People Pictures - Different Types, Different Problems

Basically there are only three types of "people pictures": Formal Portraits, Informal Portraits or Candid Portraits. Each of these areas could easily be considered a specialty in and of itself. There are literately thousands of books or articles already written about each of these. Keep in mind all the things you learned about the basic elements of photography. (Line, Texture, Light, Size, and Shape) Even though you may only have one subject, that subject may have facial features you may or may not want to emphasize. Light is a key factor, but not the only factor when it comes to taking a good portrait.

The Formal portrait (also called a flattering portrait) is usually (but not always) done in a traditional portrait studio. This is where lighting is highly controlled. Most shots are head and shoulder, with the body turned at a 45% angle. The point here is to flatter the subject. So in most cases you must accentuate the subject's positive features and minimize the negative ones. It takes a well trained eye to spot the best features and emphasize that in a portrait; but it takes even more skill to know how to minimize a negative feature. The list below is only a partial listing of common problems to look out for:

Wrinkled Face

Use diffused lighting. Lower the main light.
Use a 3/4's pose instead of close-up.

Double Chin

Raise main light. Tilt chin upward. Use higher
camera angle.

Long Nose

Use low camera angle. Use side lighting. Add
makeup to tip of nose to eliminate shine.

Baldness

Use low camera angle. Little or no hair light.
Blend head with background on purpose.

Large ears

Turn head so camera only sees one ear. Place
exposed ear in the shadows, if at all possible.

Glasses

Tilt head downward slightly. Raise ear piece slightly
to angle the lens down. The camera will flatten the
overall image making it look more natural than it feels.

Over Weight

In group shots, place the largest subject in the middle or
behind others to hide their size. By themselves; shoot
head and shoulders (from an angle) or use props to
distract viewer from subject's size.

The old clich that says: "smile and look at the camera" is not always the best way to do a portrait. Many informal or candid portraits don't have the subject looking at the camera at all. The biggest difference between an informal portrait and a formal portrait is usually lighting and location. Informal portraits are usually shot outdoors with available lighting. Personally, I do like to use a fill flash outdoors, but that's not quite the same as having: a background light, a main light, A fill light, a hair light, and a key light like many studios use.

Informal as the name implies usually means more relaxed. Clothes are more comfortable and often there are props or objects that have to do with the persons personality included in the shot. Although they can be planned, informal portraits usually give the feeling of being spontaneous. The biggest difference between an informal portrait and a candid shot is awareness of the subject. Whether or not the subject looks directly at the camera, they are aware of it when taking an informal portrait.

Candid Portraits (sometimes called Character Studies) are taken without the subject being aware of the photographer. The candid shot is a favorite of mine at weddings, because it tends to reveal more of the true personality of the subject. Candid shots document the moment. They can become a specialty in and of themselves. Think of candid shots like taking pictures at a sporting event. You follow the subject (the one holding the ball) with your camera and wait for that peak moment. The instant before the true loves first kiss, the moment before baby's first step (or first fall), that second when a senior throws his cap in the air at graduation; these are all good examples of a great candid shot. A good candid usually includes a good peak moment.

This Article Written By: Tedric A. Garrison Cedar City, Utah

Tedric Garrison has done photography for over 30 years. In college; Tedric was an Art Major, and firmly believes that Creativity can be taught. Today; as a writer and photographer he shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: http://www.betterphototips.com

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Keep Yourself Safe With a Wireless Covert Camera

There are many reasons why you may want to set up a camera at your home or your place of business. However, the only problem is that most cameras stick out. People know where the cameras are and how to act in front of them. If you really want to see how people act in your home or at your office when you are not there, then you have to get a wireless covert camera. Now, chances are, you have heard of these cameras before. These are cameras that are disguised to look like an everyday item around your home. You can kind of think of them as the modern day spy camera. This is our only window into the candid world around us. The sad thing is, you may be shocked at what you learn.

So why do you need a wireless covert camera? This has to do with the fact that the world that we live in today is not safe. We have to have a discreet way to keep a watchful eye over the people around us. One of the main reasons why people use these kinds of cameras is to keep a eye on people who watch their kids while they are at work. While you are away, you want to make sure that these people are treating your loved ones with care. After all, some of your kids that these people are watching could be too young to tell you what is going on when you are gone. The only way that you would be able to tell is with one of these hidden cameras.

The great thing about having a wireless covert camera is the fact that it can be made to look like anything. Whether it's just a teddy bear or a clock, a little camera can be hidden in it to keep record of everything that is happening. You can get some that are colored and some that have sounds, but a lot of them are your basic run of the mill cameras. People have even gone as far as to put these cameras in potted plants, pictures, toys, and other things like that.

If you are going to get these kinds of cameras in your house, it's good to keep a few in different rooms. This way you can keep an eye on these people no matter where you go. You may want to keep one in the living room and in your child's room. Also, you may find that it's a good idea to put one in your room to. If there is no reason for them to go in that room, then it would be interesting to see if they went in there anyway when you were gone.

A wireless covert camera can be very quickly installed wherever you need it. The software that is required to view the pictures can be very easily connected to a computer or a VCR of your choice. This will be one of the easiest pieces of technology that you have ever installed in your life. So give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates http://www.wireless-covert-camera.com and writes about Wireless Covert Camera issues.

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Making Your Digital Camera Batteries Last Longer

Digital cameras, also known as filmless cameras are one of the most intelligent inventions of late. Because before digital cameras, even the most high end cameras were chemical process dependent for photo printout.

But in digital camera, images are recorded electronically by an inbuilt computer. Though initially they were beyond the reach of normal people due to price factor, now they are available in within an affordable range.

Battery is an important component of any digital camera. In fact the longevity of your digital camera depends upon the performance of its battery. First thing to remember is never go in for alkaline AA batteries as they have shorter life span. Always opt for rechargeable batteries called as NiMH. Although they are a bit costly as compared to alkaline AA digital camera batteries, but they can be reused for a long time.

If you are going out on a long trip, it is a good idea to take extra rechargeable batteries. You never know when they will come handy as digital cameras consume power from batteries quickly even if you use rechargeable ones.

While going on a trip, it is also advisable to take battery charger along with you as digital camera batteries may lose their charge over time. Having a charger is helpful especially if u r novice in digital camera photography for you tend to consume more batteries while clicking the perfect shot. Here are some other helpful tips to increase the longevity of your digital camera batteries.

It is always advisable to remove the batteries when the digital camera is not in use. This simple precaution can ensure the longevity of batteries.

Never let your digital camera batteries get wet as water can corrode the batteries and eventually damage them.

You should have prior knowledge about this fact that, if you are using MicroDrive media these miniature hard drives may take up quite more power than Compact Flash cards and hence extra rechargeable batteries are a must.

Turn off your digital camera when not in use. If you are in a situation where you must snap pictures quickly, this may not be a wise suggestion, but if you are in no hurry and can afford a couple of seconds before snapping a still subject, by all means, conserve your digital camera`s energy.

You do not need to stop and take a look after taking photo every time as by doing this does use up your digital camera`s battery power. However, once in a while, it is good to check if your exposure, lightening is perfect or not.

Now-a-days, many digital cameras come with regular viewfinder and an LCD viewfinder facility. While the digital LCD viewfinder has better resolution, it can drain battery power. Turn it off when applicable and use your regular viewfinder for taking pictures.

Try to keep your image playback to a minimum as they can drain out the battery power.

While replacing batteries in a digital camera, it is recommended that their mAh values match. The `mAh` stands for Milliamp Hour is a technical term used while describing how much power a particular battery will hold. It might be possible that one lesser mAh battery will drain before the others, resulting extra strain on the remaining batteries.

For better performance, do check in for an add-on power pack that uses AA NiMH batteries in your digital cameras.

When your AA NiMH batteries stopped accepting a charge, do not throw away them for they are recyclable. Contact your battery manufacturer or local recycling agency to see if these dead batteries can be recycled.

