How to Take Better Photos on Your Holiday

Ever looked through a holiday magazine or brochure and been jealous over the quality of the pictures that are shown? Or perhaps your wondered how to improve the quality of your snaps? Do you look at your friends pictures in awe? Digital photography has revolutionised the way pictures are taken and viewed and also added a new dimension and that is our ability to manipulate the picture after it has been taken. Taking pictures while you are on your holiday can provide a lasting memory for yourself, the opportunity to share your holiday experience with your friends. Also, using your phone nowadays provides the ability to send images to people while you are on holiday - your own "unique postcard".

Basics
It's quite easy to forget the principles of how the camera works or if it's new it may operate completely differently to your old one, All cameras will have an automatic mode and this will enable you to take the picture as the camera sees it. I would also recommend learning how to use the camera's more manual modes such as the shutter or aperture priority settings. Before you do this you should look at the structure of the picture.

The Picture
Structure In whatever setting you use, it's important to take the "right" picture. Will the picture look better or worse with this in or out? Try and imagine your picture as a print or on your screen and what would look good in or out of your shot. Views generally don't go anywhere (unless the weather changes quickly) so take your time and take several shots. Recognising the picture is one of the most important things and taking the time to work on this is crucial. Don't allow yourself to be hurried by other people if getting the right shot is important to you.

Camera Settings
Digital cameras have a whole multitude of settings and I would hazard a guess that 80% of people only use about 20% max of the settings available to them on the camera. This is enough to get you an average shot. If you want more than an average shot, you are going to need to learn a bit about why even with the perfect shot set up the picture is still not the best. This will involve learning about shutter speeds and depth of field. Some cameras will allow you to prioritise one of these settings or go to a completely manual mode where you set both. If you enjoy this and only have a basic camera, then you may soon find you have a desire to move onto a more sophisticated digital SLR camera. You should enhance the pictures you take by using settings like red eye reduction, fluorescent light balance, dark and light skin tone settings and pre defined settings for views, close up, bright sun using these settings in the correct circumstances will marginally improve your pictures.

People
If you are taking composed shots, think about the picture. If, for example, you are in a restaurant and you want a picture of people across the table, move objects out of the way - you don't want people hidden or obstructed by a wine bottle or candle. Make sure the flash is not set too high, try a shot on a slow shutter speed but make sure that the camera is supported to take out camera shake. When composing a shot of a group of people, first decide what part of them you want in the picture, all of them or just the face, encourage your subject(s) to smile. Try some shots when people don't know you are taking them, taking pictures of moving people is more difficult. Wait until people stop moving.

Objects
Anyone can walk up to a "statue" and take a picture of it, find a creative angle to the picture. Not everyone will see the shot through a door or window - perhaps the door or window is an interesting background. Look for shots with plenty of colour to add some further dimension and interest. Places like markets make great photo locations to take shots of people and objects. Don't forget, in some places it would be polite to ask before taking some shots. Close ups of fruit and produce can make very good and interesting pictures. Odd angles on shots of buildings can make an interesting picture too and so can looking through an open window or door in or out of a room.

The Sun
We all love to enjoy the sun while on holiday but it can ruin a good picture! Avoid taking any picture (unless it's a sunset) directly into the sun, this will not give you a very good picture, move slightly to one side but try avoiding putting your subject into shadow unless you are adapt at adjusting your shutter speed to compensate for this at all times. Remember what the picture is you are taking and is this a good shot? Phones

Most mobile phones have a camera on them now and some are pretty good, but if you are into your photography or want some peace and quiet while on holiday away from the phone, then you need to take a decent camera with you. From a personal point of view, I would not consider my phone as a descent device for taking a proper picture with. Maybe for a bit of fun while at a party, but not to capture a decent shot of my holiday or the people I was travelling with.

Picture Size
Make sure you set your camera correctly for the correct picture size. There may need to be a compromise between memory available and what size you want to print the picture at. It is usually possible to alter this size as you go, so you can take each picture on a different size if you need to save memory. Generally, the more "space / pixels" you use to record the picture, the larger the image / zoom in on that recorded image you will be able to do - if you don't need to do this, then you don't need to take the picture with as many pixels.

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Find Best SLR Canon Camera

Well, it's about time you've chosen leave the kids stuff behind, and move on up to the best SLR Canon camera. SLR digital cameras used to be expensive, but not anymore. Now, don't get yourself all panicky worrying about all those buttons and dials a SLR camera comes with.

Like trying something different, it takes a little mind over matter to get truly comfortable using a SLR. If your the type that needs to understand all the finer points of any product before handing over your credit card, this could be a very lengthy adventure for you.

This sounds a little off the wall, but the cool stuff packed in these babies, is fun to play with. Just ask people in the business of digital photography, and they'll tell you how challenging and demanding the market is. The good news for you lucky reader, is better cameras every year, at prices that were unheard of even a year or two ago.

I will promise, that you will be happy with your purchase, no matter which of the best rated single lens reflex cameras you purchase. No matter how hard you try, it's damn difficult to buy a louse single lens reflex in the bunch. It would be hard to be faulted with a Canon Rebel XSi, now that prices had to be lowered due to the T1i release. I'm also a fan of the Olympus Evolt model line, or the Nikon D90.

Considering all the features in these cameras, it's well worth the money. I make these sweeping generalizations when it comes to photography, because I know, that whichever of the best SLR Canon cameras you use is only one consideration in the value of your pictures. A learned ability to find photographic opportunities in your minds eye is the most significant part of the picture taking process. A gifted lensman can take insightful photographs with just about any lens and body.

More and more people are buying their cameras on line today. Deciding to buy online is the best way to compare prices, and find a larger selection of cameras to choose from.

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Event Photography

Event Photography is an age old profession where a photographer will capture images at an event and make them available for sale to anyone who is interested, right there at the event. With the rise of digital technology in photography the possibilities of what events can be covered and what can be provided at any event has ballooned.

Before digital photography an event photographer would take the photos at the start of the event, such as a black-tie dinner. The latest digital equipment and workflows have turned this on its head. The guests can now have the photos taken and see them almost instantly.

A typical setup for an indoor event, such as a charity ball or school prom would include a portable studio complete with backdrop and studio lighting. Digital capture of the images and automatic transmission of the images to the computer systems via a wireless network. Then there would be the sales desk where the images can be processed almost instantly. Digital photography allows the photographer to shoot multiple images and get an image that's going to please the whole group or at least a large portion of them.

As well as allowing for the provision of better photos digital capture of photos also frees up the photographer from the shackles of using film. The photographer can wander around the event covering award presentations, doing informal or table shots or anything the client wants covering. All these images are then immediately available at the sales desk for viewing. This can be a really entertaining part of the event, the guests love to see themselves on the big screens and this encourages other guests to take part. It's now part of the events entertainment instead of just a memento of the evening.

Digital photography has also played a part in the output of the final prints. Modern Dye-Sub printers are portable, easy to use and capable of producing "Real" photos that are durable, won't fade and of a high quality. Digital Photography really has changed the face of event photography. Different sized prints can be produced on the night, digital images could be put onto USB keys for the guests, slide-shows could be created and displayed at the event or put onto a DVD for the guests to buy.

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Tips in Buying Kids Digital Camera

Remember when you had a film loaded camera and you tried to read the counter hoping that you wouldn't run out of film. Today digital cameras are all the rage, the mega pixels are constantly improving, the designs and styles are sleek and smaller and the memory is almost unlimited. All of these features allow you to own a great camera and instant viewing of your pictures makes waiting for film to be developed a task of the past. Plus you can share pictures like never before.

If you are taking a lot of pictures chances are you are not in them, your kids are. You can capture some great kid moments and most kids love looking at them selves through a digital world. Picture taking is something that everybody can enjoy, even kids. If you are looking for a kid's digital camera there are plenty of themed ones to choose from. Disney has captured the market and if your child has a favorite character then there is probably a camera just for them.

Digital cameras can be expensive but a kids digital camera can be found online for much cheaper, the models currently on the market are designed with kids in mind. Since kids love to take pictures having a digital camera will give them a chance to practice their shutter bug skills and it will free up your camera. Kids are always learning how to do stuff and since hands on gives them a better understanding you might find them really excelling at picture taking. A kid's digital camera should not cost a lot, its best to shop for a used one or a themed one that they will take care of. Mega pixels don't really matter to kids so buying them the latest and greatest won't impress them too much.

Once you find a digital kids camera that you both agree on, work with your child on how to use it. It's a great way to learn from your kids on how they view fun, beauty and seriousness.

It's best to buy the equipment that allows them to transfer their pictures to a computer or digital photo album. Buy a digital card so they can take lots of pictures and a digital card reader/writer so they can learn how to make folders of their new found fun. The brand of camera doesn't matter so don't get caught up in the brand war. Getting a Perfect Kids Digital Camera, is never an easy thing, Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites that you can find online, that narrow down your search and help you find the camera with all the features that all kids will love and treasure forever.

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How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Business

Photography has changed so much in the past two decades. The price of photography has gone down significantly so that almost anyone can become a serious photographer. All you need is a decent digital camera, a computer and photo editing software to begin a career that can take you to the next level. A professional photography career. Here are four things that you'll need to start running your own photography business:

Focus
Do you want to photograph babies? Or do you want to do photography services for businesses? If, for example, you are going to do a baby photography business then your advertising should be focused on people who want their infants photographed. Once you get experience and you get a good reputation you may get a referral to do a wedding but most of your referrals will come from word of mouth for your main specialty.

