Photography Technique

Proper Makeup as a Technique in Photography

There are two things that are needed to capture the perfect shot. They are the talent of the photographer and the model. If one of these is missing, the pictures will never land on a magazine and will just be hidden in a drawer.

The photographer can control the lighting, the type of camera to be used on the photo shoot and the kind of film that will be great developed. The model has to show up for the event and a with a little magic from the assistant transform the face with makeup.

Cosmetic products can really make a person standout. The same beauty products that can be bought at the supermarket are also used by people during a photo shoot. The difference is that the model has two or three assistants putting this all on him or her.

There are a few things that the model needs to look good in front of the camera.

The first is the concealer. Everyone has a few dark spots and applying just a little can cover these areas until the photo shoot is over.

Next is the foundation. This should be applied all over the face. This will make the skin look smooth and hide those pimples and freckles that no one wants to see.

Powder is another essential part of putting on make-up. This should be focused on the forehead, cheeks and chin, mainly because light captures these areas very well especially when model looks into camera and smiles.

The eyebrows can be enhanced using a pencil or a brush. This will make the person look sexy as if the model is looking deep into the reader’s eyes.

Eye shadows are also another important part. The right color will depend on the facial skin of the model. The assistant should be careful not to put too much or too little since this could ruin the shot.

Photo shoots are long and if the model is very popular, the fatigue of going from one location to the next can be covered by using some eyeliner. This should be placed under the eye and on the edges to prevent eye bags from appearing on the images.

The most important thing for makeup which is usually the finishing touch is the lipstick. The assistants can also do this using a pencil and some lip gloss.

Makeup can be done in just a few minutes. This magic can bring the model to life and capture the eyes of the readers for the product being endorsed.

Photography Icons

In photography, the art of communicating by pictures or other images is called iconography. Readers often depend on iconicity of the presentation of stories that they read. There are five main functions of photos and other images, namely:

1. To attract attention

Pictures are selected to symbolize an article’s theme and are given prominence by means of size or position in the layout. Their role is to catch the reader’s attention starting with the caption, and on to the title and, finally, the text.

In trying to tell the stories with pictures, some magazines or newspapers present a “lead” picture just as a good story begins with a strong “lead” paragraph.

2. Illustrating a point

The simplest role of an illustration is to make a point. This is a typified by the head-and-shoulder portrait, also called the “mug shot.” In some instances, illustrations help the readers know the place or the scene that was captured. A photo of a beach, for example, may accompany a travel article, showing the pristine beaches on a certain place.

Charts, diagrams, bar graphs, maps, and other visual devices are also being used extensively to “explain” a point. Oftentimes, figures and statistics are confusing. Hence, most people use some of these devices to explain a story.

3. Telling a story

There are pictures that by themselves tell a story. Only a minimum caption is needed or a caption may even be superfluous. Editorial cartoons usually do not have captions, but they tell stories and make a point.

4. The picture story

This is the use of series of pictures with a minimum of words called “caption story.” The picture story is usually used to illustrate a “how to article.” How to build a communal dam, for example, can be best illustrated with the use of visuals. When the primary goal of the story is to “show” the reader something and not just “tell” him, then the role of pictures become dominant and words only secondary. In all cases, however, a skillful merging of the two is necessary.

Indeed, in the world of iconography, photographs can really mean “a thousand words.” Hence, one can surmise that photography icons are generally created to translate and decode the symbols that readers don't normally understand.

In fact, in religion, photography icons are more used than any other concepts. This is to explain the ideas further and to give more depth to the subject matter in focus.

Photography As a Hobby

Photography is considered as one of the rare hobbies that you can easily learn. Some may think that there's a trick in taking great shots. However, there are certain elements that you need to consider in order to enjoy the hobby of capturing wonderful pictures.

With the exception of video cameras, there is nothing greater than capturing precious moments in photographs. They preserve those moments you are part of. You may enjoy those memories captured with your family, friends, and events and you can even share it with them.

To enjoy this hobby, you need to first learn the skills and techniques of photography. You can undertake training in technical skills to master the art of capturing photographs. You also need to consider acquiring different materials you will need to enjoy this wonderful hobby. Here are some beginner tips for learning photography.

1. Get to know what interests you. Focus yourself on a particular topic so that you can fully understand your chosen subject. It is important to have full knowledge on the subjects you want to photograph.

2. You may invest in a self-focusing SLR with the newest features with all the whistles and bells. You may also get an automatic focus camera that can read details on every captured subject.

3. If you choose to venture into nature photography, it is important to consider the location of shots. Make sure to that sunlight will not affect any of your shots. Position yourself behind the sun so that it will be use for lighting to create clearer shots.

4. Practice taking photos in your home or in your backyard. You can capture images that are not within your subject. Sometimes you may even create great shots on unexpected and unplanned moments.

5. It is advised to take photos steadily using a tripod. You can produce great images when you use the right angles. It is very important to pay attention to the size, shape and position of the subject

6. When there is no available sunlight on the subject, you must have artificial lighting to support the brightness and color of the photograph. Although the camera has a flash, it is sometimes insufficient in supplying the needed light in creating a clear image.

These are only some guides for you to enjoy photography as a hobby. You may enjoy capturing images as long as you have the right materials and good technical skills. Many believe that beginners taking photography as a hobby can end up professional photographers.

