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Jul
1
Photo Scanning for a Slideshow Creation
Filed Under Photography | 3 Comments
Everyone has that big box of photos in the back of the closet that's worth a million and at the same time next to nothing. If you can't share your photos easily then what good are they? You'll be surprised to find out that it's simple and inexpensive to turn your deteriorating images into an enjoyable work of art. There are photo scanning services that can digitize your photos for as little as a nickel apiece. And don't try this yourself! Photo scanning at home is heart stoppingly boring!
You can build your own slideshow by purchasing software. My favorite is Pro Show Gold by Photodex. This software is relatively simple to use and has lots of features that make the project fun. You just add your photos to the program, then drag them into the order you want. With Pro Show Gold you can edit your photos and color correct, add your own music and then synchronize it to the photos. You can add text to the photo in the location you choose and use the "Ken Burns" effect to zoom from place to place on your images. With Pro Show Gold you can play your slideshow on TV. You'll be amazed at how good your 4x6 photos look on a 50" TV.
Free slideshow software is everywhere on the web. A quick search will yield tons of opportunities to create slideshows to share with friends, or to upload to your social networking site. Take a little time to investigate the features, and always download from a trusted site. Though most free software will not allow you to show the end product on a TV, they often include the ability to include music and do limited photo editing. Check out Google's Picassa 3, Extra Photo Slideshow Free, and Wildbit software.
You may want to think about placing your slideshow in a digital picture frame. Prices have come down on digital picture frames with some 14" frames selling for as little as $99. Some of the smaller frames now go for under $25. We expect this trend to continue. With memory card prices also hitting new lows you can afford to put your entire digital photo library on them. Lots of digital frames come with slideshow software installed, and some will play audio. So when your friends come over you can crawl into the back of that closet to dig out the box of gradually fading photos, or you can flip on that beautiful digital picture frame.
You can have your slideshows hosted online at Picturetrail or Iwebphoto. You can then send your friends and family a link to your slideshows. This can simplify matters somewhat. If you have a lot of photos it can save everyone from downloading the files. And you can add remove or edit the slideshows at any time. Don't forget to add a text description to your slideshow to let everyone know what the photos are about. And go ahead and jazz up your photos with special effects or make a few black and white. Have Fun!
You should remember a few important things when you hire a photo scanning service. Don't pay to scan photos at higher than 300 dpi. If you're scanning service provides an automatic photo enhancement service it might be wise to use it. Make sure that any time you enhance, rotate, or manipulate your photos that you use a copy of your master scans. Always keep a master copy of each photo scan. Photo scanning services can vary greatly in price so shop wisely.
Scanning photographs permanently protects them from destruction and loss. Once your images are stored on a DVD and sent to two or three different places you are assured of always being able to retrieve at least one copy. You can generate copies on your computer for the price of a blank DVD to share with your friends and family. Day to day loss of quality is no longer an issue. Your treasured memories are safe and sound.
Jun
14
Learn Tips To Taking Better Pictures
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We have all played the role of photographer at some time. Most everyone takes photographs as a memento of special events, birthday parties, or family reunions. In the process, whether you realized it or not, you had to compose a photograph. That is, you had to bring the subject of the picture into the frame with other elements in the environment to capture the photograph. The ability to compose a photograph comes naturally for some; others of us really have to work at it.
There are two things every photographer needs to master to make their work better. First, you must learn to compose a good shot. Second, you must always improve your technical skills. Photography is not 100% art or 100% skill. It is a complex blend of the two. You must practice both to become a great photographer.
One aspect of taking good photos is knowing where to stand. You have to develop an eye for which angle will take the best picture and where to place your subject in the frame. The smallest change can change a photo that would have been a mess into a masterpiece.
It seems that all new photographers think the subject must be centered in the frame. This seems logical, but isn't always the best way to capture your subject. Add new dynamics to your photography by following the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is simply a concept photographers use to compose better photographs. All you have to do is divide the frame into three parts both horizontally and vertically. Place the subject of your photograph on one of the intersections and this should provide a dynamic and interesting layout for your photo. One important thing to remember is that the rule of thirds will not work for every photo you take.