Networking
As your career flourishes you can take more courses to add more value and more services for your clients needs. There are several ways to start networking with people to build your business. Friends and family are a good first step. Let everyone know that you are in the photography business. Get business cards printed up telling people what kind of photography business you are in. Create a web site gallery where you can showcase your work. Don't forget to add the URL to your business cards. Join service clubs, business networking clubs and chambers of commerce clubs in your area. Join Toastmasters to brush up on your public speaking skills.

Practice.
Even if you have to do it for free. The best place is to start with your family and friends. Volunteer to take pictures of friends weddings for cost. Take pictures of their babies for the cost of printing them. Your friends will appreciate you and you will have the beginnings of a portfolio that you can showcase to your prospective clients. Don't forget to get signed release forms. As you get more experienced you can charge more for your services. Putting your profits back into the business allows you to upgrade your equipment and buy more advertising.

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The Secret to Awesome Pictures

Have you ever wondered if you need to use photography filters with a digital camera? When digital cameras took over film cameras, the post production changed as well. The primary purpose of a photography filter is to enhance or change the picture. There are several different categories of filters as well as many different manufacturers. Another purpose for photography filters is to protect the camera lens. Filters are inexpensive when compared to the cost of replacing a camera lens. Often photographers use an all-purpose filter for this purpose, and exchange it for a more specialized filter when the subject calls for something a little different. Below is a list of some of the more common categories and filters available to today's photography enthusiast.

Essential Filters:
The purpose of a clear filter is to protect the lens. It does not affect the exposure of the image. UV (Ultra Violet) filters help with removing some haze caused by ultra violet light. There are different types of polarizing filters. When choosing a polarizing filter, decide if you need a linear or a circular polarizer. Basically, if you are using an auto-focus single-lens-reflex camera, you would need the circular polarizer. Color Correction Filters:

While the polarizing filters mentioned in the previous paragraph are necessary even in the digital age, the color correction filters, however, are not as crucial to the success of the image outcome. This is because color correction filters manipulate the color, and the post production graphic manipulation programs (Such as Adobe Photoshop) can compensate pretty well for this. The basic need for these color correcting filters was to compensate for the difference in the temperature of the ambient light with the type of film being exposed. Special Effect Filters:

Special effect filters create fun and sometimes unusual effects. Examples of special effect filters are fog, sepia, and star filters. As their name suggests, they produce the named effect within the image. Perhaps the best special effect filter is actually not even referred to as a filter, but as a lens, and is called a "close-up lens."

Black and White Filters:
Black and White filters rely on the principles of color separation to manipulate images for a desired effect. The choice of black and white filters is broken down by a color name along with a number. Theses filters work by absorbing their complementary color of light. For example, a yellow filter will absorb blue, and make the sky darker, which in turn can enhance the appearance of clouds in the sky against it. A yellow-green filter can minimize the effects of red that tungsten lighting can produce

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Exclusive Wedding Photography Techniques

More realistically, you are one of many and need to offer something special in order to increase your share of the market and so increase your income.

Let your competition pose their newlyweds in front of the same old boring backgrounds or pray for good weather so they can do a photo shoot in the local park. You can offer to take your clients to far away lands and never have to worry about the weather.

You can place your bride and groom in all sorts of romantic locations from a castle in Scotland to a resort in the Maldives. All you actually need is a piece of green cloth and a computer. You just set up a green screen, photograph your clients in front of it and then use green screen computer software to place them in any location they want. This equipment isn't expensive nor is the technique difficult and it also means that you no longer have to buy lots of different backgrounds or carry heavy equipment to difficult locations.

The green screen is easy to use. The software then easily replaces the green screen with the scenic image and cleverly blends the images to give a natural effect, If you advertise that your studio can take them away to far away lands for their wedding photographs without any expense or travel involved, then you will be able to increase your customers.

With green screen wedding photography techniques, you can photograph people anywhere on earth, the only limit is their imagination. This should give you a fabulous portfolio of portraits in romantic locations so your clientele will grow and grow.

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Tips to Maximizing Your Success With Digital Photography Lenses

If you're too far away from an object, it becomes difficult to hold absolutely still, but that's where zoom lenses become useful. However, telephoto lenses proven especially useful for up close and personal shots.This article will focus on taking longer range shots, in which tele-lens and zoom lenses become effective, if you use the simple tactics for using these special lenses.

Minimize shaking while you're taking long range shots, place your camera on a tripod. By having your camera on a tripod, you're able to use a slower shutter speed and use lower ISO higher resolution films. You can further stabilize a shaky tripod by adding a three pound weight to the center column to add weight. If your tele-lens is physically long, you should be using a tripod mounting collar to attach the lens at the proper fulcrum. Also, you can choose to use a secondary support for the camera if you wish.

It's easier to transport than a tripod, but the downside is that you won't be able to set your shutter speeds as slowly as you could if you were using a tripod, but you'll still be able to shoot three times slower than if you were shooting by hand. For even more maneuverability, you can add a swivel head to capture vertical shots.

Remember that shaky ground will transmit any vibrations to the lens and camera no matter how sturdy your tripod or monopod is. In order to minimize the effects of shaking in most lighting conditions, start with a fast exposure film like ISO 400 or higher.

When you're using a support, it enables you to use slower shutter speeds. Shooting at slower speeds also allows you to shoot in lower light. A 1 / 30 second exposure using a 500mm lens will be possible. The slowest safe shutter speed rule of thumb for hold a handheld camera and using a tele or zoom lens is 1 over the lens focal length. For example, if you were shooting with a 500mm f / 4 lens, assuming you were properly braced and standing on sturdy ground, the highest shutter speed would be 1 / 500 second at the appropriate aperture to ensure a good exposure.

Fence posts, a parked car, even a jacket rolled up and wrapped around your arms can help you stabilize your camera. Balance your camera and the lens with your left hand and arm, making sure to keep your arms close to your body and touching your side, allowing your chest and abdomen to support your elbows. Aim slightly above your subject, take a deep breath and exhale allowing your sights to dip down to the proper position and take your shot of your subject.

Those being heat waves and atmospheric haze. A suggestion is to use your lens hood or try to shade your lens to reduce the possibility of a flare. Successfully using a tele and zoom lens often requires great focus and skill. These tips should help you maximize using your lens, but remember that practice is the best teacher.

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Hire a Professional Photographer and Videographer For Your Quinceanera

We've grown accustomed to having padrinos de fotos y video (photo and video sponsors). But somewhere along the line, somebody assumed that a professional videographer was also a professional photographer. Let me explain the difference: a professional photographer focuses on capturing moments in still images, as opposed to a videographer, who works with movement.

Although both fields require knowledge in lighting, camera angles and object placement, it's not fair to assume that a photographer can do the job of a videographer, or vice versa. Because your Quince will be one of the most memorable times of your life, it could be a risk to trust the word of a photographer who claims to be a professional videographer as well, or the other way around. To help with the important decision of choosing the perfect medium, here are some helpful hints that might ease some of your worries.

1. Your Padrinos - if you're looking into possibly hiring a photographer and videogapher separately, let your padrinos know before they agree to sponsor that part of your event. Choosing a videographer from a different company than your photographer might be a bit more expensive but probably worth it. If your padrinos aren't too thrilled about putting in more cash, come to an agreement: you might consider offering to pay the difference in cost, if it will be more expensive. After all, having a Quince is a luxury and your padrinos being willing to partially sponsor you is a very kind gesture.

2. Shop around - as with any other buy in your Quince planning, shopping around is key. Not only does it help in getting you the best deal possible, but you also get more ideas that might come in handy with the rest of your party planning. Let your potential photographer/videographer know that you're comparing prices, this may lead them into giving you a much better deal.

3. Compare Quality - ask your potential photographer/videographer to let you see some of their most recent work. If they refuse, move on to the next one on your list. No professional photographer/videographer will ever refuse to show some work. Also, take notice of the image quality in both photos and video. Make sure that both jobs are shot in the most up-to-date format.

Red flag for Videos:
Quince videos that are edited with images of Cinderella and Disney castles are very early 90's. The more contemporary Quince videos are those that look like a real movie and are edited with a story line in mind. The videographer should arrive to your Quince with an idea of what the final video will look like and will opt to get the necessary shots, this is called pre-production. Share with him/her the style of video that you would like to have and come to an agreement before the day of your party.

Red flag for Photos:
If your photographers' portfolio has Quince pictures where the object was placed in either bad lighting or in an awkward location (like the common mistake of having a Quinceanera take her pictures over a patch of dry grass), this should be a red flag. If your photographer placed a Quinceanera on dry grass rather than on a field of bright greens, this photographer might have no idea what he's doing.

Pay attention to every detail in both photos and video. The way a video is shot is just as important as the way it is edited. And whether you decide to purchase a package that includes both services, or if you decide to hire these service providers separately, make sure you choose a professional.

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Photography Business Exposure

Photography is treated as a business more than a passion nowadays. This is due to the increase in the monetary gains through the sales and promotions of photos. There are many ways to increase your business through photos. Some of the common methods are advertising and marketing, while the latest ones are referrals and photography forums.

