Digital Photography Tips - Capturing the Spider's Web

A favorite photography subject of many people is a spider web. They possess such an intricate beauty but also strength that far exceeds their outward appearance. A web, which has been photographed in a thoughtful & considerate manner, will produce a beautiful image. Here's some tips to help you get the money shot when it comes time to head into the yard looking for our eight-legged friends.

1. Always be an environmentally conscious photographer. When we go out in the field, you're number one goal should be to leave as little evidence of your presence as possible. We have a great gift that is not to be squandered for our own purposes. Just keep that in mind when you're out & about please!

2. No motion. Because spider webs are so delicate, even the slightest breeze can result in your shots being out of focus. Sometimes reflectors can also be used to deflect gentle breezes. But you're best to wait for natural calm. For this reason also, you will want to have your camera mounted on a tripod. Use a cable shutter-release or the timer function to help eliminate movement on the camera.

3. Depth of field and background. Open your aperture as much as possible to avoid distraction & clutter in the background. You want the subject to be the web. If you have problems with getting proper exposure, even with highest shutter speeds & slowest ISO settings, you may have to use a neutral density filter to reduce light levels. Another way to help with light levels is to look for dark backgrounds. This will also help accentuate the web.

4. Shoot all around. Be sure to get shots from both sides and looking directly at the web. With a shallow depth of field, you may find a particular web to b more interesting when only a portion is in clear focus. Likewise, you might find a "perfect" web front view that will need to be completely within your focal distance. Don't forget to simplify and highlight your subject by filling the frame. You'll be amazed with your results.

5. Do the dew. Not that I'm trying to rip-off anything from the famous soft drink, but water on a web will give you a truly classic image. This moisture is best found in the early morning before the temperature starts drying everything out. You can also try going out after a light rain. Some professional photographers will carry a a misting sprayer with them to help with composition. Just remember our number one rule if you decide to start messing with things too much.

6. Don't forget the flash. Under most circumstances, the natural light you're using will be sufficient for obtaining a proper level of exposure. However, there may be times when you need a little more. Many species of spiders are actually more active at dusk & dawn because of their feeding habits. In these situations, you may want to deploy a strobe to help provide additional illumination. I don't recommend the use of a constant source due to the attraction of unwanted insects. But my guess is that your subject won't mind the added company in this case.

Now you know the secrets to capturing an awesome image next time you find the spiders' web. Good luck with your attempts. You never know what you'll get unless you get out there & try.

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A Guide To Buying A New Digital Camera

When you decide to go out and buy a new camera, you are buried with various brands, each with their numerous models of cameras. Smart as these competitors are, they always tend to make similar featured camera ranges, making it tough for the customer to decide on one. Apart from that, new models keep storming the markets. It would seem like a nightmare for you to purchase a new camera, only to find a newer, maybe better camera out the next week.

Firstly, determine your needs. What is the purpose of your camera purchase? Do you plan to use it for casual, everyday photography; or something more? This realization will help you to significantly narrow down your options of cameras.

As with any new venture you may be considering, research is of essence. Luckily, the internet is at your disposal. According to your needs, you can search for the best cameras in your budget. When you have a few options ready, look for user reviews. Many kind men and women post their experience with the certain cameras online. There are also a lot of videos of the same. This allows you to see the camera in the hand of a person, instead of the professionally taken product photographs you may have seen. The user tell you how it is used, their opinion on its quality and the concerns they might have. This is of great importance, as it is honest and unbiased. If a certain camera intrigues you, you can also check on the company website to see if any newer models of the same range are coming soon.

Many cameras may boast of very high megapixels, which will also come with a higher price. But do not get too attracted by this. Considering that you may need the camera for a moderate level of photography, along with editing on software and printing, an eight to ten megapixel camera is sufficient. The size of the camera may concern you too. A small camera comes very handy for taking on trips, whether close or far. Don't go by its size, it can still pack in quite a lot of features, which are more than enough for you.

Most cameras have pre-programmed scenes for various situations such as landscapes, night scenes, sports, portraits, etc. These scenes help you take good pictures in any scenario. However, for those who wish to experiment in photography, make sure your camera has a manual setting. This means that you as the photographer can change the settings of the camera to your liking. This gives you a chance to try different things. It may seem like a challenge at first, but it is also its charm. The optical zoom is also essential. The greater the zoom, the farther away the object you want to capture clearly can be.