Always make sure to insert similar batteries into your digital camera battery charger. Miss-match set of batteries can result in damaging the batteries or the charger, and in extreme case, a fire too can ensue.

Taking proper care of your digital camera batteries ensures optimum and long lasting performance. Hope the above tips will come handy for the consumers of digital cameras.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

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Use Mount Board for Your Projects

Mounting your artwork will have an impact not only on the appearance of the piece, but also on the unblemished longevity of the artwork held within the frame. You have many choices of frame types including photography frames and wood frames, mat board , mounting and framing supplies, and they each have distinct advantages for their use in preserving your artwork and presenting it at its full artistic potential.

An appropriate frame will set off your artwork beautifully. Your choice of frame will likely depend on the type of artwork you are framing. Wood frames, including custom wood picture frames, can be used for fine art such as a painting. The color of mat board can also be used to complement or contrast the colors used in the painting. Photographic artwork, on the other hand, is typically enhanced with thin frames made of metal, so that photography frames do not compete with the photographs they contain.

The mat board and the mount board are other crucial components that you will want to consider when you are mounting your artwork. With regards to the mount board, acid free products are preferred when you wish to achieve archival mounting quality for your artwork. Acids can form based on a combination of pollutants, dirt and moisture, which can then come into contact with the artwork and cause discoloring, so it is imperative to prevent that from happening. Acid free products will help alleviate the problems associated with this type of art deterioration, so that your artwork will remain as long as possible in its original, clean form. Mats and mounting boards, as well as picture corners and mounting hinges all come in acid free forms, to preserve and protect your artwork.

The mat board will also help to separate the art from the glass or acrylic used as glazing, which is a benefit. If the glass touches the art, it can cause damage to the artwork. The air space helps prevent moisture buildup inside the frame due to temperature changes and changes in humidity levels. In addition, the mat helps add the room within the frame necessary for expansion and contraction of the art when it reacts to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Mounting your artwork effectively and safely is best accomplished through using framing products appropriate to your specific piece of art and archival benefits.

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.

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Photography - Shooting Autumn Leaves

Leaves are a very popular subject when it comes to autumnal photography due to their great variation in colour at this time of year. If you are creative these subjects can offer great photographic potential. Here are 5 quick tips to make sure you make the most of the autumn weather

1. Ice As the temperature drops outside leaves invariably become frozen in puddles, these can produce great photos. You can always pour cold water on the ice to remove the crystals and give it a really clear look, conversely you can scratch the surface to add some interest. If you cant wait for the temperature to drop you can always stick some leaves in a water filled plastic container and freeze it overnight, just remember to fill your frame when you take the shot.

2. Falling leaves As the leaves start to fall a rich carpet of yellows and reds starts to form. To get a sense of leaves falling without having to wait for a strong gust just ask an assistant to drop some whilst you snap away. Aim for a wide aperture to blur the background and go for shutter speeds of between sec and 1/30 to get a sense of motion, you may need an overcast day or a neutral density filter as with the aperture wide open at this speed you may over expose during the day.

3. Soft focus A quick, cheap way of adding a soft focus filter to your lens is adding a clear piece of plastic to the front of the lens (Cling film) and breathing on it, or on your UV filter if you have one. This will add a soft ethereal feel to your shots, just remember if you are breathing on your filters to give them a good clean after.

4. Back lighting A great way to capture the vivid autumn colours is use the sun to back light them. This works great if you can shoot with a dark, shaded background. Remember if the back ground is dark the leaves may over expose so dial in a -1 stop to compensate and keep the darks dark and correctly expose the leaves. If the background is very bright youll have to add +1 stop to stop the leaves under exposing.

5. Get low, go wide To really emphasise the coloured carpets so abundant in Autumn, fit a wide angle lens and get low down, focusing on a close leaf and fill the frame with the leaves going away into the distance, open spaces such as parks are great for this.

I am a photographer based in the north of England, Check out my website at http://www.petebarnesphotography.co.uk or my blog at http://www.petebarnesphotography.co.uk/blog.html

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Do You Want Women to Notice You - Use a Camera

Most men have probably tried different methods in order to get the women's attention. Some men tried to dress themselves nicely to attract the female species. Wearing apparels that looks like it got out straight from the cover of the magazine is an effective way to boost men's confidence. Others try to dazzle women with their shiny silver necklace, rings and necklace. This is what some men calls accessorizing. However, this sends out a wrong signal at times, unless you want to portray yourself as a pimp. There are those who just show their luxury cars in order to impress the women. Having these things are nice but they are not certainly cheap.

There is a cheaper way if you really want to get the woman's attention and one of the best ways would be having a camera. Most men probably do not know is that a camera could be used in several of ways and getting to know women is one of it. Yes, you heard me right. All you need is a camera and you can really have a good conversation with women and the great thing about it is that they definitely would not have a hint of what is coming.

The great thing about having a camera is you can ask any women to take their picture. In most instances they would oblige. Rarely do they reject such an offer. Trust me I have been there and done it several times. What surprised me is that nobody rejected my offer since. I realized that women like being the center of attention and that is what a camera does. It perfectly fits that purpose. Women like to be special and when you asked permission of taking their picture they would really feel that. The key is how you ask permission. I usually tell them that she has a nice feature that perfectly fits the background and they would smile at first, afterwards they would oblige.

Men should certainly have cameras. In this way they could be unique and it is definitely better. Approaching as a photographer would really let her guard down because it is such a subtle approach. It is a nice way to start a conversation. She would not see you as an aggressor because you set the mood in a light and friendly manner. The camera became a tool to lighten up the mood. Now, that is a best way to use a camera.

The camera could give you the confidence that you need to approach women without being aggressive or being intrusive. You could start of having a decent conversation afterwards. However, keep in mind that having a camera does not entitle you to be a jerk. It is just a first step. The actions you initiate afterwards will be left to you. It can be used as a tool to effectively close in the gap but you still need to be able to establish a decent conversation to make it more interesting.

For more information on which slr digital cameras to buy or for help in choosing which is the best slr digital cameras for you. Visit my site for information on compact and slr digital cameras. Including reviews and user reviews

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Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode

Digital photography has given almost anyone with a camera the potential to become a creative photographer. These days even compact cameras offer features that once were only found on 'serious' SLR cameras.

The trouble is, most people who have grown up with point-and-shoot cameras have very little idea what these features are all about. After buying a good digital camera with the best intentions, they soon give up and switch to automatic.

Are the settings on your camera really so hard to understand? Of course not, but it can seem that way at the start, especially if they are not explained to you in simple terms you can understand.

The two settings you need to understand here are Aperture and Shutter Speed. Aperture is the size of the hole that lets the light in for your photo. The larger the hole, the brighter the exposure. The shutter speed is the length of time given to each exposure. Slower shutter speeds allow more light, resulting in a brighter exposure. By finding the right balance of these two settings, you and/or your camera control whether your photo is overexposed, underexposed, or just right.

With your camera set to Manual mode, you control both settings. If this seems daunting, you can start with the semi-automatic functions, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority.

How do the semi-automatic functions work? They allow you to choose one setting (either aperture or shutter speed), while the camera chooses the other. That way you can be a little bit creative, but with the safety net of knowing your camera will make sure your exposure is correct. It is a good halfway point between automatic and manual.

Let's start with Aperture Priority. This function allows you to set the aperture on your camera; the camera chooses the shutter speed for you.

The aperture controls depth of field (the area in front and behind the main subject that will be in focus). When you set a wide aperture, you reduce the depth of field; when you choose a smaller aperture, you will have a greater depth of field.

Obviously when you change the aperture, you change the level of light in your exposure. The camera will compensate by adjusting the shutter speed. So when you operate your camera in Aperture Priority mode, you have control over the depth of field, but your camera still makes sure your exposure is correct.

The catch here is, you still need to keep track of what your shutter speed is doing. If it falls to a very slow speed, you need to use a tripod to eliminate camera vibrations.