If you are considering your photographic interests to be converted into a business, then there are certain tips you can follow to achieve the most ultimate benefits out of it as explained in photography business books. You have to market your photos and self to gain more business.

If you have a good collection of photos, just upload it on your photo web site or blog, or other photography web sites like ShutterStock, Fotolia, and the like. By doing so, you gain money each time your photo is downloaded by someone. The photography business book goes into great depth on this subject, and we quickly change the way you think about this profitable online photography business.

A good method to enhance your photography business is to ask for referrals. You can do a couple of photo shoots and ask your acquaintances to refer you. If you are giving out hard copies of the photos, give your customers a few excess prints or free albums. This is a marketing strategy to establish and increase business.

The specializing in a particular area of photography like fashion, pets, children, etc, keep your specialized list of contacts also. For example, if you are a fashion photographer, models are not the sole people who can bring in business to you. Maintain contacts with event organizers and coordinators, people behind the fashion industry, and the like. In today's world, as everything is happening online, a web site or photo blog is the best option. But some still admire and are passionate about the hard copy photos. So if possible you can maintain a work album as well. You can show it off to prospective clients when you go marketing.

Make use of photography web sites and forums. Leave a comment on these forums and a link to your web site. Hand out creative visiting cards to customers and prospective clients. This also is a method of impression making and business building. Find local distributors to sell your photographs. Utilize the photographs to create post cards, photo calendars, or greeting cards. This brings out the creativity in you and increases the business as well.

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Choose the Right Lens For a Security Camera

How do you calculate the field of view and focal length? Some installers will use a Lens Selection Wheel. It is a product like a pocket slid ruler that you can use to select a couple of the key options we will discuss below and then it will show the correct lens choice. Others will use some type of spreadsheet calculator or even an online web based calculator that will allow you to enter a couple of the factors and give you a final result. You could also use some basic math to figure out as well.

First you must know the CCD imaging device size in the CCTV Security Camera. If you don't know this you will not have an accurate number in your calculations. For our purposes we will be talking about a sensor that is a 1/3rd inch size sensor. The actual physical horizontal dimension of this sensor is 4.8mm.

Then to determine which lens you will need you need to know the distance to the object/scene and the desired width of the object/scene.Lets see how we would determine the correct lens for a scene where the desired width of the scene is 10 feet wide with a distance from the camera of 80 feet. 80 feet and 10 feet become the two key factors that you could use with a lens selection wheel or online calculator, or we can do some simple math.

The formula for this is (distance/width)*image size = lens focal length.
We will divide that by the width desired of 10 feet. Then we multiply 8 times the image size mentioned above of 4.8mm and get a number of 38.4. That is 38.4mm for the focal length of the lens needed to match our desired field of view for this scene. In other words the horizontal field of view of a 38.4mm lens for a 1/3rd inch image sensor in a security camera would be 10 feet wide at a distance of 80 feet. Now the next big choice is which security camera to use.

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Getting Digital Camera Batteries

Batteries have been useful to man since a long time ago. Without them, people won't be able to use their portable electronic devices out of the house or when there's power outage inside the house.Batteries provide backup power when electricity is not within easy reach. This is a good reason why people should make it a point to stock batteries at home. The same goes for those who own digital cameras.

But if you think digital cameras (digi-cam) share a common battery type, you just have to think again. Batteries for use in digi-cams differ in sizes, capacity and types.

Alkaline disposable battery. This type of battery is known as such because it contains an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. Alkaline rechargeable battery. There are some alkaline batteries that can be recharged. They are available in various sizes of AA, AAA, C, D and the 9-volt type. They can even have their charge for years unlike the other types of rechargeable batteries.

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) battery. This is a rechargeable type of battery which has the ability to retain its charge even when not in use. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This is another type of rechargeable battery which offers a longer life and is very affordable. However, this battery loses its charge when not in use. Lithium battery. This type costs more than the alkaline battery but has a longer life compared to the alkaline AA. This rechargeable battery can even perform well during cold weather. It's highly recommended, however, to check its compatibility with your digital camera before buying this battery.

Now that you know the existing batteries for digital cameras, it's best to check which ones are compatible to your gadget. Read your camera's instruction manual to know which one you should use. If you're using the alkaline, these brands are the most widely used. They include Duracell, Energizer, Kodak and Rayovac. For the rechargeable batteries, you have various choices as well. Although only five companies manufacture this type of battery, they are available in different brands such as Sanyo, Energizer, Kodak, Rayovac, Duracell, Panasonic and Memorex, among many others.

While the information here has made you aware on the different digital camera batteries you can use, one should never forget to store batteries the right way.

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Make Money By Shooting Amateur Photography

If you own a digital camera, a computer and have Internet access, you're fully equipped to get started in a new business venture providing stock photos to websites who compile them for use by others. Some of the more popular images on one of the stock photo sites include subjects like a pile or rocks, a computer keyboard, a child on a bike and even a close-up of a lawn! The market, by the way, would be webmasters, ad agencies, graphic designers, magazines and many others. They go to the stock photo sites all the time seeking images for their projects.

Once they find what they're looking for they simply pay for the privilege of downloading the photo of their choice. In turn, the operators of the website pay a commission per download to the owner of the photograph, in this case, you for shooting amateur photography!

How much do they pay? It depends on the size of the photo you upload. From "Xsmall" at $.30 per download to over $8.00 for the size referred to as "XXXlarge". Consider the fact that many photos are very popular and get downloaded hundreds and thousands of times per year. You don't have to have a math degree to figure it out. Shooting amateur photography can be very rewarding.

Like most any opportunity, there are hurdles to overcome upfront. The biggest one with this program is getting approved in the first place. Most websites require you to submit a sampling of your work first for critical review by a panel of experts before you can make photos available to the public for possible download. A good tip to assure your acceptance is to become very familiar with the site's rules and regulations.

Pet photos for example have swamped most stock photo sites and they definitely don't want pictures of your Mr. Wiggles (no offense). If you like photography, this could be a dream job of sorts. Once you've uploaded your photos they are there forever with the chance of being downloaded every day from around the world. Shooting amateur photography can be both fun and rewarding at the same time.

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Vision Of Photography

Not to worry, every decent and not to expensive digital camera comes with a disc for the computer program to adjust these imperfections. When I first started looking at digital cameras I came across one that was both digital and had film, but it wasn't a hit on the photography scene, and was discontinued.

I like to look for arches like trees bending into one another as if they were making a covered walk way. I also like doorways and gates, the bigger the features the better. I like pictures of something sticking out of the snow, its intriguing.

Subjects are easy to come by, and I could spend an entire day wandering around a park taking pictures of trees, and flowers. Natures beauty is always there for us to see and capture with our camera. These subjects are always on there best behavior, and wont do anything but be appreciative of exactly how they are being appreciated.

I recommend looking through your local leisure guide and taking a course on photography for beginners, and if this interests you, move on to something more advanced later on. If you prefer something more slow paced, sign up for a correspondence course, do it as you have time, and not feel rushed by a fast paced three day course. This will feel like a leisurely activity, what photography is supposed to be.

I cant think of a pastime that is more relaxing then photography. I wasn't afraid to ask about different models from different places when I was shopping for my camera. I knew what I wanted from all the searches I did on-line, and reading about the features, models, brands, and even zoom distance was a huge factor for me.

My first two cameras were less expensive, but did what all digital camera's did at that time, took pictures. my third camera was a fair bit more expensive, and I feel it was very much worth the money.

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Digital Camera Care

The dawn of digital camera technology has undoubtedly offered limitless choices for professionals and neophytes alike to come about with the best possible photographic results. There is a wide array of camera options ranging from compact digital cameras to large DSLRs. Each type and class has its own strengths and limitations therefore making the task of shopping for cameras complicated.

It is a common knowledge that digital cameras don't actually come cheap. With each digital camera, there will usually be an assortment of features and utility levels which will make a good camera well above a thousand dollars. Leading digital camera brands include Canon, Nikon and Sony.

Probably the most essential parts of a digital camera are the lens, viewfinder and the LCD screen. These parts should be regularly cleaned and maintained. These sensitive components such as a Canon camera LCD screen should never be bumped or have a battery put against it inside the camera case. It is also important to invest in good quality lens cleaning equipment such as a good lens brush, a lens blower and lens cloth. A blower will help remove the dirt while a lens cleaning solution removes sticky particles on the lens. Another important reminder is to protect the cameras eyes by always putting on the lens cover when the camera is not in use.

Another important aspect of taking care of your digital camera is storage. It is recommended that the camera be stored in a cool and dry space. Always keep the camera out of the sun and from cold temperature. Digital camera batteries should also be taken out when the camera is not in use. Remove the batteries if you intend to store the digital camera for a long time. Also keep in mind that magnets of any kind should also be kept away from the camera. This is for the reason that a magnet may affect the circuitry of the camera.

Aside from the structure of the digital camera, camera accessories such as memory cards should also be taken into account. As these accessories are small, they should always be handled with utmost care. It should be stored appropriately to prevent misplacement and ensure safety. Remember that your camera costs a lot of money and it certainly pays to take good care of it.