Photography Club Group

Join Photography Club or Photography group:

In any kind of endeavor, joining an organization or a club provides countless possibilities of enhancing your knowledge and skill about that particular endeavor.

Take for example the photography clubs. Photography clubs are generally groups of people united by their interest in photography. Whether these people are professional or amateur photographers or who are just fond of the basic concept of photography, they merge into one group and solidly uphold the principles of photography.

As to the many kinds of clubs, photography clubs are focused more on the hobby of taking pictures and the artistic side and not just the plain process of capturing still photographs.

So for those who are not yet aware of the benefits that photography clubs can bring, here is a list of some of the basic advantages of these particular clubs.

1. Additional knowledge in photography

One of the best things about joining a photography club is that people who are photography aficionados have the chance to learn new things concerning photography without having to spend more money so as trainings and seminars.

With these kinds of clubs, people can easily exchange ideas and learn from each other as they partake in the growing industry of photography.

2. New friendships

Like any other club or organization, photography clubs also provide new friends and not just acquaintances. This is because since most of the club members have the same interest in photography, they can easily feel good with each other, and have lots of things to talk about, thus, easily forming a good bond among them.

3. Feasible ways to maximize photography

If you are so much into photography and you would like to know more about photography, you just need to join these types of clubs. The only problem is that there are photography clubs that can be pretty expensive especially because they require some membership fees. However, most of photography clubs are non-profit and will not require you to pay for a membership fee.

In this way, you can instantly maximize your knowledge about photography and make the most out of the concepts that you can learn from the different trainings and seminars.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that photography clubs are not merely created just for the sake of having them. They have their own purpose and, that is, to provide career guides to people who may want to learn from the meetings and sharing of every member.

Photography for Newbies

Shoot Like a Pro: A Guide for Newbies in Photography

Photography is one of the most popular hobbies today, and a lot of photographers progressed from being a photo hobbyist to a professional who gets paid to do what they love. Being a great photographer requires a lot of patience, an artistic eye, and technical know-hows. To help those who are interested in becoming a photographer, here are some tips that will surely help them in creating beautiful, interesting pictures.

1. Choose the right camera

A photographer eats with his camera and sleeps with his camera. The camera is his life. Therefore, it is but very important to choose the right camera to shoot those perfect photographs. There are many kinds of cameras that aspiring shutterbugs can choose from, catering to different kinds of budgets. It goes without saying that the best cameras are the priciest ones. A good camera is a large but justifiable investment.

These are the type of cameras available in the general market:

1. Disposable camera

2. Compact camera

3. Single lens reflex camera or SLR

4. Digital camera

Beginners are recommended to use the medium price range cameras such as Minolta, Pentax or Canon, which can take great-looking pictures almost as good as the top-of-the-line ones.

2. Select suitable lenses

Beginners can start off with two lenses, the first one from 28mm to 80mm and the second one from 80mm to 270mm. There are different kinds of lenses, the normal the wide-angle, the zoom and the macro lenses.

3. Distinguishing film types

Obviously, film is very important since the images taken are stored here. The most general kinds are colors are black and white films.

4. Choosing the right film speed

The general rule is, the higher the ISO number, the faster the film. Faster ISOs are for fast actions like sports, or for shoots where there is less light. For shoots with an abundance of light, a 100 0r 200 ISO will do just fine.

5. Balancing of color

The film should always be matched to the source of the light in order to produce desirable pictures. Unlike the naked eye, film sees different light colors, and if the light and film don't match, the colors will come out all wrong.

Photography is a great hobby that is recommended for everyone, men and women or young and old alike. Studying the right techniques is essential if you want to become good at it. Just following these guidelines and anyone can create great-looking pictures in no time.

Photography Equipments

How to Buy Photography Equipments

Photography is a much loved hobby around the world. Many people would want to get their hands on a camera and start shooting away, or get some supplies to be able to build their own darkrooms and develop the films themselves.

Photography is a fulfilling hobby, however, there are many equipments out there which can be sources of confusion especially for beginners. The mere number of equipments can stir up one’s head.

What better way to guide a photography student than to give tips on how to buy a camera, which is of course, the most basic equipment in photography. This article tries to give some basic tips regarding the things that you have to consider when buying a camera.

1. What do I need?

If you want to buy a camera, you must first ask yourself- “what am I going to use it for?” there are many different kinds of cameras out there and they are used for different purposes. What we would recommend, especially for beginners, is to get a good, sturdy point-and-shoot camera. These cameras are very handy and can be used in any occasion. Well, the most intriguing pictures are the ones which capture unique events from unique angles. You may not be able to bring a more intricate piece of equipment when exciting things happen, but a point-and-shoot camera is always carried by photographers. There also are many other features that you might want to look at or avoid in choosing cameras such as stands and shutter features.

2. Research

A photography enthusiast needs to be able to know about what he wants to do when taking pictures. Reading different materials such as photography magazines (example: Apogee Photo or Popular Photography” can give you updated and fresh information about photography in general and photography equipments.

3. Know your budget

Getting the best pictures doesn’t mean that you have to buy the latest and the most expensive model on the market. It all depends on who is taking the photograph and the equipment is just a tool. More features mean more expenses. A buyer must be able to assess what features he needs to be able to get comfortable with a camera. It’s really a waste of money if you buy a top-of-the-line camera and don't know how to use half of its features.

These are just some basic tips on how you can start assessing what camera to buy. You must look into the details of a certain camera and assess the features and prices.

