Digital Photography

Digital Cameras - Quick Tip For In Focus Pictures

2008-06-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Do you own a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Camera. They're great and once you own one, you'll rarely go back to the point and shoot digital cameras. The one thing that bugs me about these cameras is the small two to three-inch viewscreens on them. It bugs me because everytime I look at them, the pictures on them look sharp and clear but when I go to load them into photoshop or another photo editing program, especially at full resolution, they look like ---- well you know. They look really fuzzy and that's bad and I end up having to do a lot of editing just to make them look presentable.

Of course, I have no one to blame but my own laziness because all I have to do to make sure I have the picture I want in all the detail I want is to click the little magnifying glass symbol on my camera. Almost all Canons and Nikons have these and in fact, I rarely have seen a digital SLR camera of even moderate quality without one. If you haven't yet used yours and if you're not in the habit of checking each shot you take by zooming in on it, do it to really check if your picture was in focus. Don't let your trust in this digital technology sway you from checking your shots. You'll be very happy you did. Make it a habit and save the hours you'll have to spend in your photo editing suite.

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Tripods, ISO and Sharp Clean Pictures

2008-06-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

Using a Tripod with your DSLR Camera? Good!, Now Adjust your camera's ISO to its lowest setting...

That is, if you want excellent pictures that are sharp and clean. The simple fact of the matter is that the higher you set your camera's ISO, the more 'noise'
you'll get in the picture.

So if you're using a tripod, take a little extra time to
make sure your camera's ISO setting is at its lowest. That may be 50 or 200.

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Apertures For Photo Sharpness?

2007-06-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Apertures or f-stops are usually chosen on a lens to control how much of your picture you want to be in focus. Photographers call this depth of field - the distance in front of and beyond the subject of your photo that appears to be in focus. Well, what happens when you don't particularly care about how much of your picture is in focus? What happens when you are trying to get as sharp an image of your subject as possible?

Here's a tip for doing that: shoot at your lens' sharpest f-stop. That means you set your f-stop higher by about two f-stops. If you have an f/2.8 lens, you would set the f-stop to f/5.6 or f/8. This doesn't work for all lenses but it's a nice general rule. Hopefully, your lens will allow you to do that.

If your lens doesn't follow this rule, find out which f-stop consistently gives you the sharpest images of your subject. Your digital camera embeds background information on your shots into the photos for you. This info is called the EXIF data and can be viewed with Adobe Photoshop by going to Photoshop's main menu - choosing file - then file info - then clicking on Camera Data 1. You will see the aperture (f-stop) your picture was taken with.

Do this with all of the sharpest pics you've taken with your particular lens and you'll quickly learn where your lens' sweet spot is for sharpness.

If you don't have Adobe Photoshop, then take good notes of your f-stops on each pic and you'll soon figure out the f-stop that consistently gives you the sharpest photos of your subject.

Remember too that good quality glass (lenses) is an investment that you'll never regret if sharpness is a main concern. They cost a lot but will give you crystal clear photos that other cheaper glass can't touch. What's cheap? I'd say in 2007, $300 is a cheap lense. $1500+ and now you're talking some decent glass! Good digital photography isn't cheap - even though it often appears that way.

I've always recommended tripod use as a given for sharp pictures but even if you're using a tripod, if your ISO (shutter speed) setting is set too high, you'll be sabotaging your purpose. Make sure you set the ISO on your digital camera to the lowest number possible if you want the sharpest,cleanest pics possible.

Of course, if you aren't using a tripod and you're in a low-light situation, you'll need to increase the ISO number. Oh well - better than no picture at all!

Finally, if you're truly concerned about sharpness, you'll need to zoom in on the photo to check if the focus was right immediately after taking the shot so you can take the picture again if necessary. Check the back of your camera for a zoom button. Use it for every photo. It's one of your best friends. Don't ever trust those little 2.5 inch LCD screens. Zoom in to check focus. Hopefully, your camera has that feature.

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Help! I Can't Use My Tripod!

2007-03-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

So there you are at a Basketball Game or a Wedding or a place where they won't let you set up a tripod with your dSLR camera ready to capture some great action shots. What to do? I suppose you should hope you have a Vibration Reduction (VR) Nikon lens or an Image Stabilization (IS) Canon lens because they let you hand-hold your camera in low-light situations. They stabilize the lens movement when your shutter is open longer and will save your a!! in those situations. You'll get some pretty decent images. Any camera lens without VR or IS will be a disaster waiting to happen. I wouldn't even waste my time trying to get good clear pictures without VR or IS lenses.