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How to Compose That Perfect Shot

Composition is like chasing the holy grail or the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It can be elusive and frustrating. Is it really possible to get the perfect composition. You will never take that perfect shot if you don't learn the basics of photographic composition. The fundamentals of photography need to be mastered, even if only to a limited degree, if you are going to stand a chance of taking that perfect shot. And, it is remarkably simple to do if you just implement the basics. The ground rules will take you to another level. Here are some of my steps to that perfect photo.

1. Take a closer look
Don't just stand and shoot away. Before you even point you camera take a closer look at the subject, object or scene that you are planning to shoot. The operative word here is planning. By taking a closer look you begin your plan of action. Knowing your subject, as with anything, will give you a distinct advantage over your peers.

2. Take your time
An artist does it, a carpenter, scientist and all other occupations do it as well. Ponder what you want to achieve before pressing the shutter. The time that you take will be reflected in the final image. Take your time and look at how the various elements, subject, colour, shape, angles and light affect each other. Do colours complement each other? Do objects distract the viewer from the main subject? If you take your time you'll notice these issues and make the necessary adjustments.

3. Look for detail
Most people look at the big picture but not the detail. By detail we mean look for the smaller patterns, texture and form. Using the macro feature on your compact camera or a macro lens on an SLR will get you in really close and bring out the detail of any subject. It's this detail, the pattern of a fabric, the links in a chain or the texture of a building's brickwork that adds an element of depth to your photography.

4. Make the most of the photo opportunity
Don't just shoot a few shots of your subject. Once you have analysed it, thought about it and looked at the detail, start shooting. Shoot from every conceivable angle you can think of. Change your perspective or vantage point. Get higher and then lower. Use your feet to move around the subject. Get in closer. Mover further away. Change the camera's angle by 45 degrees. Shoot in horizontal then vertical format. Hold the camera above your head. The key is to try shoot from every position you can think of. You want to exhaust all your options.

First you have finished shooting start evaluating. You can do this in the camera if you have a bigger enough LCD screen or leave it till you get home. Once you have evaluated you'll see which photos are really great and which can be improved. Now, it's not guaranteed that you have taken the perfect shot but the chances are that you would have shot the perfect shot have increased exponentially. Why? Because you have implemented some basic techniques to improve. These steps practised on a regular basis are going ensure that your chances of shooting a perfect image increase every time. Practise makes perfect is what the old adage says, so keep practising.

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Waterproof Digicam Comparison - Canon D10 Vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1

Canon and Panasonic has announced their first shock and water-proof compact camera early this year. If you are still confused which camera is best for you, here you will find some useful information and comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 and Canon PowerShot D10.

Both the cameras are waterproof, but if you want a camera that can work around 10 meters underwater, then Powershot D10 would be your best shot. The submarine shaped D10 with its porthole-like screws and bulbous shell expresses that this digital camera is purely made for underwater. Additionally, it contains bigger screw-mouths on every corner for mounting the camera in various underwater grips.

While other waterproof digicam, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 can be used up to 3 meters only underwater with a completely different approach. The sleek rectangular slab outline has made it hard to distinguish from usual non-tough cams. Compare to Canon D10, the buttons are smaller and shooting modes can be selected by a thumb dial rather than a dedicated button. Even So, you will lose usability underwater with TS1, it will perform better on land and you must consider that.

Another big difference is that the Panasonic TS1 shoots in the AVCHD format at 720p, where D10 only does VGA videos of 640×480. But the video recording mode of TS1 is not the most polished one, there is a two to three seconds of delay from hitting the dedicated video button to starting and stopping the video and its quite unclear when exactly everything does start. If you are ok with that delay, you will surely love the outstanding HD video mode. Lumix DMC-TS1 is currently seeing a big bug when importing the taken video into iMovie. The featured AVCHD format of TS1 is quite annoying and you might require installing particular codec to import video into your preferred video editing software and then convert it into friendly formats.

Both toughcams are featuring 12-megapixel shooting and have the same CCD sensor size. A difference that really matters is the wider-angle lense of TS1, which is an effective focal length zoom of 28mm-128mm f/3.3-f/5.9, where D10 is only 35mm-105mm f/2.8-f/4.9. Color reproduction through the Leica lens of TS1 is far better than that of D10. Moreover, the TS1 lean to autofocus underwater with greater ease in comparison with D10.

Whatever happens, you will always can wipe your digital camera clean from water. So the conclusion is, if you care about form factor, you should go with Panasonic Lumix TS1, Powershot D10 will be tough to fit it into a pants pocket without some serious bulging.

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How Learn Digital Photography

The concept of learning to many of us as we grow older is linked to school or college. Learning as we get on with our lives is not something we do naturally. With photography you have to learn or get left behind. If you are going to improve the quality of your images you need to continually learn and maintain learning journey.

Coupled with the desire to learn is passion. There is always an opportunity to create the perfect image but getting you to the place where your feet are standing on the perfect vantage point is the difference. Passion brings you to that point at 5am and allows you to shoot the magnificent sunset or sit through the heat of the day to shoot the elusive endangered animal.

It's this desire or passion that will motivate you to learn those tips and techniques that you would otherwise not be bothered with. So here are some keys to learning or improving your photography:

1. Feed your passion
By feeding it, a very simple but very neglected concept in photography. If you love birds then spend time where birds are, buy birding magazines, join a bird watching club that has a strong focus on photography. When you rub shoulders with passionate people and spend time focusing on your passion, it grows. I love photo galleries, especially wildlife and nature and after an hour looking through the images, I want to take my camera and shoot. So how does feeding your passion help you learn? It gets you out taking more photos and thereby practising more and meeting people who are motivating and more experienced. So the bottom line is that your learning curve shoots straight up.

2. Evaluate, compare and improve
You will never learn unless you look at your images and evaluate them against a set of criteria. The main teaching method in my latest book is evaluating your images. By doing this you can see just where the quality issues and technical problems lie and rectify them. You need to have a mentor, a book or course to understand what these criteria are. See what they are doing and shoot similar images. Then work at improving. If you aren't improving then you aren't learning. It is essential to constantly and consistently look at yourself and your photography and ask the question, am I evaluating, comparing and improving.

3. Specialise
Oops! Isn't this going against the basic principles of learning photography or anything for that matter? What I mean is that as part of the learning process work at it using bite sized chunks, one step at a time. Focus on one issue like learning how to place your subject correctly. You know the old adage, "jack of all trades, master of none"? Master your hobby by doing it in a lot of small steps.

Photography is a process despite what many might think. Dedication and discipline is much easier if you focus on the little things and gradually expand until you are handing the bigger things. Take one step at a time and work hard at each of the disciplines of photography. Work hard at applying yourself and the rewards will come little by little.

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Finding the Perfect Portrait Lens For Your DSLR

I'm a portrait photographer. So I get asked a lot about what cameras and lenses the portrait photographer should be using. And while I'm a true believer that any lens can be a portrait lens, what we're looking at here is trying to find the 'ideal' lens that should be the first one you reach for when doing portrait work. So what we'll examine here is the 'why' behind the lens of choice for the majority of portrait work. This is a lens that will routinely work in a variety of situations and produce outstanding results.

1. FOCAL LENGTH
For example, the film diagonal of a medium format square camera is about 80mm. The diagonal of the film is used to determine the focal length of a 'normal' lens. I believe the reasoning is that a lens of that length gives us a 'normal' perspective when made to 8 x 10 and viewed at arms length, but don't quote me. In the above instance, a typical lens length for portraits is 160mm. And it seems that all makers of square format lenses just happen to make a 150mm lens that all portrait photographers own. Translating that to the 35mm format, we'd come up with a 100mm lens, and it also seems that for years 35mm camera makers have made a 105mm lens. Coincidence? If it's a full frame camera, then we can use the same thinking that applies to the 35mm format.

If the sensor is only half the size or less, that must be taken into consideration. For example, the Nikon D 80 camera chip is about two thirds the size of a 35mm frame, so the lens 'conversion factor' compared to 35mm is 1.5. That means that a 100 mm lens on a 35mm camera becomes a 150mm lens on a camera with a 1.5 conversion factor. Now that I've taken the time to explain the relationship between film or sensor size and focal length, let's just stick with 35mm format and you can do your own interpolating later depending upon what camera you own.

First, there is perspective. The perspective you have in a photo is dependent upon how close you are to the subject, not the lens. Take a few images on a tripod of the same subject and keep changing the focal length. Back off six feet and look through a paper towel tube, there's your long lens. So a longer than normal lens allows us to keep some distance between ourselves and our subjects, giving us a pleasing perspective. And by keeping that distance, our subject is also more comfortable than if we shove a camera up his nostrils, so the longer length now accomplishes two objectives - a pleasing perspective and subject comfort.

Now we're going to throw in another nice feature - angle of view. The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view. For example, a 28-200mm lens has an angle of view of about 74 degrees to about 12 degrees. Naturally, the longer the lens, the less is included in the image, and the easier it is to isolate your subject on a background and crop out distracting elements. Good, let's look at some other factors.

2. LENS SPEED
In studio portraits, lens speed is usually not that critical, since you may be shooting at f/5.6 or smaller. Outside, on location, and for weddings, you want the fastest lens you can get. No matter what your shooting aperture, it's always nice to have it as bright as possible so both your eyes and the camera can focus better.