How about Shutter Priority? Here you set the shutter speed, and the camera balances the exposure by setting the aperture. This is a great system if you are working with moving subjects. Sometimes you may want to freeze a moving subject with a fast shutter speed, or create a motion effect with a slower shutter speed. Meanwhile the camera compensates for the changes in shutter speed by adjusting the aperture.

Shutter priority may be a better option for some beginners. It is much easier to stay aware of when to use your tripod. Also, when your camera manages the aperture, it controls the depth of field, which is not usually as critical as the shutter speed. You may not always get exactly what you want, but you won't get any catastrophic failures.

These two semi-automatic functions appear to offer you the best of both worlds. You get to be a bit creative, and try out your photography skills, while your camera's high-tech hardware makes sure you don't overexpose or underexpose the photo. So far, it sounds perfect.

So why should you learn to operate your camera in Manual mode? The answer is simple.

Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority both work on the assumption that your camera's reading of the exposure is always correct. Unfortunately, that is not always true. In fact, sometimes you have to be smarter than your camera.

Imagine you are photographing a flower in the sun, but the background is in the shade. This simple situation can be all it takes to confuse your camera. It may expose for the background, brightening the exposure and totally overexposing the flower.

In this situation, semi-automatic settings will not solve the problem. You could reduce the brightness of the exposure by (for example) reducing the size of the aperture. The camera would simply adjust the shutter speed to compensate, maintaining what it believes to be the correct exposure.

What you need to do is switch the camera to Manual. Then you can adjust both settings and create an image that is slightly darker, bringing your flowers into perfect exposure.

This is not just a hypothetical exercise. Situations arise all the time that require you to out-think your camera. If you understand how to operate your manual settings, you can take control, and you won't be left blaming your camera for 'the one that got away.'

Andrew Goodall's top selling ebook "Photography In Plain English" is a great place to start learning the art and skills of nature photography. Find it at http://www.naturesimage.com.au along with a great collection of Andrew's landscape and wildlife photography. You can also sign up to the online newsletter for free gifts and tips on photography.

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Photos on Canvas

Photos on canvas are an attractive aspect of the photography business today. It has become a popular way to keep your favorite photos prominently tucked up onto the walls of your home. But do not take the photos to canvas business to be only one-facet industry. The different types of aspects of the photo on canvas industry includes Photo Realistic Style, Colorizing, Light Brush Stroke Style, Convert to Black & White and Sepia, Collage, Restoration, Canvas, Gallery Wrapping, Longevity and diverse framing methods.

With online companies such as getcanvas.co.uk, and others, the photo to canvas business has touched a new high. There are several unique features of this industry that allows it to stand apart from the conventional processes of the photo-printing industry.

As graphics and printing technology has improved, the time needed for printing of such photos on canvas has decreased simultaneously. Today, within 4 hours, a canvas print of an ordinary photo can be acquired.

But you just have to be a bit careful before you invest in canvas prints as a consumer. Many of the companies either do not offer the quality of service they promise or charge a much higher fee citing redundant reasons later. Get references from previous customers and also make a note of the canvas prints that you chance across. This will help you in identifying the style of printing, the frame shapes and the coloring methods to be applied on your canvas print.

The age is for innovation, and 'photos to canvas' is a welcome break from the conventional styles of printing in practice till date. So grab your favorite picture and rush to the choicest canvas print outlet and get yourself a larger than life picture to cherish.

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Some Interesting Tips For Great Shots

You've done your research and now you're ready to start taking pictures. What to do next?
Here are some simple tricks you can use to make your photos look better.

1. Flash on vs off in photographs

Instead of relying on whether or not the camera should use a flash, try second guessing your machine, and rely on the miracle of natural light on some occasions. This may help to take out that "washed out" look that some flashes leave on the faces of your subjects. This may mean a longer shutter speed, in which case you would either have to hold the camera very steady, or place the camera on a tripod.

2. Distant vs close-ups photographs

You can use the zoom lens you have on your camera, or you can try taking a few steps towards your subjects and see their smiles in all their glory.

3. The Rule of Thirds used in a photograph

Instead of putting everything smack dab in the middle of the frame and turning up some very boring shots, try this: Break the shot into thirds. Once you master it, you can have a lot of fun trying different things.

4. Landscape vs portrait format photographs

Although the camera might be designed in a landscape format, unfortunately the world isn't always
wide enough to fit into the frame. So instead of worrying about either having to cut off "Aunt Ruby's" beehive hairdo, or half of "Fluffy's" face because she's lying on the floor, make this simple change and you might be able to stand taller the next time you are sharing your holiday photos with friends.

And finally............

5. Wide angle vs telephoto photographs

Use your zoom lens and step back a little from the person when taking a portrait shot. This way you get a close up of the face without all the wide-angle distortion and what I call background noise. Now you won't have to hear all those complaints about you always ruining people's faces in your photographs.

I hope you try these tips, and have fun doing so.

http://wandas-thoughts.blogspot.com

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Reasons To Install A Security Camera In Your Home Or Work Place

Most trustworthy way to obtain extensive home security and surveillance is to install a security camera. They provide solution to monitor and record what is going around at your home and business while you are not there. Cameras are a highly crucial part to intensify security of our home and business.

To keep excellent control on your home/business surveillance cameras is one of the most effective ways. They can be placed distinctly around your home and office.

Reasons to install a surveillance camera in your home or work place

1. Security cameras are financially manageable.
2. Security camera makes you feel confident about the security of your family.
3. They can be used both indoors and outdoors with an easy installation.
4. Helps as a good deterrent for burglars and thieves.
5. Even when you are not at business and/or home, security camera provides constant monitoring of your place.
6. Security cameras help you to keep an eye on your servants.
7. They are helpful to recover your stolen items by providing important evidence to help convict the transgressor.
8. They help employers to keep a close eye on their employees.
9. It helps you to see outside activities without or before opening the door.
10. For remote monitoring security cameras can be connected to personal or business computer.

For security of their family and themselves everyone should consider the importance of having a security surveillance camera Security cameras gives you an advanced home protection by continuously scanning particular areas of your home without a single blink.

Ryan Richards - Security services and locksmith expert, working for VertexSecurity.com - a leading security systems company in NYC - For more information on Security Camera and CCTV, contact VertexSecurity.

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Capturing Autumn in Digital

One of the most ideal seasons for people to take out their digital cameras and start taking beautiful images is autumn. Autumn is full of warm colors and pretty foliage of reds, browns and yellows. If you are a camera buff, whether amateur or professional, you are bound to take great joy in this splendid display of nature. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if most people are inspired buy digital cameras in the fall to record all this magnificence.

Shooting the colors of autumn using a digital camera may seem easy, but there are a lot of ways to maximize the performance of your camera to capture the splendor of fall.

While autumn presents varied opportunities to take pictures of the changing colors of tress, the best times of the day to take pictures of falling leaves is during early morning or late in the evening. These times of the day are most often known to photographers as the "magic hour" - the hour the follows the sunrise, and the hour immediately preceding sunset. While the "magic hour" does not always guarantee that all pictures will turn out perfect, these are the hours of the day when the light is at its best.

Digital cameras can take good images of landscapes, but they can be best utilized to take really detailed shots of smaller subjects. Think close-ups of leaves in various vibrant shades of red and yellow that will make a fabulous representation of the season.

When taking pictures using SLR digital cameras, composition is one of the key factors that determine the difference between a so-so photograph and a picture that seems to jump out of the paper. The best way to get the best composition is to move around the subject and take different pictures at different angles.

There are hundreds of possibilities to take when angling for the perfect shot while using multi-featured digital cameras. Shooting from a height is a unique way of looking at a subject. Do the opposite and shoot from the bottom up, or change the composition of the subject by moving either a foot to the left or to the right. It's amazing what digital cameras can do for the composition of a subject when taken at assorted angles.