Improve your basic knowledge of your camera and technical skills will also help improve your photos. The more you know about your camera and how to use it properly, the more creative and flexible you can be with your photography. By all means, one of the first things you need to learn is how to focus your shots. There is nothing that can be done to improve an unfocused photograph, the moment and the photo is gone forever. Make learning focus a priority.
Another very common mistake for beginners is failure to understand proper exposure. Use your lighting conditions to your greatest benefit. Learning this is part art and part skill. The best way to learn this is to practice. For example, you will learn that a flash is worthless more than 20 feet away from the subject. If you are taking distance photos longer exposure, with the use of a tripod to keep the camera steady, is your best alternative.
The best thing you can do to improve your photography skills is practice, and then, practice some more. The more photographs you take, the more your skills will improve. You'll be taking amazing photos in no time.
Jun
13
One of the most popular forms of photography is portrait photography. Just about anyone who can point and shoot their camera can be considered portrait photographers. Obviously, however, there are differences in the quality of the portraits. There are certain tricks that professional portrait photographers use that allow them get the best out of their subjects. Portraits do not necessarily mean only a person's image. Portraits show character and emotion. If it is your goal to become a good portrait photographer I am about to share with you five tips that can give you a step up on the competition.
Rapport: The first thing a successful photographer does is build rapport with the subject. Interest in your subjects is a bonus when it comes to this business. If you get to know your subject and they get to know you they will be more natural in front of the camera. The more natural they feel the better your photographs will be.
Personality: The best photographs show the viewer a bit of the subject's personality. This occurs best if you have an insight to the person. You want their personality to shine in the look in their eyes or the set of their mouth. A hint is that their personality will usually come out when they are not expecting a shot to be taken, so you have to be ready to take the picture when the opportunity comes.
Lighting: Natural lighting is the preferred source. However when you want to emphasize the person's face and character, you will want to think about using artificial lighting. It is important that your light is evenly distributed and that it emphasizes the angles you are looking for. Lighting can have a great effect especially if you are looking for a serious photo.
Background: Most portraits have light backgrounds to emphasize the subject. You can also use the environment to add more character to your subject. Also, be sure that the colors of your background and the dress of your subject compliment each other. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer took it for granted.
Plan: Be sure that you are ready before you go to the photo shoot. Not only that you have all the equipment that you need, but be sure that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting.
Portrait photography is a satisfying endeavor. It can also be a profitable venture as long as you take the time to perfect your craft. No matter which photography genre you take on the most important requirement is that you are interested in it.
Jun
13
For years people will be displaying photos of their wedding, since it is that kind of occasion. Your clients will be looking for a quality track record because it is such a special moment they want capturing. If you are a photographer you might want to consider photographing weddings because there is a lot of money to be made by doing them. As well as the money though there is the risk that you must manage well.
If this is going to be your first wedding shoot you will want to make sure your contract is written up properly and a disclaimer included in it. If you don't have a disclaimer you could be sued afterwards. For example, you should include that you are not responsible for pictures that might get lost after you send the film away to get developed, or pictures that do not come out clear due to equipment failure. You do not want to be sued for breaching your contract.
The hourly rate and how many pictures are to be taken should also be included in the contract. Something else you should include would be the fees for developing and the fee of the album. Your client's requirements are important so make sure you talk it over with them. They might want a certain person or family they would like pictures of since they don't get to see them often, so that should be discussed as well if it is an issue.
Make a list of all the pictures that your client's requested. Generally your clients will want pictures of the pre-ceremony, wedding ceremony, post-ceremony and of course the reception. Discuss with the clients about which shots they want and who's going to be in the pictures. Not every client will be the same so pay attention to what they are saying.
When you schedule your clients in make sure they pay you a deposit. Most people will pay you 50% prior to the wedding and the remaining afterwards. So you don't end up bothering the bride and groom during the reception, arrangements should be made for when the remainder will be paid. They would think you were unprofessional and wish they had hired someone else.
If you are developing your client's pictures yourself, Photoshop is an excellent photo editing program. Flaw removal, montage, and changing the color are a few of the enhancements you can use with Photoshop.
