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Basic Digital Photography - Which_Way_to_Hold_the_Camera

By Christine Peppler

As an amateur, most people will pick up the camera and hold it in the typical lateral position for nearly every shot. This "landscape" orientation often produces very acceptable images but in some instances, turning the camera on end for a "portrait" shot is the better choice. For those with very limited experience with their digital camera the decision as to which orientation to use can be confusing.

Certainly, photographers can get quite creative and take shots of people at a variety of angles to provide greater interest. Experimentation is not to be discouraged. However, for more reliable results, the traditional orientation of portrait or landscape is typically recommended for beginners. Which way the digital camera should be oriented generally depends on one of two things: the subject's position or the movement of the subject.

One of the basic rules of photography is to focus on the subject and to reduce the appearance of other items in the frame which will distract from the subject within the image. Sometimes orienting the camera differently will allow the photographer to eliminate the distractions without stepping in closer or cropping the image later. For instance, if the subject is a person standing, most often the orientation of the camera should be portrait. This will result in fewer distracting details showing up to the left and right of the person standing in the picture. However, if this same person is reclining, the orientation of the picture should generally be landscape. This will eliminate more of the dead space or distracting items from above or below the subject.

Another example would be in nature shots. If the subject of focus is a single tree, a portrait orientation would be effective in reducing some of the extraneous objects to the left and right of the subject. On the other hand, if the subject to be captured is a gradually sloping mountain or the front and side of a covered bridge, a landscape orientation would be more appropriate.

The movement of the subject is the other factor that should be considered when determining which way the camera should be held. If the subject is moving left to right, a landscape orientation is more often the optimal choice but if movement is upward or downward, portrait orientation often works best.

For example, if the subject of a picture is to be a dog walking along a line of rail road tracks and the photographer wishes to capture the movement looking down the track off into the horizon, a portrait orientation best demonstrates the movement. However, in the same scene, if the aim is to show the animal moving horizontally, versus off into the horizon, a landscape orientation would be preferable. In this case, it is not only the subject but the direction of movement of that subject that determines how the image will be best captured.

As with any rule, there are instances where these traditional guidelines can be violated with great results. However, in most instances adhering to these guidelines will allow the beginning photographer to capture images with their digital camera that they will be proud to display.

Readers can learn more about using and selecting a digital camera through information available at the author's online home electronics store, homemedias.info. Visitors to her site can also shop for products or participate in the consumer forum.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Peppler

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Simple_Tips_for_Taking_Better_Photos
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dana_Larson]Dana Larson

Take better photos and add exciting artistic effects to your photos using HP digital cameras. These can be edited using in-camera design gallery features.

1) Using the sun to light your photos
Natural sunlight provides some of the best lighting for great shots with more detail and vivid colors. Be careful:

Really bright sunlight casts harsh shadows
Overhead sunlight can wash out detail in faces

Tip: For best results, avoid taking photos when the sun is directly overhead. This can cause harsh shadows. Also, try to shoot with the sun behind you. This prevents loss of detail caused by bright light.

2) Get creative on gray days
Less-than-ideal weather conditions won't keep you from getting that perfect shot. Cloudy skies produce unique photos:

Get interesting highlights with enhanced mood
Make colors pop in contrast to the gray sky

Tip: Shooting in the rain can be fun, but be careful not to damage your camera. You can waterproof your camera by wrapping it in a plastic bag and cutting a hole for the lens to poke through.

3) Capture breathtaking evening photos
The key to great night photos is turning off your flash. Just follow these guidelines:

Set shutter speed slower to let in enough light
Stay steady, slow shutter speeds blur photos
Use a tripod or place camera on stationary surface

Tip: Place your camera on a tripod and set its shot timer so there's no risk of your camera moving when you press the trigger.

4) Golden Hour - A great time for some photo magic
Sunrise and sunset are what photographers call the "golden hour" or "magic hour." Photos taken at these times are rich and dramatic:

Get "golden" light instead of blinding midday sun
Your photos will have warm and inviting colors

Tip: Using the golden hour is especially good for people shots so you avoid harsh shadows on faces caused by midday sun. Experiment with angles and zoom to find the perfect balance of light.