It is important to give yourself plenty of time to take the perfect shot. Although digital cameras are handy for taking multiple shots - keeping the good ones while deleting the rest, it is still to your best advantage to study your surroundings for a while to get a clear idea of which subject to shoot.

There are many beautiful images of autumn that are best captured by a digital camera, and wandering off the beaten path to take pictures of a hidden lake shadowed by red and gold trees, or a pumpkin patch off by the roadside with its crop of orange fruit waiting to be picked, will result in one-of-a-kind pictures.

Autumn is a wonderful time to take beautifully rendered digital photographs, so grab your digital camera, go exploring, and make the season an excuse to bring out the digital artist in you.

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Understanding and Using Auto Bracketing

When you shoot a photo you need to set the camera to the values that would result in the photo you want to get. However sometimes it is hard to find those settings or there is just not enough time to figure out what they are auto bracketing can help here is how.

There are two main parameters that influence a photo dramatically:

Exposure: Exposure is the amount of light that the cameras sensor is exposed to as a combination of shutter speed and aperture. The higher the exposure the more lit the photo is. Overexposed photos have large areas that are white as light saturates the sensor. The lower the exposure the darker the photo is. If the exposure is too low the photo is too dark or even completely black.

White balance: Different light sources have different color temperatures. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (the details are beyond the scope of this article) and can also be described as color. For example consider the following light sources: daylight 5000K (5000 Kelvin) is white color, candle light 1800K is reddish light and regular bulb light 2500K is orange color. The white balance setting allows the camera to correct the photo color based on the light source. The setting can be either manual or automatic. Setting the white balance manually to a wrong light source can also be used for special effects such as reddish photos or orange photos. The exact details of white balance settings are beyond the scope of this article.

When you take a photo you set the camera to the right composition, zoom value, focus, flash, shutter speed, aperture value and white balance. Some of these values can be set automatically by the camera for you.

Many times it is better to take the same photo in different settings and later on choose which photo looks the best. This can be done manually by changing the settings and shooting again and again or automatically by using the auto bracketing feature. With auto bracketing the camera shoots a series of photos in different exposures and white balance settings. This can also be useful if you have to take a fast photo and do not have time to figure out the perfect settings. With one push of a button you can take a few photos with different settings and later on choose which one is the best.

Auto bracketing can be applied to the exposure or the white balance setting. In both cases it works the same when you shoot a photo the camera shoots a series of photos for you (usually 3 or 5) each one with a setting that is a step lower or higher than the first photo. The size of that step can be chosen when putting the camera into auto bracketing mode.

For example when setting the camera to an exposure auto bracketing with 5 photos and step size of 1EV (one exposure unit) the camera will shoot 5 photos, one with the exposure you set (or that the camera automatically chose as the optimal one) one with exposure that is +1EV, one with -1EV, one with +2EV and one with -2EV.

The downside of using auto bracketing is memory consumption as each time you shoot a photo you actually shoot 3 or 5 photos resulting in the memory card being filled 3 or 5 times faster. If your memory card is large enough this should not be a problem.

If you have not done so already check how the auto bracketing feature works in your digital camera. Experiment with it and learn how to use it. Using auto bracketing to shoot hard photos like sunset photos and difficult lighting situation is very powerful. It is also very powerful when you do not have too much time to choose the right settings.

Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. You can find more information about photo album printing and photography in general on http://www.printrates.com - a site dedicated to photo printing.

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Digital Camera Reviews - Why You Need to Read Camera Reviews Before You Buy

When buying a new digital camera you should always read digital camera reviews online. Reading reviews will give you a lot of useful information about the camera you are interested in. when reading camera reviews, you will also find out about the pros and cones and it's always better to know about these things before you make your purchase.

Digital cameras have quickly become very popular and their capabilities are increasing dramatically all the time. The digital technology is rapidly replacing the old cameras grandpa used to have.

Digital cameras are still today rather expensive and you should always read the handling and safety rules before using your new camera. Before you use it, make sure that you understand how to handle the digital camera.

These days' digital cameras are wonderfully forgiving when you are shooting. You will always get good depth of the picture, as long as the subject is roughly in the middle of what you are focusing on

You will find that your new digital camera is fun to use because it produces a finished image in your camera seconds after you press the shutter button. Digital cameras are mostly powered by AA sized batteries that you can buy in a regular store and the batteries may be non rechargeable or rechargeable.

The digital cameras you find on the market today are distinguished by their resolution or how many pixels the image sensor contains. It's always good to know that one mega pixel equals 1 million picture elements.

With you new electronic cam you will also find that there are many image hosting sites on the Internet that provide a great service. These sites make it quick, easy and fun to show off your digital pictures for others. The photography sites also serve as a backup for your images that are currently on your computer's hard drive. Most of these online photo sharing services also offer unlimited storage!

Before you buy your next digital camera, make sure you read enough digital camera reviews. This is the only way to protect you from buying a digital camera that will let you down in the future. For more vital information about buying digital cameras, visit http://cameras.johnnyknows.com/

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Why Use SLR Cameras?

Single Lens Reflex or commonly known as SLR cameras makes use of automatic moving mirror system. This enables photographer to capture exactly a photo or any digital system. You do not need a film when you have this new breed of camera around because the quality of images copied by a film is the same as what is taken by the SLR except it requires no films. This is why most photographers choose this model unit because it is very convenient and cheap. You can retake shots and edit them. This would save you time and money. You can take as many shots as you would like. Compared to cameras that requires a film which is limited to dozens of shots the SLR enables you to store more than a hundred images as long as the memory allows it.

The great thing about SLR is not only limited to its capacity to store more images but also its ability to focus far away images. This feature enables the photographer to capture images like wild animals and distant landscapes. You need not to be in close proximity because it can be focused to fit the images as if you shot it in close range. This is very ideal if you are going out on a safari. Capturing wild animals in their in their natural state certainly adds life on the picture. The raw image is something worth taking. Having to shoot them doing their daily activities for survival is the essence of nature. It provides the photographers the confidence they needed to take the picture. They would no longer worry of being chased by those wild creatures. In this way they could take their time and shoot with such precision.

The SLR also has a feature that enables it to adopt in its surroundings. Unlike compact cameras that requires a substantial amount of lighting. The SLR can be adjusted in lower light conditions even without a flash. In this way it enables a narrower depth field. You can blur the background behind the object you are capturing in order to highlight or make it more prominent. It can also capture moving objects in such high precision. Taking it as if it were slow motion or it can capture it as if you were able to stop the movement of the object you are shooting. Some use multiple automatic shots to enable this kind of precision. This is really beneficial for paparazzi in taking candid moments of their target celebrities.

The SLR still has some disadvantages. One of which is that it weighs heavier and bulkier because of its long lenses. It is also a bit expensive compared to compact cameras because of its intricate designs of the mechanism. It is not an ordinary camera after all. Even though with its drawbacks the SLR is still worth every penny because it provides you the best experience when you are taking pictures. The photographer has no limits when taking shots and it will not be hindered by low lighting and distance.

For more information on which slr digital cameras to buy or for help in choosing which is the cheap digital cameras for you. Visit my site for information on compact and slr digital cameras. Including reviews and user reviews

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A Simple Way to Beat Digital Camera Shutter Lag Using a Low End Digital Camera

"I finally figured out why I keep cutting off the top half of people's heads," my wife said as she went through the latest stack of photos she'd taken with her Canon A570.

"Why's that?" I said, putting down my newspaper.

"Well, I'm always pressing down hard on the shutter button, trying to get the camera to take the picture when I want to take it, and I automatically lower the camera, so it cuts off part of their heads."

I ruffled through the set of photos she had stacked on the table, and sure enoughmany showed kids, relatives, and friends with the top third of their heads gone. I grimaced.

As a veteran of film cameras, I once again cursed digital shutter lag, thinking about all the nifty candid shots I'd missed waiting for the digital camera to run through the calculations it needed to process and save pictures to its memory card. Yes, the digital age has brought us incredible convenience in editing, uploading or printing our own photos...and all those nights I'd spent in a dark room breathing odoriferous chemicals such as developers and fixers were behind me.