Look for ways to add extra value that you have not told them about. This will always generate good feelings. A special surprise will keep everyone talking and generating more business for you in the future. Think different. Imagine for example if you uplaoded all their pictures onto a password protected part of your website so that they and their friends can login and view.
In the end doing bridal photography can be lucrative and fun as long as you build on your people skills.
Jun
12
Top Tips For Taking Food Photos
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There are a number of different tips that could be learned when discussing the subject of food photography and what every food photographer should know. We will go cover a few of the introductory tips here. Some of the important ideas to keep in mind are lighting, props, quickness and enhancement. Here we will learn techniques for food photographers to take the next step.
Let there be light
The first important technique food photographers should learn is about lighting. When photographing food you should treat it as you would any other kind of subject and make sure it is lit correctly. Many pictures can be improved by using adequate lighting. Natural light is the best light source to use, so by a window is an ideal location. Natural light cuts out the shadows, and gives the food a more natural look which all food photographers want.
Using Props
With food photography props often save the day. The reason restaurants use big and fancy plates to serve food on is because we eat first with our eyes! Choosing the right props for a food shot is impertive. Get it right - masterpiece. Get it wrong - roll up your sleeves and start again.
If you do a lot of food photography then shopping at second hand markets can be a great way to build your box of props. You can pick up expensive items like large pots and dishes and vases for a few dollars and a smile. If you do not do much then you may have to go shopping for what you need and bill the client!
Quickness
If you are a slow-coach perfectionist then food photography may be hard for your to master. Like master chefs that throw masterpieces dishes together in minutes master food photographers capture the essence in minutes too. Be quick else it will be a mess is the thing to remember with food photography. As soon as food warms or cools it droops, melts, discolours and a whole range of other things. Be ready with all the lighting and use placeholder items such as places to get the lighting right. Once the food is there you should be shooting.
Way to improve your photographs in an instant
An excellent food photographer will want to learn this last but not least creative technique when it comes to taking photographs of food. And that is to use a small amount of vegetable oil that you have on hand and brush it on the food. This will make your dish glisten and stand out deliciously in your pictures.
Work with the chef
You will usually be working with a food professional be it a stylist or chef. Hopefully you are not on a low budget shoot and have to do the displays yourself.
Take a few minutes before the shoot to talk with the chef and ask them how they like to work. Ask them if there is anything you need to know about the food that may not be obvious. If nothing else this will make them feel good so you will then be able to work closer and better together.
Jun
10
Nikon D90 Or Canon T1i?
Filed Under Photography | 2 Comments
If you are looking for a new DSLR with Video, and you cannot decide between the Canon T1i (500D) and Nikon D90, then you may find this article helpful. Here are the highlights of the differences between these two powerhouses:
The Canon T1i has higher ISO boost capability
The Nikon D90 has lesser ISO boost capability than the Canon T1i, so it looks like that the latter is the clear winner in this aspect. But there is a catch: Sure, the Canon T1i's 12,800 appears good from the marketers' point of view, but actually it produces poor results.
The Canon T1i has higher resolution sensor
The Canon T1i has a 15.1MP sensor, whereas the Nikon D90 has a 12.3MP sensor. But there are several disadvantages with higher resolution sensors. For one, you will want to invest in a high-end quality lens to back the sensor's increased resolution capability.
The Canon T1i has better HD video recording capability
The Canon T1i has better HD video recording capabilities than the Nikon D90's D-Movie mode. The Canon T1i has been made to be more appropriate for shooting HD movies. It offers the option of 720p HD movie recording at 30 fps with up to 18min of recording time.
The Nikon D90 is quieter and faster
The Nikon D90 allows you to shoot decisive more easily than the Canon T1i. The camera has a 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting rate as compared to the 3.4 frames per second of the Canon T1i. Additionally, the Nikon D90 has a shutter mechanism with less noise, allowing you take great photos.
The D90 kit lens is superior to the T1i kit lens
The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm VR zoom provides excellent performance and grat image quality. In contrast, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS zoom looks as if it is more subject to lens flare. Moreover, it looks like that the Canon kit lens does not look sharp.