3. ZOOM LENSES
It used to be that prime focal length lenses were much better than zoom lenses because they don't have to make the many compromises needed in the design of a zoom. So in practical terms, a quality zoom will fit the bill for most photographers. A zoom offers many focal lengths and allows you to crop the image in camera so that you can maintain optimum image quality. One other note, if at all possible, try to buy a lens that is a continuous f/stop as opposed to those that vary with focal length, it will make your life easier and your exposures more accurate when manually metering.

4. OTHER FACTORS
Here are a couple of other factors to consider in your search for the perfect lens. Based on my limited testing, if you're digital, buy the lenses made for digital cameras. Film and sensors do not focus the same way, I see a considerable difference using digital lenses. Another consideration is the blade shape of the lens diaphragm. Also, a Vibration Reduction lens will cost you more but also allow you to shoot handheld about two stops more than the standard issue. If you do mostly outdoor and location portraits, I'd suggest it.

5. THE PERFECT LENS
Taking all of the above into consideration, I'll take a couple of stabs at the 'perfect' lens. For 35mm and full frame digital, there are 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses with VR that seem pretty close to perfection. There are also 55-200mm digital lenses that have variable apertures, pick them if cost is an issue. A shorter and lighter lens, like a 28-75 or 80mm, is nice to have when you are working in tight quarters or when the weight of the longer lenses becomes an issue. A 50 to 300mm VR f/2 lens that you can throw in your pocket and buy for $400. SHOOTING F/STOPS.

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Learn Digital Photography - The Subject is Key to Your Photography

So why is this such an important element of an image? Hello! It is the reason you are taking the shot. Often amateur photographers want to get as much of a scene in the photo as possible. They want to remember everything at once despite the fact that the resulting image is cluttered, confusing and downright average. Many of our photograph albums are cluttered with images that aren't memorable and the subjects are indistinguishable from all the other elements. What then is the solution to this problem? What can be done to solve the dilemma? Here goes, some tips to make your subject the star of the photo.

1. Be selective
Picture yourself in 20 years time flipping through an album of precious memories. What would you like to change about the image to make it more memorable? If you could go back in time, what would you have excluded from the photo? That leads to the next point.

2. Exclude Clutter
Clutter is a part of everyday lives but we don't want to remember it in our photos. Getting back to the previous point. In that precious photo what do you consider unimportant and not necessary in the image? 3. Give your subject most of the attention

3. Give Subject The attention
Pretend it's a Hollywood star and make it the star attraction. All of sudden the subject becomes more prominent and anyone can tell who or what the subject of the photo is. It should hit you front and centre and say without confusion, "I am the subject". If the subject doesn't shout "I'm the subject" then it's not the subject.

4. Get in closer
By doing this you automatically do point 2. Exclude all the clutter and unnecessary elements of an image. All of us dream of better cameras or lenses that will get us closer to the subject. Walk in closer and fill the image with your subject or just a part of the subject, unless of course it's a lion in a safari park. Most times you can use your feet to get in closer and this will immediately improve the image and make your subject more prominent.

5. Change your perspective
Changing your angle from right in front of your subject to a lower or higher viewpoint will give a completely different perspective. Lie on your stomach or back, climb a ladder or go down some stairs giving you a vantage point for great images.

Key to great subject placement is thinking outside the box. And key to this is plain old thinking. Give more thought and time to your image before clicking the shutter button. The old saying that goes, "time is money" can be equated to "time is quality". The more time and effort you put into your photography will result in better quality images. There are a number of other ways you can improve your image but by putting into practice these simple principles will give you immediate photographic success.

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Black and White Wedding Photographs

The bride's father walking her down the aisle, the bride and groom exchanging their vows and their first kiss- these moments are perfect for black and white prints. Black and white photographs capture emotions in a way that color photographs cannot. This is because when an individual looks at such photographs; his eyes need not process the myriad of colors- which is why the true splendor of the moment is understood properly. Most couples who wish to have a small but intimate wedding prefer black and white wedding photographs. This is because black and white photographs allow the images to seem timeless.

The good news for brides who want to look flawless on their wedding day is that b&w photographs make imperfections less noticeable. Black and white photographs also have a longer life when compared to colored photographs which have been known to fade 50 years after they have been clicked. Black and white photographs on the other hand are printed have been known to last through generations as they are developed on a special paper called archival paper. The main purpose behind clicking photographs is to freeze memories and black and white photographs are successful in doing so.

As a wedding photographer, you should form a portfolio with your best black and white photographs which should be presented to prospective clients so that a good deal can be reached. This will also allow them to trust you to carry out the task without any hitches. This will allow help you to build a good reputation for future work.

Lighting is an important element when it comes to beautiful photographs. With enough experience, you will realize that if you focus on this aspect- the wedding photographs will have an ethereal glow about them- the lights above the altar will shine- the bride's hair will look softer and the groom's tuxedo will look striking Needless to say, the couple will be more than happy with your work.

Photography, especially wedding photography is guided by good timing. With black and white photographs, it should be combined with a good perspective as well. If you take colored photographs from an odd angle, they may end up looking flat. However, if you do the same with black and white photographs, the elegance of the photographs will be further enhanced. In conclusion, b&w photograph are undoubtedly beautiful and they make photographs meaningful and personal.

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Where to Buy a Cheap Digital Video Camera

If you are on a tight budget, it is understandable that you're looking for a cheap digital video camera. On a budget is not really new to most people. In fact, manufacturers of digital cameras are aware of these that they make it easy for their potential customers to get affordable digital camera that they are looking for.

An affordable digital camera can go as low as $300. Normally, these cameras cost $600. However, if you know where to look and how to make a deal, you can easily get low cost digital camera just like that. Plus that good model already has longevity and you are actually investing in that cheap digital video camera that you opted for. Here are some examples of affordable digital video cameras that can be an option for you.

You can go for the Canon Vixia HG20, HG10 or Canon Vixia HF100. These models are top notch and their prices are adjusted so that it is considered to be examples of cheap video cameras. But take note, these are still top notch. You can also go for the Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 or the Panasonic HDC-HS100.

Compare the prices of these cheap video cameras. If you are buying online, you can go from one site to another. Don't rush when you're out there to get the cheap digital video camera that you can find.

A way for you to know this is reading the product reviews of the cheap video camera that you are considering to buy. If you feel that these are just scams, then make sure to read the testimonials of people. Just because you are getting a cheap digital video camera, it doesn't mean that you would settle for less.You can still get your money's worth and maximize what you can afford by getting the best cheap digital video camera that you can find.

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Sony Cybershot DSC W210 Review

The Sony Cybershot DSC W210 packs plenty of power with its 12 megapixel sensor. This camera is small enough to fit into most pockets. It is available in silver, dark grey, pink and green. The Cybershot DSC W210 has a 4x optical zoom lens.

For most purposes you are likely to find the 12 megapixels overkill. Even if you are looking to make large prints you should find 6 to 8 megapixels plenty unless you are looking to go up to poster size and beyond. To me the big advantage of having so many megapixels is that Sony has included a feature called smart zoom. In the past I have even found that shooting at lower megapixels can increase the quality of the images you shoot.

Other advantages include taking up less space on a memory card and faster times to upload your photos to a computer. If you activate smart zoom you can increase zoom up to 25x. The Cybershot DSC W210 fits into a group of pocket cameras that are less expensive than the top of the range models. The main reasons behind the savings tend to be the design of the cameras and the build quality. If you do not mind a fairly plain looking digital camera then you can save yourself plenty of money.

The 2.7 inch LCD screen compares well enough and the only obvious feature I can think of that is missing here is mechanical image stabilisation. This is where image stabilisation is handled either by gyroscopes in the lens or by making tiny shifts to the position of the sensor.

Aside from this Sony has incorporated some of the latest buzz features. These include face detection for sharper portraits and a smile shutter that automatically fires off a shot when the Cybershot DSC W210 detects someone is smiling. I have never noticed face detection making that much difference to a portrait shot and only you can decide how much value a smile shutter adds to the camera for you. Something you do not often see on a camera this size is the ability to add conversion lenses. This can improve the telephoto or wide angle capabilities of the camera. The camera is able to produce High Definition still images, but it can only output standard definition movies.

On the whole I found the camera easy to use. When it comes to picture quality the Cybershot DSC W210 does a solid job. I cannot claim the pictures it produces are anything out of the ordinary, but on the whole the camera does a decent all round job if you are looking for a general snapshot camera with a reasonable price tag. Similar cameras you may wish to take a look at include the Panasonic Lumix FS6, Panasonic Lumix FS7, Panasonic Lumix FS15 and the Olympus FE-5000.

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Canon PowerShot SX200IS Digital Camera Review

One of the first things you notice about the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is that it looks a little confused. Is it a slim body camera masquerading as a Professional camera, or is it a scaled down version of a professional camera putting it in the prosumer class? The reason for the confusion is not too hard to fathom. It is the long, wide angle lens placed bang in front of the camera. As with all new Canon cameras, there are a load of option that make this camera a dream to use. The SX200 IS has two Auto modes.

The proprietary 'Smart Auto' allows the user to choose from up to 18 specific settings. These settings are primarily graded on the kind of scene, the light conditions and the composition of the frame. If you want to go the manual route, you can derive endless hours of sheer joy just experimenting with the various settings options. If you are keen on video, you'll really enjoy the resolution of 1,280 x 720. However, while trying video recording, the optical zoom is disabled (making the exercise rather pointless). The three inch rear LCD screen offers a wide enough display space.