Photography Equipments: The Most Important Tools in Photography

When the term photography is used, people tend to think first of pictures processed at the corner drugstore, school pictures, or perhaps a family portrait. This kind of photography is called “continuous-tone photography” and is an important part of the world. However, the applications of photography are much more far reaching than continuous-tone photography.

The basis of photography is a chemical change caused by the action of light on a light-sensitive material. It is generally agreed that visible light is electromagnetic radiation measured in wavelengths emitted from either a natural source (the sun) or an artificial source (an electric bulb). When radiation strikes an object, it is either absorbed or reflected. It is the reflected radiation that causes a chemical change on a piece of film.

In order to start shooting images in photography, one must first have a complete set of equipment. To know more about the available equipment, here is a list that you have to use in order to get that best shot:

1. Camera

It is a light-tight box that holds the film. It is a means to focus an image on the film. It is also the device that will control the amount of light that reaches the film.

Cameras come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but they all have the same characteristics and controls. It has lens, which is an opening through which to pass and aim the light.

2. Film

All photographic films use some type of light-sensitive material called an emulsion to record a visual image. The characteristics of the light-sensitive emulsion as well as the quantity and quality of light reaching that emulsion will determine the sort of visual image recorded on a piece of film.

Most film emulsions are formed from a silver halide suspended in a gelatin compound and silver chloride are less common and are almost always used in combination with silver bromide to produce different film characteristics.

Whatever their chemical differences, all films are structured in the same general manner.

3. Lens

Lens comes in all sizes, depending on the size of the camera. However, an f/stop number will always pass the same quantity of light on any size camera lens.

In photography, it is necessary to be able to move the lens so the reflected light from the object will be sharp and clear on the film — this is called focusing. If the image is not in focus, a blurred picture will be produced.

These are just some of the many types of equipment necessary in photography, but these three are the most important in order to produce a good shot.

Photography Business

How to Start a Photography Business Do you love taking pictures? Are you considering making some money out of it? Starting a business out of photography is relatively easy, as long as you have the right equipment. You can start a photography business with only a few bucks, or possibly nothing at all if you already have the right camera equipment. You can even start your business in the comforts of your own home. You can probably find a small space in your house or a room dedicated for your business. That will serve as your “office” space. With the advent of digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, you don't even need a dark room to develop the pictures you have taken. All you need is a personal computer with above average specifications and photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. If you want to make your hobby a business, you should not only have your basic camera unit but the additional equipment as well. Of course, you would want your pictures to stand out and be more appealing to potential clients. You would need different zoom lenses and camera filters to make your shots clear, sharp and even have some special effects. Starting with a few of them will do, then just gradually increase them as your business progresses. You don't even have to make this a full time business right away, especially if you don't have a client base yet. Doing this part time would be sufficient enough while in the start up stage. Even if you only do this on your free time, make sure you are still dedicated and serious. You won't be able to get enough clients to sustain yourself if you don’t take this business seriously. Since you are going to make this engrossing hobby a business, there will be some legality that you need to take care of. First, you need to have your business registered and have a name and logo to be able to operate legally. Once registered, you can issue receipts and file taxes for your business. Also, it would be good to write a business plan. Having one will help you identify your goal for your business and keep focused with this goal. This way, you will know if the business that you start up is worth all your time and effort. With your business plan, you can also define the different strategies that you can do to make your business more profitable. You can change the business plan from time to time as needed. Having a business plan will surely help your business increase earnings, as well as help you to find ways in financing your business. Your business plan should include your business’ objectives. This is important because it will help you stay in focus on how you want your business to turn out in the long run. It should also include a marketing plan, how you intend to advertise and market your services to get customers. Also, the price you intend to charge on your services should be included. You may want to change this as your business grows. With regard to marketing your services, who else can help you better than your relatives and friends. At first, you may want to volunteer your services for free for birthdays and other occasions of your relatives and close friends. For sure, once they have seen your good shots, they will recommend you to their own circle of friends and colleagues. And it will go on and on until you realize that you are now having difficulty arranging your schedule because of so many appointments. Of course, doing some marketing and advertising techniques would help. You can probably give away flyers or brochures to your neighbors. Or maybe post an ad in your local newspaper. There are many ways to gain clients. Many people now consider photographs as a very important part in special occasions. Companies also rely on good photos to market their products. Starting a photography business may be easy to do but it should be taken seriously. For anyone who wants to make serious money, dedication is important. You should also be responsible for all your actions. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to earn decent income with something you love doing?

News Photography

Master the Art of News Photography

News photography is one of the most exciting fields of photography. It brings photos that are used to complete and bring life to news and current events. News photos should be captured perfectly to make the story catch every reader’s eyes.

As a news photographer, you should have the skills and years of experience in producing quality material. It takes great amount of failure and errors to master the art of news photography. Many of those who have succeeded in this field admit that they have learned a lot from their errors.

For those who would like to start their careers in news photography, here are some tips to always remember for a great catch.

1. You must always be attentive for natural sounds. Interesting natural sounds can be essential the same way images and pictures are. Good sound normally complements with interesting images.

2. You have to master white balancing. You have to be good at placing the right angles on the right surface. Lighting is very essential to the right balance in capturing the photograph.

3. You have to master the art of holding the perfect shot. You have to make sure that you hold the shot longer. You should know how to create intervals for every shot that you take.