If you have a Nikon VR lens, be sure to turn the VR feature off when you get your camera back on a tripod. The switch should be right on the lens itself. This is especially true of the newer Nikon lenses. Some older Nikon VR lenses and older Canon IS lenses can be used as is in any situation. I recommend you read the documentation with your lenses.

Bruce
Digital Cameras

Digital Photo Fanatics and Mirror Lock-Up

2007-03-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Digital Photo Fanatics often obsess over every little thing - including camera shake. They want the best sharpest pictures they can get unless they're looking for a special effect that purposely blurs edges or fogs the subject. For those of you who have a dSLR camera, mirror lock-up is an absolutely essential tool you must use.

It goes without saying that tripods should be your first line of attack when trying to capture tack sharp photos but mirror lock-up is another one that can make a huge difference in your shots. Mirror lock-up locks your camera's mirror in the up position so the mirror doesn't move until after the shutter is opened (and you are using an electronic remote shutter release or at least a cable release? right?) and you do care about the clarity of your pictures, right? OK. I think we're on the same page. Let me continue...

SO, take some time with your manual and your camera and find the mirror lock-up control and how to use the feature on your particular camera. almost every dSLR camera today has the control - I'm often amazed that so few dSLR owners seem to know how important it is despite the fact that it's used to clean the sensor in the camera. Turn on the mirror lock-up and then press the shutter release button twice on your remote or cable release device. The first time you press it, the mirror will lift, the second time you press it, you will capture the picture you want. Mirror-lock-up is an important technique for making sure you get the best picture possible with the equipment you have. Combine this technique with your tripod and remote shutter release and you'll never worry about photo-sharpness again.

Click Here for a digital camera resource and news site. You may find a camera you really like at a good price or learn something you never knew before.

Til next time, leave a comment here if you like. Try to make it on topic. I enjoy reading comments and discussions and will reply to questions or ideas that are brought to my attention here. Thanks for reading.

Bruce

Editing & Using Digital Photos

2007-03-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Editing & Using Digital Photos

Most cameras come with software for managing the images on your computer. However, to edit the photos, you may need special software like Adobe Photoshop, one of the most popular choices among photographers. You can head to Amazon and eBay to shop for older versions of the software which should cost much less than the latest version.

Two things are very important here….

1. First, check with your camera and computer for compatible equipment. For help, either contact the place where you purchased your computer and / or camera, head online to search for software that is compatible or ask at a local professional photo center, like Cord Camera (instead of the local pharmacy that offer film development behind the cigarette counter).

2. And second, do not buy used software or software from a seller who appears shady. You might get a copy that won’t work because it was not legally sold through the right channels, and Adobe de-activated the code. So it’ll be useless. Then instead of saving $50-100 or more, you’re out much more than that and left holding the bag – the empty photo bag, as they say.

Well, that was short and sweet and I hope useful to you. Of course there is still so much more information to learn. I found a very good eBook called “Digital Photography Mastery by Ravee Kiran. The price is right at $47 and there's a moneyback guarantee. No fluff in this book. All meat in fewer than 100 pages and it will get you up to speed on your camera in no time. It's especially good for those with DSLR lenses or those thinking about buying one. Check it out. It's called Digital Photography Mastery. Click Here!

You’ll be able to discover useful tips on using your camera and the equipment you need to take great shots and make great prints:

• Digital Photo Basics
• Camera Basics
• Camera Accessories
• Photography Tips
• Editing & Using Digital Photos
• And much, much more!

Don’t waste valuable shots and time snapping lousy photos. Learn the trade and trade in your amateur status for that of a pro. Click Here!">Digital Photography Mastery will go along way in getting you there and it's all there in fewer than 100 pages. Join the ranks of good photographers and show off your snap shots online and off in a variety of ways. Earn praise and respect from your peers, your family, your co-workers. And even turn your photography hobby into a cash-generating machine.

Regardless of your goals and aspirations about digital photography, you can’t lose with this jam-packed ebook, available as an immediate download upon payment.

To Your success,
Bruce Santucci
www.digitalcameras.sellingnowonline.com

The Single Best Way To Always Get Pretty Sharp Pictures

2007-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Single Best Way To Always Get Pretty Sharp Pictures worthy of being called 'Sharp' is by Using a good tripod to keep your camera steady. Therein lies the point of this post; use a tripod, use a tripod, use a good tripod - not some piece of cheap junk tripod but a good one. If you submit photos for purchase, you'll be happy you got a good one. Now that doesn't mean spending up to $600 on one! but at least over a hundred? It means using your good sensibility in choosing one that has the features you want and that won't break the bank and that is portable enough to carry with you and store in your vehicle.