Another crib is the miserable flash. The entire left side of the camera is effectively crippled by the presence of the motorised flash there and there is absolutely no grip, especially since the body itself (even otherwise) is rather slippery. It can't be depressed once it does this and you are left wondering who missed out on this crucial design flaw.

Even the dials are rather cramped and effective usage of space does not seem to have been a priority. I would like to believe that these ergonomic features don't affect the performance of the camera, but it is hard to ignore them when they destroy the ease of use. In conclusion, although the resolution, the wide angle lens and technology features that help this camera are best of class, the drawbacks are more than a little crippling.

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Canon D10 Honest Review

Hearing so many great information about Canon D10, I was immediately convinced to purchase one for me. I normally go mountain climbing on weekends and need a reliable camera that would stand on changing weathers that is common on mountains. Looking at its photos online, the Canon D10 looks handy enough for any adventure and the price is ideal for a good quality camera from Canon.

As a Canon user, I'm pretty satisfied with its quality. I was also really happy that Canon D10 has a waterproof feature. I say it is sporty because true to one of the Canon Powershot D10 review that I have read, it is bulky to be called as fashionable.

To prove the quality of this digital camera, I can't wait till weekends. The Canon Powershot D10 review that I have read is true. I got crisp and bright photos with less noise even on higher ISO just like any other Canon camera does. When you are a user of Canon camera, the features are in tacked in this model plus the shock proof and waterproof feature. Now that I have the Canon Powershot D10, I will never have to get worried of the mountains changing weather and will again worried if I drop my camera due to a mountain's uneven grounds. The lens can be uncovered but it has a scratchproof glass shield, so the missing lens cap is no big deal.

I also tried to take photos underwater and it really works. When you are just new in using a Canon camera, you will not be having a hard time taking beautiful photos with its numerous scene modes that you can easily set to take photos for the right scene. These scene modes include night exposure, panorama, programmable mode, portrait, sunset, beach, fireworks, aquarium, underwater, snow, indoor, kids and pets, foliage, long shutter, color accent, and color swap. The auto mode is also present wherein the camera will automatically detect your current condition. Canon digital camera also has a feature that will allow you to take photos just an inch or two from the subject and still look perfectly fine.. Overall, I love my new Canon Powershot D10 Compact Digital Camera.

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A History of Photography

The art of photography has definitely come a long way. Since then, cameras have become virtually omnipresent, and we enjoy taking and displaying our photos as art throughout our homes.

How has camera technology come so far in such a short time? Of course, one can argue that technology itself has rapidly grown and expanded. Additionally, these cameras took circular pictures instead of our rectangular ones today.

After 1888, a number of breakthroughs occurred in improving photography. First, in 1889, Kodak came out with film for their cameras rather than paper. This truly allowed for mass-produced cameras that were more usable. A year later, Kodak created its Brownie box roll-film camera. Because the Brownie was a cheap, cardboard-body camera, it made picture-taking easy for everyone, not just the elite. After taking enough pictures to fill a roll of film, a person would send in the camera with the film to be developed.

At first, all photographs were in black and white, or some shades of gray. Of course, with the advent of portable, cheaper cameras and better film came the rise in photojournalism and taking pictures of different cultures. This documentation also extended to the government hiring Lewis Hine to photograph child labor mills in 1909. Perhaps cameras and film opened up the door for politicians to see how harsh some lives actually were, and they were able to regulate child labor and other harmful practices.

In 1914, Oscar Barnack, under the employ of German microscope company Leitz, created the first modern-frame camera. He made a 24x36mm frame and 35mm movie film. This camera was perfected until 1924, when Leitz marketed the device under the name Leica. This Leica was a very high quality 35mm camera, and it was a far cry from the previous Brownies.

The mid 1900s led to a number of new practices in photography. In 1931, a man at MIT developed strobe photography. In 1936 came Kodachrome, which was the first multi-layered color film. Also during this time period came manufacturers such as Nikon, Fuji, and Zeiss. In 1963, Polaroid made cameras available with instant color film.

In the late 20th century, such things arrived as autofocus (Minolta in 1985), Photoshop (Adobe in 1990), and in 1991, the first digital camera, from Kodak. Now, we can put our pictures on internet albums such as Snapfish and Facebook. Digital cameras, which were $6,000 for 2.74 megapixels in 1999, can now be found for $200-and at least 10 megapixels.

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First Professional Pregnancy Photography Pictures

There are many things you must keep in mind when attempting to schedule a pregnancy photography session. To ensure that this event goes smoothly most maternity photographers recommend that you schedule your pregnancy photography shoot between thirty-one and thirty-six weeks if possible. If you cannot schedule your pregnancy photography shoot during this period, ensure that the maternity photographer is kept abreast for you do not want to run out of time during this monumental time, which you want documented.

Prior to the pregnancy photography session, make sure you remove clothing, which contains elastic. Elastic leaves marks on your skin, which will most definitely show up in pictures. If you forget this fact do not worry, the maternity photographer will more than likely remind you of such before performing the maternity portraits.

Do you want to wear your clothes during the photo shoot? Do you want to show your skin on the photos? If you want someone else to be present in your pregnancy photography session, both of you must choose clothing that will not take away from the photo shoot. Keep in mind that your stomach with your unborn child cradled inside is the main subject of the photo shoot therefore, jewelry or bright objects should be left off until the photo shoot is over.

Discuss with your maternity photographer what you should wear during the photo shoot. Some women choose to pose topless or even naked. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can wear clothing that shows off your belly.

Keep in mind that these portraits are going to be pregnancy portraits so you are allowed to bring some items with you, which you have purchased, for your unborn child. Most maternity photographers will have some items present at the photo shoot if you do not have your own items or if you merely forgot them.

During your baby portrait photography session, you will want to avoid placing lotions on your stomach before the maternity photographer begins the session. The lotions will cause light to bounce off your belly during the photo shoot but you can moisturize other parts of your body if you want to.

Lip moisturizer will be a great addition to your face during the photo shoot. Allot ample time for your pregnancy photography session. You do not want to rush the maternity photographer through the photo shoot. Most children photographers are use to taking their time with photo shoots. Performing these photo shoots are more times to none a one-time deal and cannot be re-shot. Enjoy yourself while documenting this very important time in your life as well as your unborn child. If the maternity photographer performs a great job for you and your unborn child, he/she very well may become your maternity photographer as well as your family photographer.

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Repair Problem - Broken LCD Screen

You head back to the store with your poor little camera and the guy behind the counter (that knows nothing about cameras except for what's written on the box, and even less about camera repair) tells you it's not worth it to fix it and you should toss it in the trash. You feel ripped off and mad at the camera manufacturer and you toss it out and buy a new one made by somebody else.

There are alternatives, there are ALWAYS alternatives to every problem. Honest! Yes, it may cost $100 to fix your camera, and yes you can buy that camera in the bubble pack on the shelf at W**l M**t (they don't pay my bills... I don't advertise their name, sorry) for less than $100, but what kind of quality do you honestly expect from a $100 camera? Broken/cracked LCD screen.

It was hard for me to choose between a jammed lens and a broken LCD screen but I stuck with LCD for #1 because it's so easy to break your LCD that you don't even have to touch the camera to do it!

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is the view screen on the back of the camera that lets you see menus, playback pictures etc. The LCD is very thin, very fragile, and on many many cameras completely UNPROTECTED! Look at the back of your camera, is the screen recessed slightly or is the back of the camera flat and smooth? If it's flat you have a protective 'window' or 'glass' over the LCD to help prevent damage and breakage. If it's not flat, you have nothing protecting your LCD and should put a good quality LCD screen protector on the camera and NOT those thin, flimsy 'saran wrap' plastic film screen protectors, they are worthless.

Don't leave your camera in your car in summer or winter. Extreme heat can cause expansion of the liquid in the LCD and cause it to 'crack', and on the other side of things extreme cold can cause it to freeze!

• Don't put anything up against the LCD in your camera bag, it will bang against the LCD and crack it (yes, even if it has a window over it, it will break!)
• Don't put your camera in your back pocket and then sit down!
• Don't put your camera in your front pocket and then roll over on it.

The manufacturer will just site impact damage and will refuse the repair even if the camera wasn't dropped etc. Look for a defective camera on e**y (hey they don't pay me to advertise for them...) and make one good camera from the two if you are handy.

Look for an actual camera repair business and not somebody that will send it to the manufacturer and tell you it's $200 and 4-6 weeks to repair. I can't tell you Brand .... Certain SERIES of cameras have 1 or 2 models that are difficult to work on, yet the rest of them are fairly straight forward. How is an LCD replaced?

With most Canon digital camera LCD screens for example (using them as the example because they have the largest market share) all you do is disconnect the ribbon cable for the LCD and the backlight (the light that shines through the LCD and allows you to see what is on the screen) and then install the new LCD. Some backlights need to be soldered to the mainboard of the camera, some do not.

Be careful to not touch the flash capacitor contacts! You will probably throw your camera across the room when it happens. (Yeah, I've done it, I've been repairing cameras for 5 years now so....) We have 'flash capacitor dischargers' and use them every time we open a camera.

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Ways to Improve Your Nature Photography

Photography of nature is a very rewarding hobby or in some cases profession. There is something special about having the creative eye in capturing the mystery and beauty of nature. Here are some tips that will help you improve your photography so you can take better photos.