4. You should know the story and listen well in your interviews. Ask your reporter for instructions so that you can follow his insight on where he would like to go with the story.

5. Always use a tripod in capturing shots. Many believe that a video camera should be held steadily in place. However, some photographers want to move freely in capturing their shots.

6. You need to zoom with your feet and not with your lenses. It is better to have a clear picture of what is happening by getting closer with the subject. Zooming the camera may create a blurred and low quality material.

7. Do not use a camera light when it's not necessarily needed. You may create a little angle on the light and not directly light the entire subject. You may flatten out all the images if you make the picture too bright for the background.

Making great news photography needs a lot of skills and mastery in taking featured news shots. You should be creative and try different angles so that you will enjoy every situation you may encounter. Most importantly, it is through practice that you will make every shot a perfect catch.

Nature Photography

Your Guide to Nature Photography

Photography is the art of creating a special medium beyond your self-expression. It requires good taste, good sense of appreciation and technical skills in capturing the subjects. Many believe that they can profit in this chosen field as long as they develop their technical skills and knowledge in becoming a talented professional photographer.

Nature photography has always been inspiring and exciting. It thrills every photographer with its mystery and the beauty of wildlife. One of the most amusing subjects for nature photographers are the birds.

Bird behavior has had great impact on pictures. Birds attract many photographers with their mastery of flight and their distinct diversity in nature. Here are some guides that will help you focus on improving your skill in capturing images on these magnificent creatures of nature.

1. You need to know what interests your mind. You have to know your topics so that you will not be confused. You should learn more about birds by investing on a good birding guide. This will help you know more about their behavior, breeding season, and bird eating habits.

2. You should always keep your subjects well being in mind. Avoid those instances that create stress on your images. If the bird is not in its natural behavioral characteristic, you should leave the bird alone and allow the bird to recover first from its stress. It can also be a sign that the bird might be nesting eggs somewhere near the site and that is why it portrays a “predator luring” behavior.

3. You should make your vehicle as your just like your camera an accessory. In some areas, you may see birds more adapted to vehicles and consider your vehicle less harmless than a person positioned on his tripod trying to take a good shot. You should learn how to be patient in finding the right place where the birds can accept the presence of your vehicle.

4. You may use fast shutter speeds cameras. This device is good in taking great bird images. Most birds are fast and can disappear quickly in the air. You may need a 1/500 second shuttering speed. This can capture sudden movements and flights.

As a nature photographer, you should maximize your surroundings. A good place for you to start your hobby in nature photography especially with birds is in your own backyard. You can then practice the art and techniques of capturing great shots and wonderful images that nature has to offer.

Modern Photography

Things About Modern Photography

After the invention of the camera and the growth in popularity of photography, it is only natural that mass production as well as dissemination of photo prints will follow. Because of photography, personal as well as public history, time, and the perception of man himself has notably changed. The idea of privacy became altered as more and more well known public figures and that of the common man were recorded. Photographs became the unchallenged proof of any experience, event, and even a state of being.

Photography as an art

Certifying photography as an art form was a hard thing to undertake during its early stages. It was challenged by artists as well as critics and focused on both the chemical and mechanical facets of photography. They considered photography as a craft and nothing more.

Taking away the restrictions

When musuems and art schools finally opened up themselves to photography, the resulting trend was carried up to the present. Photographers began to set themselves free from the strict impositions made by the norms of the straight aesthetic mode as well as the documentary modes as forms of expressing their individuality. By the 1960's photography became a major force in visual arts. This art form has been combined with other types of expression including computer imaging as well as mixed media.

Practical applications of photography

Photography has many practical applications. It has evolved to become a vital tool used in diverse fields like education, medicine, military activities, and commerce. Science has greatly benefited from photography, including aerial mapping of areas, geology, surveying, archeology, meterology, and anthropology just to name a few.

The digital age

With the onset of the 21st century, images can be manipulated and altered in so many ways with the help of digital imaging and computer utilizing techniques. Digital photography started a change in photographic techniques and its nature. The conventional method of photography involved the passing of light into a lens then to an emulsifying agent or digital photography, where color filters as well as sensors are used to create an image. There are two kinds of techniques used in digital photography. The first one involves the use of 3 layers of filters. Each one only allows one color like green, another red, and the last one, blue.

These are some of the notable things with regards to modern photography. Photography has been present for more than a hundred years and yet more and more innovations are taking place. Looking at it, one can surmise that more things are yet to come in the world of modern photography.

Loading Film

Load a film fast and good

So just how do you do it? Loading film on a manual camera is basically easy. All you need is plenty of concentration and focus and you are on your way to shooting the pictures you want and need.

The following are basic steps and tips on loading film on a manual camera.

First things first, it is best that the film you are loading is the type that is perfectly suited for your

camera. Determine the brand that works best for you as well as on your equipment. Try to search through and research the types of film you have seen developed. Do you like how they came out using that specific brand? If not, try to look at other types until you find the pictures that are colorful and that fits your taste.

Believe it or not, there are many different films to choose from. The most popular is Kodak, of course, as well as Fuji. There is also a type of film that provides black and white picture shots. The camera films available also have a range that offer a slow speed. There is an ISO film speed that is in the 100 while there is also a fast film speed of 400.

