Photography Wide Angle

Why wide angle, and how in photography?

When is the best time to choose a wide angle lens, and how does one choose the appropriate wide angle lens for a particular shot?

First things first, the best time for a wide angle lens is to be used is when you are planning to take a beautiful shot of a landscape.

Another important aspect of landscape photography is the selection of the appropriate light as well as the perfect location of the landscape shot. As much as possible, and depending on what it is being shot, the selection of the appropriate day to catch that landscape picture perfect landscape view is everything.

Lights, location and action

When the location has finally been chosen for the wide angle lens shot, try to notice the light effects visible on the area that you plan to shoot in over a whole twenty four hour day. This ensures that you know how the lights play over the range of mountain, sand or seas. This also helps you plan just how it is you are to go about taking that shot, when and how.

When you finally know, it is therefore time to be a little bit creative. You may include elements in your picture’s foreground in order to have an additional scale and depth to your pictures. Also, feel free to look around from other points in the area where you think the shot could just as well be taken. This may add a little bit of interest to the final picture. Also consider taking a variety of levels and positions.

Time is always of the essence

Believe it or not, in order to avoid any shadows that may appear harsh on the picture, the best time to shoot is early during the morning as well as late in the golden afternoon.

During this time, take your camera out and set it up using a tripod. Then, take a reading of any area of the shot using a light-meter. Once the appropriate measurements have been taken, adjust the speed of the shutter and the aperture.

After all these, all you need to do is to press the release button and take a beautiful picture.

Make use of natural effects

If there are any natural creations occupying your shot, try to use a backlight or side lighting that provides the leaves, – for example – grass, water or smoke an appearance that these seem to be translucent, almost ethereal.

Pictures of a beautiful sunset are best taken just when the sun has gently touched the horizon and immediately a maximum of five – count them - five short minutes just after the sun has finally set.

It is best that you use or position yourself to a geographically high point.

A filtered polarizer may also be used in order to heighten the sky’s color or tone, thus delivering a picture befitting a postcard.

A wide angle lens helps a lot in increasing the picture’s scope.

Do not forget to relax. This prevents the camera from unnecessarily shaking and helping you focus on the subject more than anything else.

Supply yourself with much needed supplies

Since landscape photos are usually taken far from the city and well into the country, it is best that you pack up a host of equipments that enables you to take pictures even during temporary obstacles. A flashlight always comes in handy, bottled water is another (to keep the photographer replenished and not thirsty), as well as a lot of extra rolls of film. This is one equipment that photographers generally can't do without.

Basically, a wide angle lens has a focal length that measures less than forty millimeters. Be aware as well as be wary that the length of the lens changes how an image is seen.

All in all, determining the best lens to use for a particular shot requires a lot of patience, skill and practice. The art of mastering landscape photography doesn't have to be difficult. And the best lens to use for such kind of photography is a wide-angle lens. Getting that that shot right takes not only skill but the strength, stamina and endurance to get to where the location of the landscape is and the energy – upon reaching that location – to get the job done. And when that moment arrives, the job has only just begun.

Photography Tips

Photography Class Tips: The Basics

In the print media, pictures are used to break the monotony of a news page. Illustrations may be used as page decoration. If its only purpose is to create a favorable impression for the reader, it's a valid function. After all, according to J.W. Click and Russel N. Baird's book, “Magazine Editing and Production,” people hang paintings and photos on their walls for aesthetic reasons only.

Given that concept, one can surmise that photography is, indeed, a work of art captured in technicalities and presented in an exceptional manner. The total impression on the subject will always depend on the way the photographer wants to present his or her subject matter.

For this reason, special classes in photography provided for those who wish to perfect their skills as far as photography is concerned. However, there are some basic tips that every budding photographer must know in order to succeed in this kind of endeavor.

Here is a list of some of the important pointers that every photographer should know:

1. Get ready

The key to good shots is to have all of your necessary materials ready. One of the basic skills needed in photography is the point and shoot. However, you can't do this if you lack the materials that you need such as extra batteries (in case you run out of battery supplies), a tripod (for a steady footing), and other devices like the lenses that would aid your ability to incorporate the point and shoot skill.

Besides, you would not want to be wasting your time rummaging through your bag to find those additional lenses just to get a close up shot of your subject. Aside from time-consuming, your subject might lose interest or if it is a moving object, it might not stay longer than you have expected.

2. Be steady with your camera

One of the main reasons why pictures may come out blurred is the fact that some photographers can't get a steady hand on their cameras. It would be better to avoid shaking your camera. If you really can't avoid these, it would better to use a tripod or inserting your elbows to your sides so that you get a stable grip.