Jun
10
There are many varieties of props, which can be utilized for maternity portraits. You can utilize dolls, hats, balls, teddy bears, the list is endless. You only need to utilize your imagination in creating maternity portraits. Keep in mind that these particular types of props should be kept small due to possible traveling a baby photographer will perform. If you have your own photography studio then the sky is the limit and you can provide a wide array of props for maternity portraits
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 your photo shoot. If you forget this fact do not worry, the maternity photographer will more than likely remind you of such before performing the maternity portraits.
Ensure that you and your maternity photographer discuss the overall style of pictures you want. Do you want to wear your clothes during the photo shoot? Do you want to show your skin during the photo shoot? Is someone else going to be in the pregnancy photography session with you such as the father of your child or a beloved family member?
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 the sizing aspect of family members in mind when shooting maternity portraits. Dad might be taller than mom as well as the sibling who is the shortest should be in front of the parents. Advise seating arrangements or standing orders. This will prove for quality maternity portraits.
Many baby photographers use effective and less expensive options with seating arrangements. Box crates covered up by nice blankets can be utilized. The box crates come in many different sizes, which can aid you with your maternity portraits.
Your hands will be a focus of the photo shoot so make sure you give yourself a manicure or pay for a professional manicure. Do not forget your toes in preparing for this special day. Some items to remember to bring are brushes or combs as well as changes of clothes. Lip moisturizer will be a great addition to your face during the photo shoot.
When searching for creative ideas for props in creating maternity portraits, look at maternity portraits in mail order catalogs or speak with other baby photographers who will more than likely be very happy to advise you creative props in creating maternity portraits.
Jun
9
The two most important people on a wedding day are, certainly the wedding couple. An excellent idea would be to isolate the couple from the ongoing celebrations so that the photographer can capture the beautiful intimate moments between them and create some everlasting portraits Not only will you get your pictures but this will give they wedding couple some time away from the celebration as well.
Ideally, the photographer would be required to spend a casual amount of quality time with the bride and the groom during the portrait session. But this does not always happen since time is rarely a luxury anyone has; on the actual day. The time taken for pictures can well vary from an hour to no time at all. It can take up to an hour for the photographer to take the pictures.
When is the best time to take aside the bride and groom for some quality time with the photographer?
Since the couple will still look fresh, most photographers believe that the window before the reception is suitable for the portraits.
Sometimes the bride and groom would want to start the portrait shoot even before the ceremony says Bradley Hanson, award winning photographer. When the bride is getting ready is when he usually starts photographing.
Right after the newly-weds have exchanged vows is a great time for some photographers to have their portraits done, since they are still fill with all of the emotions.
For the perfect actual day session to begin, the newly-weds should set aside some time to spend with the photographer. They should find ways to politely lose the relatives and guests to acquire the beautiful moments, so that they can be cherished for a lifetime.
A good portrait session on the actual day can be ruined by too many people trying to photograph the newly-weds. As a result of this, most photographers choose to have the couple alone for the shoot so that it is not disturbed by anyone.
Most newly-weds start feeling uncomfortable before the camera when the portrait shoot is going to take place, says Shawna Herring, award winning photographer. To help the couple forget the camera is there, the experienced photographer will try talking to the couple about things other then the portrait shoot.
It is also recommended to choose a day before or after the wedding for the photo shoot and go with the photographer to a different location. This really helps loosen up the bride and groom since it helps build a comfortable relationship with the photographer. Shortly after, couples sometimes forget the camera is even there.
It is at times impossible to achieve the perfect alone time with the photographer due to a variety of reasons. The bride and the groom should work together with the photographer to find some alone time so that a really creative portrait session is achieved.
Jun
9
For others, portrait photography might be a hard job. Here are a few tips for those who would like to get into this amazing area of photography.
Before we start, you need to realise what portraits actually are. Any photographs that you click of your family, friends, relatives or teachers can be called portraits. Yes of course, starting off, portrait photography might seem to be rather difficult when compared to standard photography, but as you get more involved in it, it comes more and more easy to you.