An ISO film that has a speed of 100 basically offers a picture that whould best be taken outdoors rather than indoors. Outdoor shots using this type of film are well lighted and bright. However, indoor shots that are taken on an ISO 100 film will turn out dark and blurry without the appropriate lighting and flash system. Also, an ISO 100 film when used to take shots where movement takes place, will basically not turn out good. Pictures taken using such a film will also appear blurry.

Meanwhile, an ISO 400 film offers the best option and shots whether outdoors, indoors, static shots, wide angle shots, or moving shots. An ISO 400 shot provides clear pictures.

Get ready to lock and load

Depending on the speed of the film you choose, set the ISO of your camera on the type of film speed you are loading. This could be done by adjusting the speed dial of your camera. Usually, this function is located on the left of the camera’s top. However, in some models, particularly Canon, the film speed adjustment is located on the right.

After adjusting, pull the tab of the film out of the film canister to about three inches. Then, open the camera’s back via pressing a release button located usually on the camera’s right side. For other types of camera, this release could be found and pressed at the camera’s left side.

Place the film on the available space on the left part of the camera’s inside. Don't forget to place the film with the side that is flat facing you.

Later, the film should be pulled across the inside of the camera’s length in order to reach the right side of the camera’s spool. This is where the tab of the film is to be inserted into this spool and be winded manually, specifically counter clockwise or until this same film wraps itself around the spool.

Spooling a film on a camera that is automatic is a lot easier. You just close the camera’s back and press a small button, and viola, the camera spools the film by itself.

When the film has been loaded and spooled, close the camera’s back and let the film advance until the counter on the camera’s top reads 1. In other cameras, the counter could read the actual number of shots still available on the film.

Get ready to shoot and shoot and shoot

Now that the camera has been loaded with film, it is time to get ready and take those award winning shots. In manual cameras, it is best that the film be advanced immediately after a shot is taken. In automatic cameras, the film advances by itself.

However, be it a manual camera or an automatic, it is important that you check whether the film is advancing or not – or if you have advanced the film or not. If you fail to check, you might be shooting to your heart’s content and the pictures may not turn out the way you want.

Proper Lighting Photography

Proper Lighting as a Technique in Photography

When the you flip through the pages of a magazine or see a billboard, you might think that it was done in just one shot. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Professionals use rolls of film and then after developing, decide on the right shot before having this done by the printers.

The main trick to get the right shot is having the proper lighting to get the best impact from the audience. This isn't done by magic or something compared to rocket science. It's basically just using the right tools available to get the job done.

Even amateur photographers know the simple rules of taking a picture. The camera must not be pointed against the sun and a flash must be used if the background is too dark.

Professionals have another technique to make this happen. There is the option to use natural light coming from the sun if it's done on location or by using lights of different wattages to get the desired effect.

There are two kinds available. The first is called a hot light. Literally, this means using lamps that are very hot. The advantage of using this type of equipment is that you will be able to get the required brightness.

The problem is that such has been proven to be an inconvenience to the photographer and the models since both will sweat and it is hard to do a photo shoot under such conditions. The props used may also melt which is hard to replicate.

This brings the second option which is using cold light. This is very similar like the flash normally found in the camera. There are many brands available that are either heavy or lightweight. You should make sure that the system is compatible with the camera since these devices cost a lot which can help produce better shots in the long run.

Diffusers also help in lighting. They can be adjusted to certain angles to get the right shot. People once used umbrellas to make this work but this has changed to a soft box that diffuses the rays from the lamps.

Lighting is key when it comes to photography and can all be purchased from a specialty store. You should get the models out and only buy those that are known brands since this will assure that you get quality shots in the long term.

Lenses Depth Photography

Depth of field

There is a certain way that experienced photographers take such stunning pictures, portraits and photographs where the subject being shot is focused in a clear and perfect manner while the background is sort of a blur.

The following are the steps to take those amazing picture-perfect shots.

The technical

First things first, it is best that the camera being used has a plate for imaging that is large. Also, a lens that is considered fast should also be used. “Fast” in photography language means a lens that has an aperture that is larger than f2.8.

When the aperture of a camera is large, the image or picture that will be produced has a depth of field that is shallow. In photography language, this basically means that the area that is behind as well as front of the subject being taken is a blur.

As much as possible, the shoulder and the head of the subject should fill the whole frame. Also, if the subject is a person, don't forget to focus on the subject’s eyes.

The technique

Practice really does make perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect job done only once. It takes perseverance as well as patience. When shooting pictures, try to take a series of shots using a lens that has a wide opening and a stop on at least one or two.

Focus on various areas such as the ear, nose, hair using varying apertures for such. When the pictures come out, you then have many different options to choose from.

To be able to create a depth of field that is shallow, the best thing you should do is use a long lens – preferably a telephoto – and have it set on the zoom that at its maximum. Then, try to stand as close to the subject as possible.

However, for subjects that are in motion, for example a car. The camera must then be moved the same way the subject is moving. Or simply put, the subject must be followed. The best film to be used for such a shot are ISO 400 films. Also, don't forget to set the camera at an ISO setting that is similarly fast.

The body of the camera, especially when taking such moving picture shots, must be steady. Make sure to focus on the subject as you see it through the lens of the viewfinder. Using such a technique ensures that the subject being focused on is clear and crisp while the background is a beautiful blur. Such a picture helps highlight the movement being done by the subject therefore making it seemingly jump from the picture.