Many cameras these days are waterproof and shockproof. These are very handy qualities to have in the camera if you are a frequent traveller. These cameras may also be sturdier than the others, as a person out on travel does not want to have to make a conscious effort to take care of the camera.

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Why Use Digital Photography Software

For any photographer, graphic designer or visual artist, digital photography software is a crucial element whether you are an amateur or you work in today's visual media industry. Those who are not experienced with the programs and their capabilities might discredit the software that is available as being limited to getting rid of red eyes in family Christmas shots; this is hardly the case. The digital photography software on the market today gives you the ability to manipulate photos and images in almost any way; it even allows you to create designs from scratch that couldn't be replicated with any other tools.

Basic applications for photograph editing are available. Simple functions like cropping and rotating become immediately accessible and easy to perform. Resizing functions that don't leave pixelated images are useful for any photographer looking to strip parts of a photo away while still maintaining the image's size.

If you are the family photographer who ends up with the camera at functions, Christmases and birthdays, other tools that become available with image editing software can help clean up any shots that didn't come out right, or those messy mistakes that we all make. Red eye tools really do fix those common photography errors that come out at the worst of times. Not being able to fix a problem that is such a small part of an otherwise great photo can be really frustrating. Digital photography software eliminates those frustrations.

Image adjustments you can make to hue, saturation and contrast immediately allow you to fix otherwise intrusive lighting and colour issues in your photos. Being able to run a bit of post-production over any shot can really bring out the best parts of your images. Fixing colours to look more vibrant, sharpening up tones and bringing important parts of foreground into better focus is all possible with the right software.

If you want to get more advanced, you can use these programs to create new works of digital art. Editing images with different options and effects, adding surreal elements or combining your own photos with fictitious imagery has become a new form of expression for millions. The possibilities with digital photography editing are endless.

If you are an avid photographer, amateur or looking to create something profitable with your images, digital editing software is a must have tool. Even if you are just taking photos of family members for the family album, an editing suite can help to ensure that every shot is a perfect one.

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How to Dramatically Improve Your Digital Photos

Many photographers are surprised after they buy their first digital camera.

All that research on features and megapixels led them to believe their purchase would somehow create the best photos ever.

Unfortunately, great photographs depend on more than just a good camera. Even the best camera, in the hands of one not so skilled in photo composition, will produce only so-so results.

Getting the best digital photos depends upon several factors.

? Your technical knowledge of the camera...are you familiar with all the features and settings?

? Your knowledge of good composition and lighting techniques

? Your knowledge of how to properly edit your photo for final printing or viewing

Reading your owner's manual, and online tutorials, will give you all the technical knowledge you need to properly and efficiently operate your camera.

There are also many books and online tutorials available for learning to properly compose and light your scene. You can also go to any art museum and take a good, technical view of the work on display. Note how they composed each scene and where they placed the main subject. What was their point of view, from up high, down low, or level with the subject. Where did the light come from?

You can learn a great deal from studying the successful work of others. When you develop a detective's eye, you can get some great clues that will speed your path to success.

However, even the greatest digital camera and phenomenal composition and lighting skills will not eliminate your need for some post-shoot editing. You won't find a single top pro photographer who does not do a bit of digital editing after the shot was taken.

I feel like the photos are only 80% done when they come right from your camera. We can really add 20% more quality and WOW! factor with just a few simple edits. Especially sharpening.

Most choose Adobe's Photoshop series for editing their photos. While many think it's difficult to learn, there are many resources available online and off that can assist you. Some people like books, some prefer video.

I've always preferred a blend. I like to look over someone's shoulder and watch them edit. But then I like to have a text reference guide beside me - because inevitably I'll forget one step and get lost. I like a 'crib-notes' or 'recipe style' version with just the basics. I don't like trying to read through some huge text volume.

So remember, buying a great camera is just the beginning of great photo creation. You must also learn a bit about composition, lighting and editing as well.

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How to Clean Your Digital Camera

Ensuring your digital camera remains clean and in good condition is an integral part of successful photography. However, it is important to remember the old adage 'If it's not broken, don't fix it'. Take measures to avoid the lenses and screens becoming dirty in the first place. The best form of protection for your lens is achieved by attaching a UV filter to it at all times. This will prevent it becoming dusty or even worse, getting scratched. It is far easier and cheaper to clean or replace a damaged filter than a ruined lens. Filters are available in various price ranges and if your only wish is to protect the lens then a cheap version will do. Individual lenses stored apart from the camera body should always be kept with caps on both ends to avoid them becoming damaged or dirty.