To have the passion for nature photography one has to have love for nature, as without that passion you may not be able to see the real beauty that is hidden in front of you. Nature loving photographers are able to see beauty in the tiniest of plants and flowers; they can see beauty in the way water ripples in a fishpond.

Always keep your subjects well being in mind. Avoid changing the environment leave things as they are.When photographing wildlife, like birds or animals, remember that it may take some time to get the perfect shot, but you should not be disappointed if you don't get the shot you won't, ,some photographers spend years trying to get exactly what they are looking for. It is recommended that you use an SLR fast shutter speeds camera. This device is good for taking great bird and animal photos. Most wildlife is fast and can disappear quickly. This type of camera can capture sudden movements quickly and can take many repeated photos of you subject in action.

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Canon D10 Vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1Canon and Panasonic

Canon and Panasonic has announced their first shock and water-proof compact camera early this year. If you are still confused which camera is best for you, here you will find some useful information and comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 and Canon PowerShot D10.

Both the cameras are waterproof, but if you want a camera that can work around 10 meters underwater, then Powershot D10 would be your best shot. The submarine shaped D10 with its porthole-like screws and bulbous shell expresses that this digital camera is purely made for underwater. Additionally, it contains bigger screw-mouths on every corner for mounting the camera in various underwater grips.

While other waterproof digicam, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 can be used up to 3 meters only underwater with a completely different approach. The sleek rectangular slab outline has made it hard to distinguish from usual non-tough cams. Compare to Canon D10, the buttons are smaller and shooting modes can be selected by a thumb dial rather than a dedicated button. Even So, you will lose usability underwater with TS1, it will perform better on land and you must consider that.

Another big difference is that the Panasonic TS1 shoots in the AVCHD format at 720p, where D10 only does VGA videos of 640×480. But the video recording mode of TS1 is not the most polished one, there is a two to three seconds of delay from hitting the dedicated video button to starting and stopping the video and its quite unclear when exactly everything does start. If you are ok with that delay, you will surely love the outstanding HD video mode. Lumix DMC-TS1 is currently seeing a big bug when importing the taken video into iMovie. The featured AVCHD format of TS1 is quite annoying and you might require installing particular codec to import video into your preferred video editing software and then convert it into friendly formats.

Both toughcams are featuring 12-megapixel shooting and have the same CCD sensor size. A difference that really matters is the wider-angle lense of TS1, which is an effective focal length zoom of 28mm-128mm f/3.3-f/5.9, where D10 is only 35mm-105mm f/2.8-f/4.9. Color reproduction through the Leica lens of TS1 is far better than that of D10. Moreover, the TS1 lean to autofocus underwater with greater ease in comparison with D10.

You will always can wipe your digital camera clean from water. So the conclusion is, if you care about form factor, you should go with Panasonic Lumix TS1, Powershot D10 will be tough to fit it into a pants pocket without some serious bulging.

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Photographer - Pass Key Information to Your Clients

The photography industry is competitive. One simple yet effective way to add value to your client's experience with your business is to provide key information on photography session tips. Having this information will help your clients be better prepared for their photo session which will result in a more desirable image.

The following is information that is helpful but often omitted in session preparation communications with clients.

Give your clients some guidance on clothing. As a general rule, when clients dress nicely and yet not in coordination with one another, clients are not as satisfied with the result. Send out an email communications to these clients letting them know that unless they have a specific look in mind, to wear medium to dark tones. Remind them that darker colors make people look thinner. Thus dark clothing is often preferable for full length body shots.

Remind your clients to be careful to make sure clothing fits properly. Clothing that is too large may have unsightly wrinkles or folds. On the other hand, if clothing is too tight it will not hang properly.

Remind your clients that pants and long sleeved shirts are generally preferable (unless you have a specific reason for dressing otherwise). Bare shoulders take attention away from the face.

1. Give your clients some guidance on make-up. Light makeup can benefit men as well.
2. Remind clients to cut their fingernails.
3. If your clients wear glasses, suggest they remove the lenses or visit an eye doctor to borrow a set of frames without lenses.

Communicating these instructions and suggestions to your clients will a photographer add value to her offering.

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Maternity Photography Help

Do you like the idea of maternity photography but don't know where to begin? Below are simple answers to questions about having your portrait taken while you are pregnant.There are three basic options for a location of your photo shoot.

1. The photographer's studio
2. Your home
3. Outdoors - for example, a park or beach

If you are going to be outside choose clothing appropriate to the setting. If you will be photographed in a park wear comfortable, casual clothing. However, if you are going to be photographed in a studio or your own home, then you have more options. There are two popular trends in maternity photography with regard to clothing. Flowing cloth such as a sheet is used to wrap your body in such a way that highlights your belly. Another common practice is to shoot the expectant mom in her pre-pregnant clothing. Of course your jeans won't fit. Folding down the jeans accentuates your belly. Many professional maternity photographers work with you to expose as much or as little skin as you would like in the portrait.

Just as the prices vary from studio to studio, so does the portrait package. It is common for portrait photographers to charge a fee for the session. Purchasing any photographs and/or items is in addition to this charge. The sitting fee covers the time and materials for the photographer to take the photographs. Apart from that you will be offered several different picture packages. Packages can range from a single portrait print to a hard cover bound book and many different sized images.

Be prepared to spend between 1 - 2 hours during your maternity photography session. Having time for the photographer to get to know you and help you to relax and feel comfortable will translate to better portraits.

Getting recommendations from trusted friends is a great start your search for a maternity photographer. Find several different professional photographers in your area and interview them. Ask if they specialize in maternity and newborn photography. Look at their portfolios to get a feel of their style. Go online and compare different styles. Decide if you want a freelance photographer or perhaps you may want to hire a larger studio.

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Wedding Photography

When I talk about creative portraits, I am referring to portrait's that incorporate a creative element and try to to capture the bride and groom in more natural and relaxed way.

Creative Portraits are where you get many of your best shots at any wedding, best meaning the ones the clients are happiest with, and the ones you will later use for your portfolio. Here are some tips to make sure you get the best possible creative portraits.

1. Plan more time for the creative portrait session if possible. This will allow you to experiment more with different poses in different settings. Also it often takes the bride and groom a minute to relax and feel fully comfortable performing the more dramatic poses.
2. If at all possible plan to do the portraits in an outdoor setting or a setting with natural light.
3. Use a reflector, reflectors generally give a much more natural lighting effect than you can achieve with a flash, and are essential for many lighting conditions. It's a good idea to bring a flash too though, especially for sunset shoots.

Shooting Tips:

1. Avoid partial shade, where part of the subject is shaded and the other part is in direct light. Under these lighting conditions it is impossible to expose the shot correctly for both the shaded and fully lit regions. Shooting under these conditions will either result in overly dark shadow regions or over exposed highlight regions.
2. If you are shooting in full sunlight then use a reflector (or a flash) to fill in the shadows.
3. Pick your backgrounds carefully, look for a final composition that is not just good but spectacular. To achieve this you may need to use a longer lens so that you can emphasize objects that are further in the distance. If you are having trouble finding an outstanding background then a good fall back is to reduce the depth of field and go for a very blurred background. The depth of field is definitely something to play with, just like using a long or short lens using different depths of field will give you more control of exactly which background elements are noticeable in the final picture.
4. Try to create drama in your photographs using either diagonal or circular shapes and motion. Do this either by choosing certain background elements or by having the bride and groom posed dramatically. Having the bride lean back while the groom holds her is a good way to add a diagonal element. Having the groom hold the bride while spinning her around will add circular motion.
5. Consider the placement of the bride and groom and the negative spaces they create when set against your chosen background. Generally you don't want them slap bang in the center of the picture, and you don't want to much or to little space above or below them.

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Bridal Boudoir Photography - First Timers

B-pics are the newest gift for grooms , hot trend amongst brides-to-be , keepsake for loving couples and entertainment for single girls who just want to strut their stuff in front of the camera.

What are b-pics?
B-pics are professional boudoir pictures. Inspired by the 1920's, through the 1960's, young brides are hoping to look like glamour girls of the past. Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot, are just a few of the more popular icons of the times.Professional boudoir photographers are in high demand as the trend for B-pics rises around the world. B-pics are intended to capture the beauty of the female body , female attitude and sexy energy that is within all women. They are intended to seductive, romantic and sexual in nature. Some B-pics may be classy while others can be much more revealing and naughty.

What's the big deal about B-pics?
The best thing about boudoir photographs as a gift to your boyfriend, lover or husband is that a girl has the opportunity to have professional hair and makeup, professional lighting, professional photography and editing. It's a chance to look like a super model and give the boudoir photographs to your significant other. Many girls are even taking these B-pics for themselves. With social networks like MySpace and Facebook, girls can post their sexy boudoir pictures online for all of their old friends to envy.