5) Get more effective flash photos
The flash is a great tool if you know how to get the most of it. The key is keeping your distance:

Your camera's flash has a range of about 10 feet
Too far? Your photo will be too dark
Too close? Bright light blows out detail

Tip: The best way to avoid overexposed flash photos is to step back and zoom in to your subject. This way, the flash is a good distance from your subject, but you still get your close-up.

6) Keep annoying "red-eye" out of your photos
The flash reflecting off the retina of your subject's eyes is what causes the common problem of red-eye. Reduce red-eye by following these guidelines:

Move outdoors or into brighter light
Have your subject avoid looking directly into the lens

Tip: Many HP cameras offer in camera automatic red-eye removal.

7) Move your subject for more compelling photos
You don't have to center your subject in every photo you shoot. Create more visual interest by using the Rule of Thirds:

Divide your photo into a tic-tac-toe grid
Place the main "interest" at grid intersections
Use photo software to crop later if necessary

Tip: You don't always get the perfect shot to begin with, so keeping the Rule of Thirds in mind, try cropping your photo after you've shot it using HP Photosmart Essential software for the same effect.

8) Change the angle and create more impact
The difference between a good photo and a great photo is sometimes just a matter of how you approach it.

Change the camera angle for creative shots
Move your camera in relation to the subject
Zoom in or out to change the composition

Tip:Try these ideas to get a different perspective when you take a photo:

Hold your camera at arm's length above your head
Lie on the ground
Get very close to your subject

9) Add more visual appeal to your shots
Sometimes the best way to draw attention to your center of interest is to create a frame around it.

A "frame" helps the subject stand out
Add drama, depth and interest
Use scenic elements like trees or other objects

Tip: Once you've situated your subject in the area where you want to shoot, always view your subject from several different angles to locate objects you can use to frame your photo. Use scenic elements like trees or other objects

10) Add depth and create interest with lines
Create interesting perspective and enhance ordinary shots by using straight or curved lines within the frame.

Lines lead the eye to the center of interest
Look for brick walls, sidewalks, fences, and edges
Shoot lines at an angle for unique shots

Tip: Get creative with lines in your photo. Position your subject at a corner where a fence intersects, or use a long sidewalk to "point" to your subject.

11) The right background makes a better photo
Backgrounds can play a huge role in how interesting your photo is. Consider these points when choosing a background:

Watch for clutter and other distracting elements
Don't use a busy or competing background
Remove objects that connect to the subject

Tip: Watch out for items in the background that might look odd when photographed, like a lamp post sticking out behind someone's head.

Learn how to take better photos with these tips and digital photography techniques. [http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/buying_guides/digital_camera_f.html]HP digital cameras provide in-camera design gallery features that can make any photo exciting and interesting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dana_Larson http://EzineArticles.com/?Simple-Tips-for-Taking-Better-Photos&id=806817

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Choosing_a_Digital_Camera

By Don D Roberts

Choosing a digital camera can be a very frustrating and time consuming experience with so many makes and models to choose from including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic and others. Although the most significant feature when choosing a digital camera is the number of megapixels, which determines the quality of your photos, it is not the only consideration when choosing a digital camera. Items to take into consideration when choosing a camera are cost, resolution, exposure control, type of memory card, and batteries.

The first thing to do is to determine how much you are willing to spend on your camera. You will more than likely find what you are looking for within almost any budget minus certain features, of course.

The hardest decision to make is that of the resolution to choose. A digital photograph is made up of thousands of pixels (little squares); the more pixels per inch, the better quality the photograph. A megapixel is the term used for a million pixels - and the more megapixels an imaging sensor has, the higher the camera's potential resolution. Your budget will be a consideration when choosing the resolution of your camera. Generally, the more you spend the higher resolution camera you can buy.