What do you call winning portrait photography? It is actually something which builds a kind of special impression on the watchers. Now, what makes a portrait photograph stand out? It might be due to several factors like the physical looks of the shot, the subject, or it can even be the some other noted characteristics like the background, the light organisation and so on. A portrait always leaves behind some kind of impression on the mind about the person in it, otherwise it cannot be termed as a portrait photograph. Anything can come out to be appealing in the person being photographed like the mannerism, the attitude, the mood or even a casual look.
It is true that good photography is always about inner skill. Yet good photography can also be learned. The trick is letting yourself go and experiment.
In portrait photography, the photographer is seen to be the leader for that time, and he should be able to make a striking difference in his subjects energy. For this, you need to start with a small discussion with the person on any current matters or something which might give rise to a strong impact so as to create the opportunity to take a perfect portrait photograph. If you can trigger off a change in thinking and mood of a person in a good way quickly then this will allow you to capture some amazing material. This is just one way to move your subject into a different feeling space. Of course you do now want to make them angry but you do want to arise within them different feelings so that their expressions become more acute and distinct creating great pics.
Everything depends on you as the photographer to set the scene so an amazing result can be captured. As well as conversation, controlling the natural surroundings can be utilized to create the special impression in the portraits. To come up with the best photo, it is very important to cooperate with the person and the environment. You should have good interest in people so that the natural expressions of the person come out.
At the end of the day the trick is to be able to trigger a change in emotionality with your photographic subject so that new and amazing expressions can be seen on their face.
Jun
6
Wedding Checklist : Photography Shots You Don’t Want Your Photographer To Miss
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Your photographer is great - he or she must be, or else why would you have chosen them? But when you want things done a certain way, you should make sure to do them yourself. In that vein, if you know you shots you want for your wedding photography, then give your photographer a list of shots you don't want to miss. You can even get more specific and show him examples of specific photos from other wedding you've seen that you like. Consider these shots for your list: Before the Wedding
Bride and bridesmaids arriving at ceremony site before getting dressed. Wedding dress on a hanger and fine details of the wedding dress. Bride getting zipped up in her dress.
Bride, bridesmaids and mothers getting dressed and getting hair and makeup done. Bride with her something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Bride's mother helping her with her jewelry.
Close up of bride wearing her garter belt. Bride handing maid or matron of honor the wedding ring for her. Groom and groomsmen arriving at ceremony site. Groom, groomsmen and fathers getting ready in dressing room. Father of groom helping the groom straighten his tie or bow tie.
During the Wedding Guests entering church or site of ceremony
Groom standing by altar as he waits for his bride. Bride and father hugging before he walks her down the aisle. Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking down aisle. Parents of bride and groom walking down aisle.
Grandparents of bride and groom being seated. Flower girl and ring bearer making their way down the aisle. Father of bride and bride finally making their way down the aisle.
Reaction of guests as bride walks down aisle. Groom when he first sees his bride coming down the aisle. Father of bride giving the bride away. Bride and grooms holding hands during ceremony. Bride and groom stealing glances at each other during ceremony.
Bride saying her vows and groom's reaction Groom saying his vows and bride's reaction. Exchanging of the rings Bride and groom's first kiss.
Bride and groom turning to the audience for first time as man and wife. Bride and groom walking down aisle Bride and groom making their exit. out of ceremony site in a rain of rice or birdseed or butterflies.
Congratulations to new couple from guests. Exit into the getaway car. Getaway car as it is driving off. Photos of couple, Wedding Party, Family, Bride and groom. Bride and groom with bride's family. Bride and groom with groom's family. Bride with bridesmaids.
Groom with groomsmen Entire wedding party. Bride with groomsmen. Groom with bridesmaids. Bride and groom with both families. Reception Photos Entrance of bride and groom into reception site Close-up of Wedding cake. Close-up of Groom's cake. Empty table with centerpiece.
Guest signing guest book. Bride and groom greeting and talking to guests. First dance between bride and groom Bride dancing with father.
Groom dancing with mother. A full dance floor. Cutting of the cake. Feeding of the cake to each other.
All toasts (best man, maid of honor, groom, bride) Bride throwing her bouquet to single women. Groom taking bride's garter off. Groom throwing garter to single men. Bride and groom leaving reception site.