Photo effects

Believe it or not, there is also an easy and stress free way to create a similar photo effect without doing the techniques mentioned. This has become possible through the magic of software. Photoshop has a “blur” function, which blurs the picture’s background in a uniform manner independently as well as authentically the way an actual photograph may be done by a technically-savvy photographer. The software blur is and looks artificial while the real blur is more organic in feel.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the technology of software is advancing so that there is a CS2 version of Photoshop that enables anyone to create a blur that is considered as “smart.” This function takes into consideration the picture’s depth of field. This basically means that the function applies a lot of blurring effects to the pixels that appears more distant and applies a lot less blurring to the pixels that appear nearer. Believe it or not, such a function is adjustable that anyone could achieve any effect desired.

All in all, depth of field is a fairly easy concept to understand especially to those serious in learning the art and craft of photography. All it takes is a lot of patience, perseverance and a heart that is willing to learn as well as a mind that is open to making mistakes and gradually correcting them along the way towards creating a picture perfect shot.

Learning Photography

Are you interested in taking up photography? If you are relatively new to photography, then here are some tips that will help you learn about photography and its many different qualities.

The camera

When choosing a camera, you should keep in mind that whatever kind of camera you buy, it won't necessairily affect the final image. There are certain factors that will affect your final product regardless of camera brand. They are:

- the quality of the expected final image.

- will the image be magnified before being viewed?

- will the subject carry the whole focus of the shot?

- the time alloted to take the picture

It is also important to keep in mind that cameras work at varying speeds. This will prove to be crucial depending on the subject that you will be shooting. When taking a picture of your son or daughter while they are playing, you may opt to use an automatic camera to avoid all the fuss of making adjustments with regards to aperture, focus, lighting, etc. But if you are going to take a picture of a mountain view, then you have all the time to use a manual camera.

Lighting conditions

Taking portraits under the sun may present some problems. Because of the sunlight's hardness, dark shadows will may appear in the shot. To solve this problem, you can move the subject to a position under the shade to be able to use skylight instead of sunlight. Skylight is less concentrated than sunlight. Another thing that can be done is for you to take the picture during the last few minutes during sunrise or sunset. Sunlight is mouch more mellow during these times. If you have the equipment such as diffusers as well as reflectors, they will do a good job to make the shot more vibrant. The use of artificial lighting or a flash is also ideal if you know the proper way and time to use them. Avoid using the flash during sunrise and sunset since the resulting picture will look rather clammy or cold.

Exposure

There are no such things as correct exposure. It is really up to you and your artistic preferences how your picture will turn out. The environment contains many tones which can't be fully represented using film. Some of the details might get lost depending on the picture as well as the film used.

These are some of the things that you should remember while taking pictures. As you take more and more pictures, your skills will become sharper and you will be able to use more of your creativity.

Photography's History

Photography got its name from the Greek words "photos" which means light and "graphein" meaning to draw. The first person to use this term was the scientist Sir John Herschel in the year 1839. Thus, photography means the method or process of registering images with the aid of light , related radiation, on a medium that is made of sensitive materials.

The first image

During one summer day in the year 1827, the Frenchman Joseph Nicephore Niepce was able to achieve the creation of the first image that was fixed by working on it for 8 hours. His compatriot, Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre on the other hand was able to lower exposure time to a period of less than 30 minutes as well as preventing the captured image from disappearing.

Daguerre and the daguerreotype

Daguerre was the first to invent the most practical process for developing pictures during their time. He was born to a place in close proximity to Paris, France. Before experimenting on photography, he was a professional painter of various scenes in operas. After many years of experimentation with light and its effects on images, Daguerre was able to develop a process to make pictures that were more efficient and effective. He sold the rights to the French government then wrote a book describing his invention.

The pinhole camera

Ibn Al-Haytham, who lived in the middle ages, was a greatly known in the field of optics. The pinhole camera was invented by Al-Haytham with the resulting image viewed upside down. A European named Della Porta was able to re-invent the pinhole camera, this enabled him to publish information regarding the pinhole camera.

The flashbulb

An Austrian named Paul Vierkotter is credited to be the first person to invent the flashbulb. He used a wire coated with magnesium which was placed in a glass globe that was vacuum sealed. This was later replaced with an aluminum foil inside an enclosure filled with oxygen. The flashbulb became commercially available in the year 1930. It was patented by a German national, Johannes Ostermeier. The flashbulbs were called "vacublitz". General Electric, a company engaging in suh ventures made their own version which was termed "Sashalite".

Instant photos

You can take instant pictures using a polaroid camera. This type of camera was created by Edwin Land. His work on photography enabled a new age in photography wherein pictures can be obtained instantly. The exposure time was no longer a factor.

These are some fast facts that wil help you understand more the history of photography. Having a clear idea of how photography started will help you with your passion for pictures.

Food Photography

Food Photography Tips for Newbies

Taking great pictures of different food dishes isn't as easy as it appears to be in cook books and food advertisements. Great care should be exercised when taking these shots. Things that need to be considered include the dish's angle, composition, lighting, as well as problems that may arise. Here are some guides to help you improve the quality of your pictures.

Lighting

Consider the lighting in the kitchen or venue where you will shooting the dishes. It is a good idea to know this in advance so that you no longer have to make adjustments right there in the venue. Dark venues may be corrected by using a row of flourescent lighting which possesses diffusers. The drawback of this method is that the image will have a subdued shade of green. Depending on the camera that you have, it may have a setting that neutralizes the effects of flourescent lighting or a magenta filter may be used to compensate.