One mistake people often make is to attempt to clean their lens with a cloth or tissue without first checking the lens for larger pieces of grit. These are then picked up by the cloth and dragged over the surface of the lens causing major damage that could have been easily avoided. Any visible grit should be removed using a soft brush or simply by blowing on the lens prior to using a cloth or tissue.

Lens Cleaning Fluids are usually alcohol based and should be used carefully. They are worth using as they will remove difficult smudges and fingerprints when they are used properly. Just add a couple of drops to your cleaning cloth and wipe the lens or screen gently in a circular motion. Always apply the fluid to the cloth, not directly to the item you are cleaning.

Disposable cleaning tissues are also available for cleaning lenses, filters etc. These are impregnated with cleaning fluids and it is important to use them only once and discard them after use. They are usually made from a very thin paper material which is much thinner than the domestic varieties available. Don't be tempted to use any that are not specifically designed for photography equipment as they are likely to be coarse and may damage your equipment.

If you are concerned about the environment and do not like the idea of throwing away used tissues, there are re-usable micro-fibre cleaning cloths available. It is important to keep these cloths in good condition and they should be regularly washed and stored correctly.

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Digital Camera Filters - What Do You Need And Why Do You Need Them

Filters can be used to control colour, exposure differences in a scene, to give more saturated colours and for special effects. Some of the effects, but not all, can be replicated on your pc using your image editing software but many photographers prefer to do the business at the shooting stage. This also cuts down on the amount of work needing done at the editing stage. We'll look at some of the different digital camera filters you may need and give a quick rundown of reasons to use them.

Round or Square Digital camera Filters

There are two basic types of digital camera filters, round ones and square one. Round ones are made to screw onto the front of the lens, whereas the square ones are made to slot into an adaptor which is screwed onto the front of the lens. The advantage of square filters is you can have an adaptor for each of your lenses, no matter what diameter the lens is but you only need one filter. You will need a round filter for each lens you have. You may find yourself using a combination of round and square digital camera filters.

I would recommend buying a UV or for each of your lenses and keeping it on permanently. A UV filter filters out the UV part of the spectrum on hazy days and at high altitudes but it also protects the front element of your lens from dust and damage. It's much cheaper to replace a digital camera filter than replace or repair a lens.

Neutral Density Digital Camera Filters

Neutral density graduated digital camera filters are a useful addition to the landscape photographer's accessory pocket. These filters have a grey top and clear bottom and are used to reduce the contrast range between the sky and the ground, the dark top darkening the sky. They come in different strengths, commonly 1 stop, 2 stops and 3 stops. You would meter the sky and ground to determine what filter to use. These filters can come with a hard edge for a sharper change from light to dark or a soft edge for a smoother change from light to dark. Graduated digital camera filters are much better in the square design as there is the flexibility to slide the filter up and down or rotate it if necessary

The Polarizer

Of all the digital camera filters, I would recommend you buy a polarizer. You can't replicate the effects of this filter using editing software and it is an extremely useful filter to carry around. This filter dramatically reduces reflections, not just on glass but also on foliage. You use this filter by rotating it and can see the effect as you use it. You will get deeper blue skies and more vibrant, deeper saturated colours. There are two types of polarizer by the way, linear and circular. The circular one is intended for autofocus systems so make sure not to confuse them. A polarizer will also cut your exposure so make sure you are taking meter readings and compensating for the filter. You may also want to change your white balance from auto to daylight with this filter as it your camera will compensate for the filter. The polarizer is one of the digital camera filters you will use regularly.

Other digital camera filters you may want to consider are special effects ones such as softeners and diffusers for, star filters and different coloured filters. it's easy to get carried away using special effect digital camera filters though so it's a good idea to experiment with those.

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Top 5 Tips For Using an SLR Digital Camera

Stepping up from your classic point-and-shoot to a more advanced DSLR is an exciting time for any photographer. But like anything, new features mean nothing if you don't know how to utilize them. Here's five tips that should help you get the most out of your camera.

1. Using Aperture

Basically aperture controls how much of the picture in your viewfinder will be in focus. A high aperture means everything will be in focus, and this is usually used for landscape pictures. If you want to highlight something in particular, go with a lower aperture. This is ensure that the foreground will be in focus, while the background remains fuzzy. No matter your camera, there's probably a manual setting that has the options P,S,A, and M. The A option controls the aperture, and this is probably the most useful override for the average user.