3. Focus on your subject

By attending some photography classes, you should be able to learn how to get the best angles to capture your subject. Just keep in mind to focus on your subject and not on anything else.

These are just some of basic tips that you will learn in a photography class. Just keep them in mind and you are on your way to your best shot.

Photography Techniques That Will Help Anyone Take Great Pictures

There's nothing like a beautiful photograph to capture some of life's most beautiful moments. This is why cameras are always at hand during those special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc.

Unfortunately people behind these cameras are not exactly what you might call experts. They are more likely to be your friends, family, and next door neighbor. That is why some of the outcomes of these pictures taken leave something more to be desired. That is precisely why some people hire the services of a professional photographer. Not everyone has enough money to spare on a professional photographer and that is why they do with some not so impressive pictures.

Here are some photography techniques that will make undesirable pictures a thing of the past!

1. For portraits it is important to have a fitting backdrop. Using a tripod helps to keep the shot from being blurred. It also helps to keep the photograph straight.

2. Avoid direct sunlight when shooting outdoors. If using the sun as a source of natural light, make sure it is behind the photographer.

3. Photographers have to develop a good rapport with their subjects. When taking portraits it is best if the subject's face is relaxed, and not fixed into a posed smile. Photographers can help their subjects feel at ease by engaging them in friendly conversation in between shots.

4. When taking group photos make sure that everyone gets included in the picture. Some directing on the photographer's part might be necessary. Position everyone so that they fit into the picture. The tallest persons should be in the back row, so nobody gets accidentally blocked from the shot.

5. Spontaneous shots are wonderful! They are a good break from the stiff, posed, smiles that people brandish at you once you point a camera at them. They are really great during parties, wedding pictorials, etc. This doesn't mean that you should take one of those horrible candid celebrity shots that end up in tabloid magazines!

Photographers should try to catch their subjects when they are at their best and when they are at ease, being natural, and just plain having a good time. This way their personality, and true essence will be captured in the photographs.

Taking great photographs can be achieved by using some of these techniques. Remember that practice makes perfect. That is why individuals should take plenty of pictures until they become comfortable with being behind the camera. It won't take long until they start taking those award winning shots, and pretty soon develop some techniques of their own.

Photography School

How to Choose a Photography School ?

There are many people who want to make photography as their career. Many people find it fulfilling to engage in a life of taking pictures. This venture entails a good photography education.

Just like any other kind of school, the appropriate selection of a photography school which will meet the needs of the students is essential for a good education. This article tries to lay down some tips on how you can choose a good photography school. Listed below are the tips:

Look at the bigger picture

In choosing a photography school, you must be able to look from afar to able to see the bigger picture. The selection of a photography school must be made under consideration of your general career goals. There are several tracks which can be taken in the field of photography. If you intend to be involved in the more artistic side of photography, you can get more subjects which will aid you in this goal. If you are more inclined towards the commercial side of photography, you can choose a school which offers good business courses on side of the photography classes.

-Photography is more than point-and-shoot

Some people may want to take up photography just to escape from the “hard” subjects, especially those which involves math. Guess what? These are things that a photographer needs to take to be able to survive in the real world. Since most photographers would eventually own their own studios, courses in business management, accounting, marketing and other such courses are important and should be taken by photography students.

-Inquire about the size of the class

Too many people in photography classes can really be a hindrance towards proper learning. It will also prohibit the instructor in giving hands-on supervision on the students.

-Computer skills

A good photography school needs to have courses regarding the use of computers. The field of photography is a very competitive one and you could really use some knowledge of computers. With the advent of digital photography, the need for computer literacy is more evident than ever.

-Scholarships

It would be best if the photography school is offering some kind of financial assistance for their students. Some of the equipments in photography are not that cheap.

These are just some tips on how to choose a photography school. Choosing the right school is as important as having a good view of where you want to go. The right school is the best way to get there.

Schools that Teach Photography

Anyone who wants to learn how to be a photographer doesn’t have to enroll for many years to get a degree. There are colleges who offer this as one of the subjects which the student may take as an elective.

Can you still learn how to be a photographer being out of school for many years? The answer is yes. The only thing needed is your dedication to learn from the proper techniques and a camera to take some shots.

Some students don’t have to go to campus anymore. There are some institutions that offer distance education. A good example is the New York Institute of Photography.