Stability of tripods

Since you are taking pictures of food, every shot is done at close range. Unlike shots taken at a distance, shots done in close up are sensitive to movement. Any sudden moves and the picture will be ruined. Focusing on the subject also becomes easier when using a tripod or even just a stack of magazines.

Food presentation

To get that professional look, cut the dish in geometric shapes. Proper arrangement of the food is also important so that you will be able to showcase the dish's ingredients as well as its strengths. Garnishing the food that you will shoot will enhance its natural colors, making it more appealing to the eyes.

Focusing on the subject

A rather dull photo will become vibrant and dynamic if care is taken when focusing and adjusting the field depth of the camera. If your camera doesn't have manual focus, depressing the camera's shutter button halfway to lock the focus at that specific depth. Recomposing the focus can be done by changing the position of the camera while the shutter button is still depressed halfway. Automatic cameras usually lack aperture or depth of field. Some purposely adjust the aperture such that the background becomes a blur to heighten the subject's features while others prefer that a wider depth of field is used to capture the whole scene.

These are some of the things that you should know regarding food photography. Constant practice will help you produce better shots. Follow your instincts. Sometimes this allows you to take better shots.

Focus Get Best Photography

Focus and get the best out of a shot

Taking pictures is an experience that is rewarding as well as memorable. Photography can be fulfilling as well as frustrating.

The following are basic tips and advice to get the most out of taking great pictures.

Taking pictures indoors

The best way to achieve a good focus indoors is by using a roll of film that has a speed of ISO 400.

There may be instances when pictures taken indoors are bit of a blur, the best way to solve this problem is by switching the automatic focus on your camera. This prevents from you having to manually focus and tirelessly concentrate on getting it sharp when the camera can do the work for you, in less time, making it easier for you.

Also, there is a reason why there is a flash on your camera. You need to use it especially when taking indoor shots. Pictures that are blurry are also the result of poor lighting. When this happens, the shutter of the camera is forced to open for a considerable amount of time therefore making the image blurry.

Dark photos could be prevented by using a flash. Indoor shots need to have a flash even if there is light available. To make sure though, it is highly advisable that one shot be taken with a flash and another without.

Batteries, batteries, batteries

Sometimes, trying to achieve focus can prove to be difficult especially if your camera is running out of power. You should always check your batteries. A flash system takes a lot of battery power and the sign that you need to have your old batteries exchanged for new ones is when your flash does not fire when taking that shot.

Get the glare out of your pictures

There may be instances when the final prints of your pictures may have a glare. Usually this happens when the flash reflects off mirrors, walls that are shiny, windows, tvs, etc. You may be able to avoid this by putting the camera on its side.

Frame and focus

Before clicking on that shutter button, focus on framing the shot you are taking. Be aware of the picture’s frame and try not to cut off the top of the subjects heads.

The best way to take pictures is with your bare hands. Remove gloves if you are wearing them and don't hold any objects while framing and focusing the shot. Doing such actually helps in avoiding the lens to be unnecessarily blocked.

What about pictures taken outdoors ?

These types of pictures may be taken using film that is ISO 100 where there may be light readily avaiable like during the day.

However, there may be instances where people may be squinting when their pictures are being taken. To avoid this, try to position people so they aren't facing the sun. It may be handy to have an umbrella handy.

Cases also occur where people appear dark or shadowy in the picture even if the pictures are taken outdoors. When this happens, it could be that the photographer was positioned directly towards the sun. As much as possible, the sun should be behind the person taking pictures. Or use a flash to reduce any shadows on the subjects being photographed, if it is necessary that the photographer be positioned towards the sun.

Most cameras have a capacity to lock on their focus. To do this, have your camera point towards a spot that is bright. Keep pressing on the shutter halfway, without going overboard and pressing it completely. Then, move the camera to the picture you are to take and press the shutter fully.

Be aware not just of the subject you are focusing on but on any backgrounds available where your subject is positioned. Pay attention to trees or any objects that could appear behind the subject that could ruin the shot. There have been instances where a flag pole seems to be coming out of a model’s head, when actually the shot was just poorly framed and focused.

All in all, focusing is easy if you put your mind, heart and eyes into it.

Filters Photography

Filters for Special Effects In Photography

Have you seen picture ads in magazines that look so nice that they don't look real at all? Some of them have been edited using photo editing software. But, definitely, most of them have been taken using a camera with a special kind of filter.

There are a wide variety of filters to choose from when adding to your camera equipment. There are filters for either color or black-and-white shots or both. Each filter has its own function, whether it be for enhancing the color contrast, improving sharpness, highlight flares and more. And there are filters for special effects like those photos normally seen in magazines and advertisements.

Here are some examples of filters that can be used to enhance the image by adding special effects to them.

Star and Cross Effect Filters

There are different star effect flares available such as Star-Six and Star-Eight. The Star-Six has six-pointed light flares, while Star-Eight has eight-pointed flares. These flares add more brightness to images. This filter is good when taking pictures of streetlights, theme-parks during the night or sun-reflections on glass structures.

A cross screen filter is similar to star filters except that the flare is four-cross. It also gives a dramatic effect to bright points in the image. It is ideal for taking photos of ladies wearing jewelry.

