photographic club, and talk to other photographers who are making money now. Not only will you make contacts, but you will have the opportunity to refine your techniques. Even in this digital age, it is vital that you keep abreast with technology, and you will be able to compare the value of equipment, that is being used now.

If you have a digital camera, take it in your local nightclub, there is always one in any time, which are new and trendy, take photographs of the range of cocktails on offer. Attractive looking drink will sell better with a photograph, see if you can sell the photographs, or better still negotiate a price for new printed menus. Speak with other local businessmen and see if they can improve their marketing techniques with the use of photographs. A second hand car dealer can increase his business potential with the use of photographs.

Remember when you are starting to make money from photography that you may feel as though you will attract more market share if you sell your work cheaply. Before you take this strategy though, think about some of the implications. It will have a short-term increase that is for sure, but in the long term how many businesses and families want to hire the cheapest photographer in town. People know that they rarely get good quality for super cheap prices and photos,...well, they're special items to most people. Don't be too expensive but don't be cheap either!

Your technical ability is sufficient to represent your clients marketing in a visual statement, that requires more than point and shoot. Do not sell these skills short. You have to be aware of the hidden costs of doing business; all to often it is easy to absorb a little loss of profit, because it is only small. These costs can add up to a sizeable amount. Ask other local photographers price their market, this may seem a strange technique, but they have a vested interest in not letting a new comer under price their market.

Take into account your realistic overheads, that is the depreciation of your equipment, your insurances, legal fees, accountancy fees, repairs, travel time and costs, subscriptions, and possible rent, both of equipment and studio space. Educate your client explain to them what the higher technology costs, but also what it can offer them. All businesses have to be made more profitable, and it is difficult but not impossible to find a balance between the price you need to charge, and the price the customer will pay, the more the client understands new technology, the less likely they are to balk at paying for it. After all it is cheaper to ride a bike to work than invest in a new car, but who realistically wants to do it.

It is a good idea to sit down and write a business plan to define where you want to go and define your target audience. This is a good marketing strategy; it stops you wasting time effort and money, targeting areas that will provide you with little or no return.

Publisher & author: Roy Barker. A 40 page guide to many more important & exciting categories of potential photography businesses are revealed at http://photography-business.blogspot.com Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook which guides the reader on how to easily start up and market your profitable photography business. It can be found at www.profitable-photography.com.

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