But seemingly...so were candid shots.

CAPTURINGCANDID SHOTS WITH A LOW END CAMERA

High end cameras have ways around the shutter lag, often by taking a rapid series of shots in succession. But is there a way to do it with a low end camera? Fortunately, for mostthere is, and you can do it using standard programs you might be using every day on your computer right now.

The key lies in the movie making feature most digital cameras have as one of their options. By taking video clips, you can easily capture those candid moments.

"Taking video clips?' you ask. "How does that help me take candid photos?"

Easy. I'll show you how.

TAKE VIDEO CLIPS, NOT PHOTOS

When filming fast action sequences in which you want to capture your child catching a ball or perhaps his first fleeting smile, set the camera to the video movie maker mode, not the picture taking mode. Run the video over a short interval and film the action sequence you want to capture
.
"But now I have a video clip," you say. "How does that help me capture candid shots?'

STEPS TO CAPTURING CANDID PHOTOS

There are three steps to candid photos:

1) Attach your camera to the computer in order to be able to upload the clips;

2) Filmthe clips and upload them;

3) Extract candid photos from the clips.

This procedure assumes you are running Windows NT or Vista.

ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA TO THE COMPUTER

1) Obtain a USB cablewith a connector that will fit your camera at one end and attach it to a USB port on your computer.

2) Install the driver that came with your camera. When you attachyour camera and flip it into the picture review mode, the "plug and play" feature of Windows will cause the computer to immediately sense your camera.

CAPTURING CANDID SHOTS

Upload yourclip tothe default directory andopen the folder. You'll notice that the clip icon differs from a photo icon in that it has "sprockets" on each side, symbolic of the old days of movie cameras that used sprockets to advance the film.

Capturing the candid shots contained in this clip is simple.

1) Open the file using a commonly available video play program such as Windows Media Player, already installed on NT and Vista machines. Play the clip all the way to the end, noting the position of the slider bar at the moments you want to capture.

2) Return the clip to the beginning and move the slider to the position you noted in #1.

3) Advance the slider incrementally, frame-by-frame, until you reach the moment you want. As you do, you may see other moments. Note these.

4) When you reach the optimum moment, click "full screen" so that the picture fills the entire screen of your monitor.

5) Press two keys simultaneously: Cntrl and Prnt Scr. This will save the screen image to the clipboard.

6) Now open the WindowsPaint Program, located in Accessories, and Click Edit, Paste. This will import the image, and you'll see it on your screen.

7) Now click "File, Save As" , and choose a folder. This saves your chosen candid shot to a photo folder for later uploading to your favorite photography printing studio.

THAT'S IT!

The beauty of this method is that you can obtain any number of photos from one clip -- you cancapture and save each frameof the clip asyou pass through the "critical moment" andyou will be surprised at how natural the expressions of your subjects are. No posing. You are filming them AS they move through this moment in their lives. And you will have imaged a whole sequence of events that occurred too fast for your camera in the photo mode to capture.

With this simple method you have just defeated digital shutter lag...and now have better control over your balky, frustrating digital camera.

Visit The Digital Camera Zone at http://www.yourdigitalcamerasecrets.com and the Digital Photography Guide at http://www.digital-photography.how-to-zine.com for more digital photography tips and reviews.

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Digital Camera Reviews - Why You Need to Read Camera Reviews Before You Buy

When buying a new digital camera you should always read digital camera reviews online. Reading reviews will give you a lot of useful information about the camera you are interested in. when reading camera reviews, you will also find out about the pros and cones and it's always better to know about these things before you make your purchase.

Digital cameras have quickly become very popular and their capabilities are increasing dramatically all the time. The digital technology is rapidly replacing the old cameras grandpa used to have.

Digital cameras are still today rather expensive and you should always read the handling and safety rules before using your new camera. Before you use it, make sure that you understand how to handle the digital camera.

These days' digital cameras are wonderfully forgiving when you are shooting. You will always get good depth of the picture, as long as the subject is roughly in the middle of what you are focusing on

You will find that your new digital camera is fun to use because it produces a finished image in your camera seconds after you press the shutter button. Digital cameras are mostly powered by AA sized batteries that you can buy in a regular store and the batteries may be non rechargeable or rechargeable.

The digital cameras you find on the market today are distinguished by their resolution or how many pixels the image sensor contains. It's always good to know that one mega pixel equals 1 million picture elements.

With you new electronic cam you will also find that there are many image hosting sites on the Internet that provide a great service. These sites make it quick, easy and fun to show off your digital pictures for others. The photography sites also serve as a backup for your images that are currently on your computer's hard drive. Most of these online photo sharing services also offer unlimited storage!

Before you buy your next digital camera, make sure you read enough digital camera reviews. This is the only way to protect you from buying a digital camera that will let you down in the future. For more vital information about buying digital cameras, visit http://cameras.johnnyknows.com/

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Read This Before You Buy a Digital Camera

If you are looking to buy a digital camera there are a number of things you need to take into consideration before you lay your cash on the line. Digital cameras are fast becoming very affordable, however, they can still cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars so you should put some thought into your decision. The following is a list of things you should consider.

1. Know what types of photographs you plan on taking with your digital camera? Zoom and flash capabilities, lens options, battery life, mega pixels, etc are all things you should be aware of before selecting you camera. There is no reason to pay hundreds of dollars for features you don't need, just as the opposite is true.

2. What is your budget? This is probably the first, and maybe most important thing to consider before buying a digital camera. Once you know what you can afford, it simply becomes a matter of finding the greatest number of desired features available within your price range.

3. What post production resources do you have? When you purchase a digital camera, the spending doesn't necessarily end there. You also must take into consideration what the capacity and power of your computer and printer are. Some advanced features may not be any good to you if you don't have a system that can support them. You should also remember that you will be spending money on a printer, ink, photo paper, memory cards and possible image editing software. There will likely also come a time when you will need a bigger hard drive, not to mention a back up.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There have been important new developments in digital cameras...

Find out what they are before you buy a Digital Camera.

Find out if the Canon D 20 Digital Camera is the camera for you.

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Camera Clipart

Where to find more free clipart. You do not have to buy software anymore: nor pay for online images. Instructions are very easy and beginners love it. I explain where to go online and I think you will be surprised,as I was, with the beauty of the site.

Pictures make a document look so much better.So, are you sick and tired of the same old Clip Art that comes included with Word? Do you need more Clip Art for Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Publisher 2007, or any of the Microsoft Office 2007 programs?

You have come to the right place!

The advantage to this is that this site continues to add images. You probably will never have to
search for clipart again. This site will also explain how to handle all types of image transfers. Whether
it is your camera or different software. By the way it is also fun to just play with the site creating
any type of image.

This is a microsoft website that has over 150,000 free images and sounds that you can add to your documents, spreadsheets, or publisher creations.

Once at the site they make it very easy. To search through the extensive online free clip art library, all you need to do is go to the Clip Art page on Microsoft Office Online, and type your search into the box at the top of the screen! Does it get much easier? Seriously if you are a camera buff this will ease your pain and patience.

Good luck and keep cliparting

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SLR Digital Cameras For Wannabee Photographers

Photography is certainly the "in" thing nowadays, most especially with the rising popularity of the Lomo cameras into the mainstream. However, for those who are more into taking photographs that have a more "professional touch", these people have opted to trade in the usual point and shoot digital cameras that have once been considered as the coolest thing ever, to a more sophisticated yet pricey photography equipment.

Everywhere you turn you will surely see someone toting around a huge black camera. Either strapped on their necks like a cellphone or slung over their shoulders, SLR Digital Cameras seem to have been the accessory of choice for arty people these days. Still, even though there are lot of poseurs trying hard to look cool by spending all their cash on expensive gadgets like SLR Digital Cameras, there are also some people out there who do really aspire to have the skills of professional photographers. And how will you be able to do that? Well, if you already have a keen eye for details and have a knack for taking good pictures even with the old-school automatic film cameras of yesteryears, then you will probably not have much trouble adjusting to the seemingly super fancy SLR Digital Cameras.