Spectral cross filter produces cross effects as well as soft-focus effects normally desired for portraits, outdoor shots with direct lighting or back lighting with increased cross effects. It is a filter with two transparent and colorless optical glass in a rotating frame with a black gauze-like fiber in between.

Vario cross filter gives an effect of four rays of light coming out from each light source point. It is a filter consisting of two glasses with parallel lines etched on each glass. The front glass can be rotated separately to modify the angle of the light rays.

Close-up Filters

As the name implies, these filters are for close-up photography which are better than zooms. These filters are available in +1, +2, +3, +4, and +10 diopters with the higher number giving a much closer shot.

Macro close-up filters are good for taking shots of small insects, flowers and other tiny objects at close-up. It has a +10 diopter rating with a 2-element, 2-group construction lens.

Split field filter takes a close-up shot of half of the image while the other half is normal. This is used for keeping in focus both close and far objects at the same time.

Multivision Filters

To create a fantastic effect of repeating an object in a single photo, multivision filters are used. These are available in 3PF, 3F, 5F, 6F, and 6PF where the number determines the number of times the object will be repeated. It works great with dark backgrounds or larger objects.

Multivision filters are made up of optical glass accurately cut into different facets. Color multivision filters add different colors to the image. There are two types available – 3F with three faces in red, green and blue, and 5F with five faces equally divided into orange and green colors.

Misty Spot Filters

This type of filters provides a blurring effect of the background of a clear and sharp central image. There are four types of these kind available.

A breezing filter gives unidirectional streaks of the blurred background. Gradual filter has streaks that seem to originate from the center image. The windmill filter has a blurring background that swirls about the center. The halo filter has blurring streaks that originate from a point at the edge of the field.

Diffusion Filters

Diffusion filters provide a soft focus effect on the image due to an irregular or uneven surface. This kind of filter is specifically used for portraits.

Center Spot Filters

The center of this filter has a clear spot that gives the center image a clear and sharp effect, while the background can have an effect of fog to make it romantic.

These are just some of the special effects filters available for professional and amateur photographers alike. It surely is nice to add even just one or two to your collection with the fabulous effects that it can provide on your shots.

How Do Filters Work?

If you are a professional photographer, you must have a set of filters in your camera equipment. Even if you are just an amateur, you probably have one or two filters. What are filters? Why do photographers buy different filters? How do they work?

Camera filters are transparent optical elements that change light properties entering the camera to improve the recorded image. Filters affect the different properties of an image such as sharpness, contrast, color, highlight flare, and light intensity. It can alter one or a combination of these properties, and can also create various special effects.

Camera filters are connected to the front of the lens. Aside from its features, it also protects the lens from elements such as salt air. Some cameras need lens adapters to be able to use filters.

Filters work the same whether you use them on a digital camera or film. There are just a few differences to be considered. Filters that can reduce excess contrast such as polarizers are helpful in a digital camera because digital is more inclined to blow out highlights. Digital cameras are also known to be less sensitive to ultraviolet light, thus, ordinary UV filters may not be needed. Also, infrared filters are easier to use in digital cameras.

Some Filter Types

There are different kinds of filters for a camera and each has its own purpose.

- Ultraviolet filters. As the name implies, this type of filter absorbs ultraviolet light. Cameras, especially ones that use film, have high sensitivity to the invisible light known as ultraviolet light. This is common in making outdoor shots, especially in highly elevated places where there is only a thin layer of atmosphere that absorbs the ultraviolet light.

Without UV filters, viewing far images can be difficult because UV causes a haze that diminishes details with farther distance. UV filters are available in various absorption levels measured by the percentage of transmission at 400 nanometers. A filter that transmits 0% is ideal for long distance and aerial shots. For normal situations, a UV filter with 29% transmission is generally good enough.

- Infra-Red filters. These filters are used to reduce visible light. Filters that can totally absorb visible light and transmit only infrared lights are useful for situations like recording heat effects and aerial haze penetration.

- Natural density (ND) filters. ND filters are used when light intensity is high and proper exposure needs to be attained or when a specific lens opening is required for sharpness purposes. This type of filter evenly absorbs light throughout the visible range which alters the exposure effectively without the need to change lens opening or do color shifts.

- Polarizing filters. Polar filters or polarizers enhance contrast, color and reflection control. It has a different optical principle compared to other filter types. Polarizing filters allows light to pass through in just one vibratory direction. Different alignment can produce different effects to the image. If the filter is aligned perpendicularly to the polarized reflected glare, the result would creat stronger colors because true-colored reflection will pass through.

Polarizers are increasingly being used for outdoor shots to improve contrast and color saturation. A blue sky can be darkened by a polarizing filter, but it has to be blue in the first place.

Polarizers can also minimize and control reflections from water or glass surfaces. To get the best results, an angle of 33 degrees incident to the surface is advisable. The effect can be seen by viewing through while the polarizer is rotated. An object in water can appear as an object out of water without having the reflection.

Optical filters can be a good investment for those who want to make a living out of photography. It allows for different kinds of shots with special effects. It also makes an image look more alive by the different features and effects these filters have to offer.

But even when taking pictures just as a hobby, having some of these filters will be necessary to get the image of clarity desired. Taking a shot without a filter is indeed different from a shot with one.

There are just some considerations that need to be thought about before buying filters. Different types of filters are obviously for different purposes. It is best to determine what the main purpose is and what type of situation is commonly encountered.