And if you want an easier way to get 'very sharp pictures' without losing your sanity, try using
a ballhead. If you go ahead and buy a good pro-like tripod, then you will need to buy a ballhead to attach to the tripod. A ballhead has just one knob that lets you aim and position your camera at any angle so you won't be wondering how to get a shot that is awkward. Believe me, it will help you and expand the range of your imagination and what kind of shots become possible.

Best of all, the ballhead will keep your camera fastened tightly so there is no slippage as often happens when you're using a cheap all-in-one tripod and head. No kidding. That's why practically anyone serious about taking good clear photos has a good tripod and a good ballhead to go with it. Good ballheads aren't cheap either- just as good tripods aren't cheap. I guarantee you though that if you get a good ballhead for your good tripod, you'll understand why I'm telling you this. It's really the difference between the pros and the amateurs.

Now if you're going for the 'Tack Sharp" or super sharp images, you probably should add a cable release to your equipment - they run from about $9 up to $100. A cable release attaches to your semi-pro or high-end consumer digital SLRs digital camera. It has a button on the end of it that works the same as your shutter button on the camera. So what's wrong with just pressing the shutter release on your camera? It wrecks the sharpness of the photo. Simple. Get a cable release to get your picture as clean and clear as possible. You can even buy a remote shutter release without any cable. They're more expensive but in my opinion worth it. Anything you can do to reduce the movement of your camera will help. Can you get around using a cable release? Yes. Just use your built-in shutter release timer. You can set them for from 5 to 30 seconds and it will do the trick. The only disadvantage is you have to wait for the timer to tick down before the picture will snap. With a cable release, it's instantaneous which is what you often will prefer.

OK, those are the basics for those people serious enough to want great looking pictures that others will be impressed with. Next time, I'll share a little more info on how to get 'tack sharp' photos that even the pros will appreciate. Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out some decent digital cameras for sale either in this blog or at another one of my photo websites.

OK, the picture of the day: How about some patience & tolerance like this big guy has?

Sidewalk Chalk Art

2007-02-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ahh, the satisfaction in knowing that great 3D Chalk Art can still make people stop and wonder.

Look carefully and you'll see that it truly is an illusion created by a masterful artist. Cool huh? If you know the name of this chalk artist, write it in the comment section of this blog. If not, then I'll reveal it soon.

In the meantime, what have you been doing with your digital camera? What kind of camera do you have? Are you happy with it? Are you making money with it? If not, you need to click the banner ad at the top of this blog and take advantage of the expertise this guy serves up in his eBook. I put it on this blog because it stands head and shoulders above the others in its class. People really are making money by using the resources in the eBook. The author also makes himself available. The list of 15 photo buyers alone is easily worth the price of this eBook.

Comments on any other questions are welcome. Include a link back to your own website in your post too if you want. Till next time.

Pictures I've Liked

2007-01-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

If you want a great digital camera, try this site for some ideas: http://www.digitalcameras.sellingnowonline.com

I found a website that I'd like to share with you. It's a great site that has compiled most of the videos and photos from the biggest social bookmarking sites. It does a fine job of organizing the information in it. I don't often recommend websites because most I find bore me - but this is different. I think you'll enjoy it. Click Here Now to Go there.

In the meantime, Can you believe that someone actually drew this 3D chalk drawing of a full Coca Cola bottle on a sidewalk? It's true! Great work!

If you want a great digital camera, try this site for some ideas: http://www.digitalcameras.sellingnowonline.com/

Schools in Florida are Improving

2007-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

Improvement in the Public Schools in Florida is ongoing as demonstrated by these hardworking men:

Comments are welcome.

Interested in learning more about digital photography? or digital cameras? Planning to buy one? Check my site out here. See you there.

Digital Photography eBook Review

2006-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

digital photography

The “Camera Dollars Income System eBook” written by Brian Moore claims to contain everything you need to know to make money with your digital camera. It should be pointed out here that this is one of the only books currently available on the market today with the type of hardnosed information and resources entrepreneurs need. Other books have outdated or dead links – or are primarily educational or theoretical.