If you want to have an easier time using your new SLR Digital Camera, one good idea is to familiarize yourself first with the ins and outs of the usual SLR manual camera that used to be every photographer's best friend way back when. The tricky thing about SLR Digital Cameras is that there are a lot of things to adjust and tinker with. This is just so you could capture that picture perfect moment, from the shutter speed to the aperture, it really is a must for photographer wannabees to get to know their camera first before they start shooting.

However, if you do not have one of those manual SLR cameras to practice on and you do not think buying one - even second hand, as feasible, then you can just log on the Internet and check out online tutorials. If you find the gamut of information being provided on the Internet as too much, make sure to filter your search so you would not end up with all sorts of irrelevant sites. Simply type in "SLR Digital Camera tutorials" or something to that effect. You will surely encounter a lot of online tutorial websites for both photography newbies and professionals. Hopefully you will be able to get a lot of valuable tips here that you can use for your attempts at photography.

One you have started taking wonderful shots with your new SLR Digital Camera, do not forget to share it with the world! Of course, you must remember to put a watermark on your photos, most especially your favorites so that internet lurkers would not be able to steal photos from your online portfolio and make use of it somewhere else. So for wannabee photographers out there, these are just some of the tips that you must abide by in order to have a good start with your newfound hobby.

For more information on which digital slr to buy or for help in choosing which is the best digital slr camera for your needs. Visit my site for information on compact and slr digital cameras. Including reviews and user reviews

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Pinhole Spy Camera - Two Potential Benefits of Installing Them

Spy cameras and security cameras have been quite familiar since ages, these gadgets deliver video on a regular basis. Humans since time immemorial had the urge to spy, be it for war or to create a strategy against enemies. Nowadays it has become a norm to have one installed for benefits in both our personal life and professional life. Reason may be any but the main criteria is to protect your loved ones and safeguard your belongings.

If you are a working parent who is constantly worried about the state of your kid or a business owner who is suspicious of the staff damaging the firm's reputation; in both the cases this is a solid ground for you to take things in control and install a spy cam. People behave differently when they have the knowledge that they are being captured on tape, they make a conscious effort to hide the motive in their head. A top notch and innovative gadget that puts all your whims to bay is the pinhole camera.

For those not aware of what a pinhole camera is, it is a miniscule looking camera that is going to provide crisp video at all given times. The data output has high degree of quality and is not compromised by any kind. It has excellent night vision feature which will capture with excellent lighting. The two main features that these Pinhole spy cams are preferred than its other counter parts are- its amazing size and ease of use.

Firstly the size factor, it provides the end user with more mobility and flexibility. Earlier with the larger and bulkier cameras it was difficult to place them; but now with the advances in technology this is the top notch camera which gives the best in a smaller size. It is a size of a button; you can just imagine the number of options that are opened for you. Secondly the ease of use, it benefits in keeping potential hazards of your home and office at bay. No one but you will ever be suspicious that something is fishy. But every move of the entire room is under supervision and you will be over an edge against all harm that could have been caused to you.

Just imagine the endless possibilities that these spy cams bring for us humans. It can be placed in practically any home appliance from a smoke detector to a pen on your desk table. This powerful technology has changed the world we live in, if the present is like this the future is going to be incredible. The market is producing many innovative gadgets to suffice the needs of humans. Not only will they be smaller in size but reap great benefits for us.

For further information on the various models of hidden cameras visit http://www.my-spycam.com; you will find all nanny cams and wireless spy cams at an unbeatable price.

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Cheap Digital Camera - Simply the Best in Digital Technology

Many a time one gets stuck when it comes to buying a high class yet cheap digital camera. A number of questions like: which digital camera to buy from the many that are available in the current market continues to pester the minds of prospective customers. However, this should not be an issue. What a prospective customer should do is simply search the Internet. A lot of digital camera manufacturing companies are leveraging the power of the Internet to promote their products and services. As a standard practice these companies put up loads of information about their products and services. It would do well if the prospective customers access the Internet and study all the product product profiles. A world of information relating to the digital cameras is available on the Internet and this information can be easily accessed from any place at any point of time.

Here, we will take a close look at some of the distinguishing features of a world class yet cheap digital camera that set it apart from the traditional film camera. A digital camera does not require loading of a camera film to click images. Hence, its users are saved from spending money that the cost of film purchase and its development would have accrued. Besides this the users can easily delete any unwanted images as and when they like. And if the camera memory gets filled and if the users still wish to click some more photographs, they can do this easily by deleting some of the existing photos from the camera's memory by a simple press of a button. The captured images can be conveniently archived from the memory. This is achieved by with the help of a laptop, computer, USB pen drive or CDs.

Some of the major players in the world of digital cameras include stalwarts like the Canon, the Samsung and the Nokia. However, a number of recent findings conclude that the Canon digital camera has been slowly and steadily gaining ground against many of its rivals. The chief factor behind the wide popularity of the canon digital cameras is that it offers world class features. The Canon Digital Camera is extremely user-friendly. Some of the most renowned Canon digital cameras include the Canon Power Shot A460, Canon SELPHY CP 730, Canon Power Shot A550 and Canon Power Shot A570 IS.

Hope this insightful article prove helpful to prospective clients of cheap digital cameras.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit: Online Shopping India

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Making Impressive Macro Photographic Pictures With Your Digital Camera

Many quite ordinary objects can be made to look incredibly interesting when they are viewed close up especially when they are familiar items. Many of us when we see our first digital macro photographic pictures feel in awe at seeing something so close and would not hesitate to consider the picture as an form of art and also of science. However, the science used to create it does not diminish the fact that it still requires the human eye to really see the potential.

Digital macro photography shows us a version of the life around that we not only miss but could not possible see without it although artists through the years have been able to show us their perspective of life. Although the effects can be dramatic and, unlike a painter you do not need to be able to paint, that does not mean that digital macro photography is easy so do not underestimate the skill and creativity involved.

Macro photography still requires a good eye if you want people to appreciate the effort you have gone to in the creation of your images. Because a macro image is taken so close to the subject, any slight movement and the shot will be lost so the ability to hold the camera as steady as a rock is a great advantage. You also need to have the skills to use a camera properly; to be able to adjust the camera in order to take the picture that you truly want to appear.

Editing images, including macro shots can be done with a fair amount of ease using a software program on your home computer but just think how more effective it is if you do not have to change it at all. Natural digital macro photographers are like talented musicians or other artists, rare; the rest of us must attend further training if we want to be able to produce work that other people enjoy.

It is important to remember that other people may see your work differently from the way you see it but a fresh eye never hurts. You will also need the proper tools in order to express and exercise your talent because the proper equipment can help you a great deal if you want to achieve the effect that you want. Remember that although there are tools today that claim to be usable for any type of photography, you should try to find equipment that is specially made for digital macro photography.

The correct equipment can definitely bring out the best in your skills and is essential because digital macro photography needs a lot of work in order to be perfect. No-one but you will know the effort you put in to get the results other people see but one thing is for sure, the camera and other equipment you buy will be responsible for much of it.

The art of the digital macro photographer is to make the mundane or ordinary interesting although some of your images will always be more appealing like nature for instance. Many subjects of digital macro photography reveal worlds beyond what you can see with the naked eye and beyond our imagination. This work can be just as educational for the photographer as it can his audience as you actually discover things you didn't know.

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SLR Lens Buying Guide

So I recently decided to buy some new equipment for my camera -- lenses specifically. It took me almost a full week to go through this, so I'll share my learnings in attempts to make it a little easier on those of you in the same boat. Here is the process I followed when choosing a new lens.