After considering cost and resolution, exposure control is the next big decision when purchasing a digital camera. Exposure values (and meter modes) may seem a little intimidating, but you can pretty much assume you'll have the basic assortment of meter modes. Most extended zoom cameras offer full exposure controls, so you can customize settings to fit your preferences. These modes help the camera determine the correct exposure (or best compromise) for tricky compositions, such as a backlit subject.

The next item to consider is the type of media card your camera will use. Media Cards are (in most cameras) the storage or memory card that holds the images until they are loaded onto your computer. Those that use proprietary card formats are often more expensive and less available than more standard card types such as Compact Flash or SD/MMD cards. If your digital camcorder and PDA all use the Secure Digital memory card, this may be a major deciding factor when purchasing a digital camera. Why buy a digital camera with a different format when you can switch the card with electronics you already own? When considering memory cards, you should buy the largest capacity you can afford: the higher capacity cards, while expensive, are cheaper than buying two cards of the next-lower capacity.

If you are a frequent shooter and your camera takes AAA batteries, you will blow through them. Digital cameras use a lot of power, so get rechargeable batteries. Finally, you'll definitely want to buy a battery charger and a couple of sets of batteries to go with it.

The basics of choosing a digital camera are to know your budget, know what type of pictures you want to take and how you intend to use the pictures. Consider the type of memory card your new camera will use and the type of battery. If you follow these simple rules you should have a much more pleasant buying experience.

 

For advice on digital cameras as well as other computer tips please visit http://pccomputertips.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_D_Roberts

 

Capturing_Great_Landscape_Photography

Wide angle lenses are best suited for landscape pictures. A great landscape view for a picture depends largely on the amount of light falling on its location.

Action, Lights and Location

After selecting the location which you feel will enable you to capture a great picture, evaluate the amount of light available in the area. If this is for an important picture, make the effort to consider the effects of light at different times over the course of 24 hours and decide during which part of the day the light will be most beneficial.

Once you have done this, you can then determine which features or additional components added to your camera foreground will help to produce a more enhanced effect and depth for the picture. Don't discount the possibility of using other nearby areas as well for an even better shot. Sometimes the greatest landscape backgrounds are available in locations you might not ordinarily consider. You might also try taking pictures from different angles to weigh their impact on the snapshots, positive or negative.

To avoid any shadows or darkness appearing over the picture as you take the shot, it is best to capture a view early in the morning or in the latter portion of the afternoon.

Once you have determined the time of the day to shoot, set up your camera using a tripod. After all, you don't want a shaking hand to diminish the beauty you are attempting to capture. Also, use a light meter to gauge the amount of light, and adjust the aperture and shutter speed accordingly.

Using Natural Effects

You can always add parts of nature in your pictures to help produce a very different, though natural, effect on your picture. For example, sunset moments can be best captured when the sun is touching the horizon. Take the picture about five minutes after this point. It is also advisable to take the picture from as high a position as you can find. And you can also make use of a polarizing filter to highlight sky color and tone. Making use of these techniques can produce an effect similar to a postcard.

Equip Yourself with Necessary Supplies

Normally, to capture a landscape view a photographer will likely need to travel out of the confines of city life. However, any time you travel some distance to take photos, bring extra personal and photography supplies, such as a water bottle, flash light, additional rolls of film, etc. You definitely do not want to migrate several miles from home only to discover you have neglected to bring a sufficient supply of anything you will need!

Finally, determining which lens is best suited for snapping a particular view is really a matter of experience, skill, and taste. Mastering landscape photography is not a difficult task but requires practice, interest, and skill development. Locating that jaw-dropping view and then capturing the right shot takes both persistence and patience - traits of which many frustrated photographers fall short.

If you are not able to capture that stunning landscape photograph the first or second time, don't give up. The landscape isn't going anywhere.


For photography & camera information, please visit http://www.photography-and-cameras.com, for practical photography insights.

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Last modified: May 04, 2009

All photographs (unless otherwise stated) are the property of  Brian Ramsey. None of the photographs may be reproduced without the express written consent of  Outdoor Business Group Limited and Brian Ramsey.