What to expect at a boudoir photo shoot?
Many boudoir photographers work out of small studios, home studios or will travel to your location. Depending on the boudoir photographer you choose,

1. Cost-the cost for profession b-pics can range from $300-$900 for a session.
2. Hair and Makeup-The session generally includes hair and make up, 3-4 outfit changes, professionally edited photos and a cd or prints of the top 20 pictures from your boudoir photo shoot. don't be shy.
3. Outfits-Once you arrive to the photo shoot, you will need to have your outfits with you. Most boudoir photographers do not provide outfits, simply because it would be too difficult to keep an inventory of various sizes and styles available. The photographer will want to see the outfits and start planning the shoot.
4. How Long it Takes-The shoot can take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on how many looks you paid for in your boudoir or bridal boudoir package.after your first hair and make up look is complete you will need to get into your sexy little outfit. Many girls go topless, some go naked. It may seem that many of these girls are professional models, because their b-pics look so professional. This is when you have a good boudoir photographer. The right lighting, the right angles and good editing can make you look like a super model.
5. Poses-If you have the right photographer, you will be guided and instructed about posing for your boudoir photos. There are pinup poses, bedroom poses, outdoor poses, laying down, standing up and cupcake poses. It is always best to browse photo galleries online before your boudoir photo shoot to see the type of poses that you feel are attractive. You should also practice poses in your own time before your photo session begins. this helps you to become comfortable and confident with your different looks.

Where to find a boudoir photographer?
Many boudoir photographers are going on tour to take pictures in different states. One famous boudoir photographer by the name of Beth Cocuzzi has tours in San Francisco and Las Vegas Regularly. While her home studio is located in Huntington Beach, ca. , many girls can't afford the flight. Many wedding websites like project wedding, the know and wedding bee have forums where girls discuss their personal photo shoots and share their experiences.

How to book a boudoir shoot?
Always be sure to reserve your day with a boudoir photographer at least 30 days in advance. Especially during wedding season, it is recommended to reserve your boudoir shoot 60-90 days in advance. You should always expect to give a non-refundable deposit to reserve your day.

Last but not least, bring a friend and have fun. If you are having fun with your boudoir photo shoot, the camera will love you. If your B-pics come out amazing, many girls get them professionally bound into leather photo albums called photo books. this is a great way to keep your pictures safe throughout the years.

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Make a Website With Photos

The internet has made the world smaller. It has become easier to communicate, be in touch and keep in touch with people around the world. In short, the internet has made the world we live in into a global village, where everything we want is ready at the click of a mouse or a touch of a keyboard. Innovations abound and improvements are made almost on a daily basis.

With the internet came websites. Companies big and small have them. Buying a domain, making a website and maintaining the website has become easier too, thanks to the advent of software and better technology. Websites are not limited to companies, businesses and organizations. People like you and me can have a website too. Even if you have minimal knowledge in applications like HTML and CSS, there are tools available which enable people who are "technically challenged" to create their very own nook in the web.

One of the easiest ways of making your own website is through programs that area web gallery generators. In other words it makes a website out of photographs. There are of course websites like MySpace and FaceBook which are social networking sites that enable users to personalize their very own space and make it their very own. However, unlike these social networking websites where only members can view and access your photographs, these programs and software take it even further by making you totally in control of your photo gallery. Sure, MySpace and FaceBook and other web 2.0 companies offer easy to make web based websites but these companies also control your input, photo sharing opportunities and other services. When these companies go off line or out of business, your data can be lost. This is the price to pay for the free services these companies offer.

The service offered by these companies and websites is not limited to photographs. Other options like sound and audio are available. Clients and users can do voice overs or narration or opt to put in sound effects in their websites. Video and text captions can also be added and uploaded. Another option is to arrange photos in a slide show for easier viewing purpose. A very cool function is geo-tagging where users are allowed mark photo locations on Google Maps.

And because the client has total control over their websites, they can be customized via a custom HTML editor where widgets and other tabs and themes can be added to the site. If all of these seem overwhelming especially to first time users and to those with little or no background in web design, there is a custom editor where ready made themes are easily uploaded with minimal effort on the user's part. Links for the header and footer can also be changed as well as navigation bar options.

Clients can also make money from their gallery. Google AdSense and other sponsored searches can be displayed. If clients want to sell their pictures, PayPal and a buy button can be integrated as well.

With services from companies like these, it is now easier to be in control and stay in control. If you are tired of people making money out of your pictures, then look no further. With this kind of technology, you can make money by creating your own photo website, be protected and stay in control of your photos and pictures.

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Get the Best Portrait Lens For Your DSLR

I get asked a lot about what cameras and lenses the portrait photographer should be using. And while I'm a true believer that any lens can be a portrait lens, what we're looking at here is trying to find the 'ideal' lens that should be the first one you reach for when doing portrait work. So what we'll examine here is the 'why' behind the lens of choice for the majority of portrait work. This is a lens that will routinely work in a variety of situations and produce outstanding results. Let's get starting with some of the key features to look for in your choice.

1. FOCAL LENGTH
This is always step one. A good starting point is to take the diagonal measure of the film or sensor your camera uses and multiply it by two. For example, the film diagonal of a medium format square camera is about 80mm. The diagonal of the film is used to determine the focal length of a 'normal' lens. I believe the reasoning is that a lens of that length gives us a 'normal' perspective when made to 8 x 10 and viewed at arms length, but don't quote me. In the above instance, a typical lens length for portraits is 160mm. And it seems that all makers of square format lenses just happen to make a 150mm lens that all portrait photographers own. Translating that to the 35mm format, we'd come up with a 100mm lens, and it also seems that for years 35mm camera makers have made a 105mm lens. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Now you can see that if we look at the 'perfect lens' for digital, our sensor size must be taken into consideration. If it's a full frame camera, then we can use the same thinking that applies to the 35mm format. If the sensor is only half the size or less, that must be taken into consideration. For example, the Nikon D 80 camera chip is about two thirds the size of a 35mm frame, so the lens 'conversion factor' compared to 35mm is 1.5. That means that a 100 mm lens on a 35mm camera becomes a 150mm lens on a camera with a 1.5 conversion factor. Now that I've taken the time to explain the relationship between film or sensor size and focal length, let's just stick with 35mm format and you can do your own interpolating later depending upon what camera you own.

Now that that's out of the way, what's the reasoning behind the longer than normal focal length for typical portraits? There are actually a few reasons for it. First, there is perspective. The perspective you have in a photo is dependent upon how close you are to the subject, not the lens. Take a few images on a tripod of the same subject and keep changing the focal length. While some images will have more in them than others, the perspective remains the same. However, to include the same subject at the same size means moving the camera. Walk up to a friend, get two inches from his nose, close one eye, and look. You're seeing what a wide angle sees in close. Back off six feet and look through a paper towel tube, there's your long lens. So a longer than normal lens allows us to keep some distance between ourselves and our subjects, giving us a pleasing perspective. And by keeping that distance, our subject is also more comfortable than if we shove a camera up his nostrils, so the longer length now accomplishes two objectives - a pleasing perspective and subject comfort.

Now we're going to throw in another nice feature - angle of view. The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view. For example, a 28-200mm lens has an angle of view of about 74 degrees to about 12 degrees. Naturally, the longer the lens, the less is included in the image, and the easier it is to isolate your subject on a background and crop out distracting elements. Is this all starting to seem quite logical? Good, let's look at some other factors.

2. LENS SPEED
In studio portraits, lens speed is usually not that critical, since you may be shooting at f/5.6 or smaller. Outside, on location, and for weddings, you want the fastest lens you can get. No matter what your shooting aperture, it's always nice to have it as bright as possible so both your eyes and the camera can focus better.

3. ZOOM LENSES
It used to be that prime focal length lenses were much better than zoom lenses because they don't have to make the many compromises needed in the design of a zoom. While that's still true, lens technology is now so advanced that the gap is very tiny. So in practical terms, a quality zoom will fit the bill for most photographers. A zoom offers many focal lengths and allows you to crop the image in camera so that you can maintain optimum image quality. One other note, if at all possible, try to buy a lens that is a continuous f/stop as opposed to those that vary with focal length, it will make your life easier and your exposures more accurate when manually metering.

4. OTHER FACTORS
Here are a couple of other factors to consider in your search for the perfect lens. Based on my limited testing, if you're digital, buy the lenses made for digital cameras. Film and sensors do not focus the same way, I see a considerable difference using digital lenses. Another consideration is the blade shape of the lens diaphragm. Some are designed to make more of a circle, so your out of focus highlights assume a pleasing, circular shape. Also, a Vibration Reduction lens will cost you more but also allow you to shoot handheld about two stops more than the standard issue. If you do mostly outdoor and location portraits, I'd suggest it.

5. THE PERFECT LENS
Taking all of the above into consideration, I'll take a couple of stabs at the 'perfect' lens. For 35mm and full frame digital, there are 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses with VR that seem pretty close to perfection. There are also 55-200mm digital lenses that have variable apertures, pick them if cost is an issue. A shorter and lighter lens, like a 28-75 or 80mm, is nice to have when you are working in tight quarters or when the weight of the longer lenses becomes an issue. On my wish list for the future? A 50 to 300mm VR f/2 lens that you can throw in your pocket and buy for $400. Read this three years from now and you probably won't thing it's so ridiculous!

6. SHOOTING F/STOPS
While the lens you use has f/stops from about f/2.8 to f/22, for portraiture you'll probably settle on a couple of favorites. Since not all of you have studios, let's look at how you'll be shooting outdoors.

My zoom lens goes to f/2.8 but most of my shooting is done between f/2.8 and f/5.6. I find that these apertures will in most instances give me the 'look' I want. They are open enough to throw backgrounds out of focus, but small enough to keep my subject in focus.

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