1. Determine Your Budget. Before you start swaying your judgment, set a limit to the amount of money you're willing to spend. This will help you narrow your search. I set my limit at $1000.
2. Determine What Type of Lens You Want. The main categories of lenses are: fish-eye, super-wide, wide, standard, telephoto, super-telephoto, and macro (there are other specialty lenses too). Most of those categories can also be split into prime and zoom lenses. You might know exactly what you want, or you might just narrow it down to 2 or 3. I narrowed my search down to super-wide zooms, super-telephoto zooms, and prime macros. My definition of each type is as follows:
   
   1. Fish-eye: Creates a hemispherical image and is typically less than 16mm in focal length.
   2. Super-Wide: Less than 20mm focal length.
   3. Wide: 20-30mm focal length.
   4. Standard: 30-50mm focal length.
   5. Telephoto: 50-200mm focal length.
   6. Super-Telephoto: Greater than 200mm focal length.
   7. Macro: Capable of creating 1:1 or greater magnification.
   8. Prime: Fixed focal length.
   9. Zoom: Variable focal length.


3. Make Your Wishlist. Go to your favorite online lens source and create a wishlist for each type of lens you are thinking about. Then go shopping and find ALL the lenses that are offered for your camera that fit into your categories. Filter out your selections by dropping anything over your absolute budget threshold. I found 9 super-wides, 8 super-telephotos, and 4 macros-- but I included primes and zooms.


4. Prioritize Your Options. Start sorting your lenses based on the information at hand, your intuition, and any cost criteria you may have. Typically, the more expensive lenses are also the better quality lenses (aside from price differences of around $100). My advice is to buy the best you can afford and you'll never be disappointed.


5. Pick Your Flavor. Do it now or do it later, but if you have more than one type of lens you want, you'll have to choose at some point. If you do it now you'll save some time with the research. I decided to leave my options open -- I couldn't decide yet.


6. Do the Research. You want outside opinions and evaluations on each of the lenses you're thinking about, and it's best if you can find those evaluations from the same source -- but this isn't always possible. Get multiple reviews too.


7. Make Your Decision. At this point, you should have a good idea of which lens is the best one for you from any given category. If you had more than one category to decide between, pick one. I had 3 categories to decide between, and after my research I had one lens from each category. Based on my budget, I could either get the super-telephoto OR the macro and the super-wide. I chose to get two lenses instead of one! There's no rule against that!

When you're picking out lenses, there's no right or wrong choice. You have to balance out your wants/needs with your boundaries. Just remember, whatever you get will be a good choice and open up the possibilities for your photographs.

Brian Auer

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Your Photos Should Have a Theme

Stick To Your Theme

"I think I'll choose a Pepsi," the lady says in front of the vending machine.

Out comes the soft drink can of her choice.

She makes a choice based on preference (or need) and makes payment for it. Vertical marketing works much in the same way. If you were to open the interior of the machine, you would find that the soft drink cans are all lined up in a vertical row. All soft drinks of one selection are slotted into one vertical column, ready for dispensing.

There's no crossover. The cans must be lined up in the same dispensing vertical row, or they will deliver a wrong selection to the customer.

If you were the serviceman and haphazardly placed the cans in the machine in random positions, the results would be chaotic and unsatisfactory to customers.

NO CENTRAL THEME

Most beginning stock photographers make the mistake of building a stock file in random fashion, with no focussed marketing themes. Their picture-taking choices are "all across the board."

Because any one photobuyer's publication appeals to a vertical market (gardeners, pilots, medical technicians, teachers, etc.) photobuyers turn to vendors who can supply them pictures within those specialty areas. They can't afford to waste time on a vendor who does not offer an extensive selection of the product in the vertical market they need.

NO TEARS MARKETING

If the customer at the vending machine is served up a soft drink that doesn't fit their choice, they become irritated and pound on the machine and demand a return of their money. "This is not what I wanted!"

The soft drink they received may be of excellent taste and quality, but it doesn't match their needs. This realization may help to assuage your disappointment when a photobuyer rejects your submission of excellent pictures. The pictures may be of high quality, but you are vending them to the wrong buyer.

Stay within the vertical markets that you enjoy photographing in, and match with markets who need photos in those subject areas. At this moment, buyers are searching for you. Don't waste film or time on picture-taking that doesn't fit into your vertical market areas.

Rohn Engh is director of PhotoSource International and publisher of PhotoStockNotes. Pine Lake Farm, 1910 35th Road, Osceola, WI 54020 USA. Telephone: 1 800 624 0266 Fax: 1 715 248 7394. Web site: http://www.photosource.com/products

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Beginning Photography 101

So you have purchased a new camera and are excited about taking some great pictures. But after taking a few photos, you decided they are not exactly the most amazing pictures you were hoping for. Here are a few beginning photography tips which may help out.

Get to know your camera

One of the best things you can do after you purchase your camera is read the owner's manual. It is one of the most obvious and important things new photographers often never do. Your camera more than likely has a myriad of settings for particular photo situations that will make you a much better photographer. You need to know about shutter speeds and delay, still portrait and action settings, and night settings. Even the most basic of cameras can do some really cool things, but you will never know its limitations and capabilities if you don't read the documentation. If you can't commit to doing it all at once, then take it in sections based on the type of pictures you will take the most often. Learn about auto focusing and flash features in relation to the kind of pictures you want to take, and keep your book in your camera case for easy reference.

Experimentation

Another couple beginning photography tips is to take time out to experiment with your camera and study your picture subject matter. Take the same picture several times using various different settings, angles, and light sources. With new digital cameras it is very easy to take hundreds of pictures and you can simply delete the ones you don't like. Once I heard it said that digital film is cheap, so go wild. You need to find out what works and what does not. By taking the same picture again and again you get to see the small differences a change in setting can make and really begin to get an understanding of your camera and photography. When you pick a subject for your photograph, you want to pay attention to things like where your light source is, how close and active your subject is, and whether you really need flash or not, so in other words, practice, practice, practice.

Ready, Aim, Steady

One of the most important beginning photography tips which is often overlooked, is the use of a tripod, or the importance of stabilizing your camera. It is hard to take great photos if you are moving. Even if you think you are standing completely still, small movements can make the difference between a great shot and a poor one. Professional photographers will take candid shots, but often will use tripods for their best ones. At the very least make sure you always use two hands when taking pictures, you can also use tables, chairs, and other stable surfaces to steady your shot. To protect your camera, always make sure that when you are taking pictures without a tripod to use a neck strap, a neck strap can make the difference between a broken camera or a working one if you would slip or trip.

More beginning photography tips

Go online and do your research. There are tons of photography websites with lots or tips and tricks to help out the new photographer. Another great idea is to purchase some books geared at beginning photographers, it is possible to find some that provide information on the camera you might be using. Also research different accessories for your camera such as lenses, different flash options, and other filters that will make taking the photos you desire easier.

You don't have to be a professional to take good pictures. You just need to know the limitations of your equipment, get acquainted with basic techniques, follow basic procedures, and do your research and soon you will be taking wonderful photos.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about photography visit New Digital Photography Classes for current articles and discussions.

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The Must-Know Basics of Digital Camera Repairing

Possessing a high-end and sophisticated gadget like digital camera can be a pride in itself, but repairing it can be daunting. A digital camera is a 100% electronic device with many delicate circuits inside it. Adequate knowledge about the delicate device is essential for the technician for repairing who must handle the device with extra care. It needs specialized testing equipments to diagnosis the very problem. That is, perhaps, the reason why repairing digital camera is expensive.

There are some minor defects in your digital camera that you can fix yourself. Of course, that depends on the type or the model of camera that you are using. Here, another noteworthy thing is you should have precise idea about what exactly is wrong with it.

Things You Can Fix Yourself:

The common problem that can be detected and fixed without much hassle is the digital camera lens. Most of the time it is due to careless handling or improper setting that the lens ceases to function leaving you baffled over the matter. Most of the time, it is due to the improper alignment of the lens. You will encounter system error messages on the LCD. In such circumstances the camera is not able to focus and the result is worse pictures. You can simply realign the lens or reset the zoom barrel guide pins and you will find your digital camera working as usual.