This is not the case here since the author of the book has been earning a very high income for more than two years using this system. It should also be pointed out that the author continues to make his living as a free-lance digital photographer. His advice is timely and useful. This didn't surprise me since making money with digital photography is a fairly recent phenomenon and not much timely 'how to' has been published in recent years. In this eBook, you’ll learn:

How to earn ongoing residual revenue 24/7 from each digital photo you submit online;

About a relatively unknown photography market that is exploding thanks to the internet;

How to ensure you are getting the best fee possible for each photo you submit online;

How NOT to get taken advantage of and how to ensure you are paid a fair price for your photos;

Resources to find out what buyers are looking for and why buyers are buying photos;

Who pays the highest rates – and how to market your photos to buyers so they will come back again and again for your work;

Ideas to create multiple streams of income from your digital photos such as turning your photos into saleable screen savers;

How to find websites that will practically beg you for your photos - and who’ll be willing to pay a premium for each photo you submit to them!;

How to select the right keywords to use with your photos – use the wrong keywords and your sales may slowly suffer, use the right keywords and sales will soar!;

What a "field rep" is and how you can start providing this in-demand service immediately;

How to sell your images on your own website and keep all the profits for yourself – includes advice on how to post your photos on a web page, how to flood your site with traffic and how to write copy;

How to sell your images offline in your own profitable brick and mortar photography store!;

How to make money in the competitive world of celebrity gossip sites – these tips are extremely powerful and will give you a leg up on your competition;

How to take pictures of sporting events and sell them online – follow Brian's tips and he promises you'll make money!;

How to make your images look professional for extra cash even if you are an amateur just starting out – Brian shows how to get the perfect shot every time with your digital camera!;

What to take pictures of – find out what types of images are in the most demand in this chapter!;

How to sell your photos on eBay – Brian gives some great tips on this and makes it so simple;

There’s a lot more helpful information in the book regarding the finer points of setting up your business. There's not much fluff.

One of the impressive things that became apparent after I had finished the book was that digital photography work does not require you to buy expensive digital photography equipment, create any websites, ship anything, get involved with adult or pornographic content, or to have any special computer skills. It also does not require any extensive customer support – the bane of many small businesses.

The fact is that digital photography work is growing faster than the supply of photographers available.

Photographers are needed worldwide – and thanks to the abilities of the Internet anyone who will take the time to read and follow the instructions in this book has a very good chance of earning a very good part-time income or an excellent full-time income as a digital photographer selling photos online. Because all work is submitted online, this is work one can do from anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection. Upload the pictures you take onto the internet (the guide tells you exactly how and where).

This is a comprehensive guide that leaves nothing to chance. It even describes and gives references to the types of images that are most in demand and where and how to upload your photos for residual monthly income!

All in all, this is a helpful and practical how to guide for any erstwhile person willing to do digital photography work online.

Reviewed by Bruce Santucci
digital photography

Digital Photography Vs The Old Way

2006-12-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

digital photography

Digital Photographs today may never command the price that Edward Steichen's "The Pond--Moonlight" did in February, 2006. Of course the techniques and materials used in digital photography today versus the equipment, techniques and materials used in 1904 are completely different animals. How many gum bichromate prints have you ever seen or worked with? Edward Steichen felt comfortable in his medium. The photograph above is one of three existing bichromate prints that Steichen made from the same negative. It had been part of the Gilman Paper company collection of 8,500 images acquired by the Netropolitan Museum of Art in 2005. Since the MET already owned one of the other prints of the image (the third is at the Museum of Modern Art in New York), the museum decided to sell it along with other material at Sotheby's auction.

The bidding at the auction was hectic and frenzied but in the end astonished everyone observing by bringing in $14,982,900! The digital photography buzz currently spreading throughout the world simply is not ready for prices like these. Many art insiders think the results reflect a steep, upward trend in prices for photography in general. In November, 2005, a Richard Prince image became the first single photograph to break the $1 million dollar barrier. Edward Steichen's single image above sold for $2.928,000 dollars! The most expensive single photographic image sold to date putting it in the higher echelons of painted images. "The Pond---Moonlight" was taken in Mamaroneck, New York, near Long Island Sound when the photographer was in his mid-twenties.

The enormous sale price is certainly a good omen for the future of photographic images and especially so for images created with digital photographic equipment and special effects that can render perfection out of anything a creative imagination can come up with. Digital photography is still in its childhood. The art that digital photography brings to us is unique and personal to each photographer. As prices for digital images rise, more and more digital photographers will make the world their stage. In the near future, a picture that is worth a thousand words may also be worth a thousand dollars.

digital photography

Digital Photography

2006-12-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my digital photography blog. My passion is digital photography and I intend to fill this blog with useful information about taking good digital photos and monetizing them on the internet. Your comments will be welcome if they are basically on topic and in focus.

digital photography