You will learn everything from exposure, lenses, the various techniques used to cover different events, journalism and much more. Being affiliated with the school, you will be entitled to free online magazine articles such as contests and digital imaging.

Classes are composed of 30 lectures on various topics. You will get a brief introduction through each and then can specialize on a particular field of interest. The nice thing about the program is that you don't have to quit your regular job. This can be done in your free time so there isn't any pressure in learning everything about photography.

Aside from theoretical lectures, there will be a lot of hands on experience. This will make it easy for you to apply what has been learned as seen in the photographs that have been taken using the camera.

The common notion of being a photographer is that you must have a dark room to develop the photos. You will be happy to know that this isn’t the practice anymore. Some of the best names in the business don’t do this anymore which gives more time to focus on getting the perfect shots.

Education is something you can never get enough of even as you get older. The curriculum is there. All the individual has to do is acquire knowledge from some of the best then apply it after finishing the course.

The rewards of becoming a photographer are endless. It is up to the you whether or not you have the potential to win the Pulitzer Prize or be one of many who do this as a profession.

Photography school can be a lot of fun. You should just submit the requirements then enroll in the course.

Photography as a Profession

Photography is an exciting field that is not only considered a hobby. One may choose to consider photography as a profession. Professional photographers engage their entire life in taking good images where they profit and make a name out of their great photographs. Their works can be displayed in art galleries, leading feature magazines, and newspaper front pages.

Many professional photographers have maximized the full potential of the communication network and the great development of digital photography and media. Many took the chance of engaging photography as their profession because of the commercial value it pays.

Being a profitable medium, photography requires more of a natural talent than formal training. However, it is very important to learn the techniques and technical skills to enhance the talents that will help you become a competent professional photographer in many fields. Here are some options for you if you would like to specialize in photography.

1. You may specialize in advertising where you can supply good photographs for catalogs, corporate and marketing promotional materials, and annual reports.

2. You may see yourself in the bio-medical field. You can create a compilation and illustration of medical studies and scientific documentation of images.

3. You can be a part of a digital imaging firm. You can work using all aspects of the latest digital imaging procedures and applications.

4. You may set up your own photo studio and photo laboratory. You will learn the knowledge on how to manage equipment and services in commercial studios and schools in your local area. You can also produce films and print digital photographs.

5. Involve yourself in the entertainment industry. This is where you will be assigned to on-set photography in any motion picture project.

6. Run your own art gallery where you can exhibit works of other photographers. You may also host gallery exhibits and book expositions.

7. You could profit more in specializing your talent in photojournalism. You may tackle human interest and behavior in newspapers and magazine features.

8. You can do image archiving and editing. You can research and catalog photographs in school and city libraries. You can also be a photo editor in publishing images in websites.

9. You can earn in portraiture where you will be given commissioned works and public engagements.

Photography is a profitable source of income if you are an expert of taking images. Many who are beginning to learn the techniques often learn from professional photographers. This will guide them to clarify their options on what to specialize on in the future.

Photography Organization

Joining a Photography Organization

Anybody who knows how to use a camera can easily become a photographer. The difference between that person and someone who wants to be a professional is the skill needed to get the proper shots with different techniques such as lighting and then have them developed in a darkroom.

The best place for beginners and experienced artists to learn more about photography is to join an organization. These groups provide trainings and lectures, have discussions and open forums to share the experiences of its members and other activities that it a very interesting hobby.

Is there an age limit to becoming a member? No. Everyone is invited to join. Even people who don’t own a camera can join as long as the person is willing to learn more about this hobby and learn from others.

Does the person have to pay a fee to become a member? Yes. These organizations have projects that happen all year round and money from the members are used to fund these exhibits.

Since there are many organizations around, can the person attend a few sessions first before signing up? The answer is yes. People who are not sure of what happens in these meetings can sit in. This will give the individual an idea and should the person like it, then becoming a member will not be a difficult decision anymore.

These organizations have weekly or monthly meetings. The person can look around the neighborhood for these groups then sign up. Some of these groups have chapters in other states. The individual will be able to know more by going online and talking to the members.

There are many types of cameras available on the market. You don't need a vintage model or a digicam to become a member. The only thing that matters is the devotion of the individual to learn more about photography in each session to be better than before.

You don't have to spend much money to become a member of one of these organizations. The important thing is being open minded about the teachings then applying them when you are out in the field taking pictures.

There are many techniques that can help the person become a better photographer. Some of these lecturers even work for some of the major publications like Time Magazine or National Geographic. The money people spend can only be learned first hand by being a member of one of these organizations.