There are some other minor and common problems such as broken battery cover, broken hinges on memory card doors, cracked LCDs, etc. But if you are not sure about the problem, it is wise not to handle it. Rather you can take your digital camera to an authorized repairing center.

However, before visiting any repairing center or technician you must take check certain common things. There may be some minor problems that you can identify yourself such as:

1 - Sometimes, it is very likely that you might have hit the wrong button or have changed the menu for which the device does not work properly.

2 - If the battery of your digital camera is running out of power, it is most likely that the digital cameras will not work. Ensure if thing improves when a fully charged cell is inserted into the digital camera.

3 - Sometimes, it is necessary to reset the camera through the menu or by removing the battery for 24 hours.

4 - The camera may not turn on if the memory card is full.

These common problems can not be really considered as a serious problem for the digital camera. But a novice user of the gadget may find it difficult them troubleshoot.

Selecting Repairing Service Station:

If the small efforts are not enough to fix your camera, visit an authorized service station in stead of asking any ordinary technician. The technician in the service station should have experience of fixing several brands and models of digital camera.

Moreover, both the user and the technician should have the ability to distinguish between marginal repair and quality repair. A little bit of confusion in this regard may cause damage to your precious digital camera.

Each model of digital cameras requires special tools to fix the errors and reliable service centers have these specialized tools and skilled technicians to properly service and safeguard the digital camera. Efficient diagnosis and repairing of digital camera depends largely upon specialized tests, appropriate equipments and expert technician.

The high-end and sophisticated device like digital camera requires a lot of concern and careful handling which is of paramount importance for longevity of the digital camera. However, the repair process of digital camera also needs the same amount of care and attention. You need to have adequate knowledge of handling digital camera to avoid any kind of trouble.

If possible gather information from the Internet about handling and repairing. A digital camera is a valuable possession and worth caring.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

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Tips on Choosing the Right Digital Camera

There are a number of different cameras on the market that can make choosing a digital camera a confusing and difficult process. There are also cameras that are designed for different functions and uses and finding the right one for what you want to be able to do can be difficult.

The first steps to take when choosing a digital camera is to create a list of features that you want. This should be a complete list, so you may want to do a bit of research into the features that are available for digital cameras, in order to get a good idea of what you can do with them.

Once you have determined what you would like to have feature wise for your digital camera, then the next step would be to determine the price range for your camera. You can spend as little as 100 or more for a good digital camera so you will want to be sure to get what you are looking for the first time.

Test the cameras out. There will probably be several that meet the feature list you have created. Make sure that the weight of the camera as well as its ease of use matches with what you want. Even if the camera has all the features you want if it is bulky or hard to manage it is not going to provide you with what you want when it comes to taking pictures.

Canon produces a number of high quality cameras that can provide you with the features you are looking for. Canon has just released its ESO 1000D. This is an SLR camera that gives a 10.1 mega pixel Digital image. It has a CMOS sensor and features that are found on Canon's more professionally oriented models but at a much more affordable rate. It also comes with a 2.5" LCD for Live View Mode and a 7 point wide area AF. These cameras are sold as bodies so you will need to purchase the lens or lenses that you are looking for.

The Canon EOS 450D is another model of SLR to consider from Canon. This camera comes with a 12.2 mega pixel CMOS sensor, 3.0" High resolution LCD screen as well as a new AF system that has a 9 point wide area AF. Due to the fact that is an SLR camera lenses are sold separately.

The Canon EOS 40D is a 10.1 mega pixel camera with CMOS censor, a 3.0" LCD screen with live mode., It is also a SLR camera so lenses are sold separately and it does come with the new AF system. This camera also comes with a 2.0 USB hi speed connection and a Video out interface.

If you are looking for a serious camera consider the EOS 1Ds Mark III. This camera is a premier when it comes to digital photography. It comes with a 21 mega pixel full frame CMOS, High Precision wide area AF along with a 3.0" LCD with live action. You can also get 5fps. It is a SLR so lens kits are separate.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For Canon Digital Cameras, Camcorders and Scanners, he recommends Just Canon.

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Roller Shutter Doors, Increased Security

Owners of both residential and commercial properties are deeply concerned about the ever growing crime rate. I also experience increased anxiety about the safety and security of my home and business. Additionally, I want to maintain the aesthetic value of my property. Nobody wants to live in a metal bunker or do business from one. Since home ownership is the only financial asset for many people, resale values must be maintained at the very minimum. A potential solution to the problem is the installation of roller shutter doors.

Roller shutter doors come in all makes and models. There are manufacturers in North America and throughout Europe. The technology behind this product has advanced over the past 25 years. In practical terms, this means that roller shutter doors are state-of-the-art. This holds true specific to the type of environment in which they are being used. For example, zones of conflict would require one type of door as opposed to what would be utilized within a commercial mall setting. Their application is not limited to exterior use only. Many homes and businesses use them on the interiors of their property.

The benefits to the use of roller shutter doors go beyond those of security. Residential and commercial businesses have noticed that sound pollution can be diminished through their use. Improvements in heat retention are evident as well. Depending on the type of door used, the technology application provides for increased shade and increased privacy for businesses and homeowners.

Roller shutter doors come in a variety of user-friendly forms. There are those that are slatted and those that are solid in form. They come in different weight-strengths based on how and why they are being used. They are tested for reliability and ease of operation. Roller shutter doors can be manually operated by use of a hand chain or by use of a "push-up/pull-down, self-coiling method. They can also be electronically operated by means of a tubual motor.The more aesthetic applications have to do with design and coloring of the doors, whether slatted or solid in type. These doors can be decorated. They provide a great surface for mural art, mandalas and/or other forms of artistic expression.

Simon Harris writers about Roller Shutter Doors at http://www.shutter-world.com

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Canon EOS 30D SLR Digital Camera Reviewed

The Canon EOS 30D SLR Digital Camera has upped the number of sequential frames that you can capture in continuous-shooting mode to 30 JPEG or 11 raw shots, from 23 or 6. It is important to mention though, that this is at 5 frames per second. The 30D has a real spot meter, through the 3.5 % metering circle. An advantage Canon has added to this model is the ability to set ISO sensitivity in 1/3-stop increments. The larger 2.5 inch LCD monitor now offers a wider viewing angle than that of the 1.8 inch model on the lower class 20D. This comes in handy for reviewing shots with your friends or family members. Canon's Picture Styles offer a great way to organize the myriad of custom settings such as sharpness, saturation, tone and contrast. This class of SLR camera has always allowed you to control these features quite easily. The rates of shutter durability on this model is as much as 100,000 cycles.

Not many aspects of the 30D has changed, but some could have used an update on future models such as this one. The battery for one, does not last long enough on typical shooting sessions and only allows you to take about 250 pictures with each fully-charged session. The lens has the problematic nuisance of casting a shadow when using the onboard flash at wide-angle focal lengths with certain lenses. The View Finder only shows 95 percent of the scene. Regardless of these minor setbacks, the 30D still remains the top-notch camera that the 20D was.

If you prefer a camera with less advanced continuous shooting performance, spot metering or a smaller LCD, you might as well go for the 20D, since you'll be saving about $200. But if you still demand a higher quality camera, by all means, check out the Canon EOS 30D SLR Digital Camera.

The good? This camera offers supreme low-light performance, fast and responsive controls and a very nice balance of features for both advances and rookie photographers.

The bad? The pop-up flash on this camera can cast a bit of shadow with some lenses and the viewfinder only provides about 95% viewing angle. The battery life is also mediocre. The 1.6x lens conversion factor is also a minor disadvantage.

Overall this is an excellent midrange SLR camera. This camera remains a good choice if you can find a great deal on it. The price range is between $699- $1400.

For more information on how you can buy a digital camera cheaply please visit Best Digi Cam Review

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