2. Landscape Composition

Whenever shooting landscapes, there's a simple tip that will give your photos a more dramatic look and add depth. It's the rule of thirds. Break your photo up into 3 parts in your mind. Either 1/3 or 2/3 of the picture should make up the sky or the foreground, depending on where you want the focus of your shot. Most beginners put the horizon at exactly 1/2 of the photo, which doesn't have as much effect.

3. Shooting Extra-Sharp Images

This one's pretty basic. The key to shooting really sharp pictures is keeping your camera steady. Although most cameras these days have built in stabilizers, the majority of pictures still have a slight blur to them. The only way to truly avoid this is by using a tripod. Although not practical in all situations, this is the only true way to avoid blur.

4. Using ISO

The ISO setting on your camera determine the film speed. Basically what this means is that the higher you set the ISO, the more light is let into the camera. So when shooting in dark situations, the ISO can be increased to capture more light. Unfortunately while it lets in more light, it also increase the noise in your pictures. As a rule, keep the ISO as low as possible and only increase it slightly in dark situations.

5. Always Try To Shoot In Soft Light

Despite what you may think, the best time to shoot pictures is NOT in full daylight. This actually causes overexposure washes out details, and can create unwanted shadows. The best time to shoot is actually at dusk or dawn. If you have to shoot during the day, make sure you do it from the side, not with the sun directly behind or in front of you.

Follow these basic rules, and you'll start to see a great improvement in the quality of your pictures. Your SLR Digital Camera is a fantastic machine with great capabilities. The key is to experiment with it and make sure you're not under-utilizing it. If you're still looking for one, my favorite is the new Rebel T3i from Canon. You can read more about my review for this camera on my main page.

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

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You Bought a New Digital Camera, Now Learn the Basics

After much thought and calculations, you got yourself a new digital camera. You may be eager to capture the moments in your life, with your family and friends; or maybe you want to click pictures of your surroundings and the things you see. The whole world is your canvas. And the camera you just bought is your tool. However, before stepping out and using your new acquisition, it is essential that you know the basics. Fortunately for you, this process is fascinating in itself!

Before starting any venture, it is always best to be well versed with what you deal with. This means that before getting started with your camera, you must go through the manual. Most people toss it aside, thinking they will figure it out on their own, and most of the features may be easy to figure out. But to do through the written matter is to learn the full potential of your camera. Once you know this, it is much simpler for you to experiment and get the photographs you desire. The manual also gives you some pointers on the up keep of the camera; it tells you about its batteries, what not to do, etc. All of this is useful information for you.

Once you are familiar with the matter, it is time for you to experiment. Don't start off thinking you will click pictures worthy of framing. Take a few unflattering pictures first. Tinker with the settings of the camera. After reading the manual, you will know what each button is for, so don't worry about it. Take pictures that are too bright, too dark, or completely out of focus. It is through your mistakes that you will understand the value of all the settings. That will give you the means to judge what setting will work, and what will not. And most importantly, it will give you the opportunity to be care-free and have fun!

After the trial run comes the more serious work. But don't fret, even in this seriousness is a lot of intrigue. Once you are comfortable with your camera, you can continue to take the pictures that you want. If you want standard ones of people and landscapes, it is a simple process of pointing and shooting. But where's the fun in that, right?

Try to compose your picture artistically. Choose a subject and see how best you can frame it. The LCD screen on your camera allows you to preview it. In most cameras, the screen can also contain a grid of nine squares, three columns and three rows. This allows you to effectively compose your picture. Try placing the subject in one of the boxes and see the outcome of the interaction it has with the surrounding. Once you are well acquainted with the camera, another thing you will be a good judge of is lighting. It is a very important component of photography. Many well taken photographs have played only with the light, giving a mesmerising effect in itself.

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Article Submitted On: May 24, 2011

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Five Things to Know About Digital Cameras

Most of us own a digital camera these days. If not, we think about buying one. The reason for this is very simple. A digital camera makes it very easy for us to capture and hold on to moments. In the older times, people had to take many troubles to do so. Even with the more advanced cameras, one needed a reel, which had to be developed. Many times this reel would get damaged. Also the features of the camera were very basic. However, with change of time and technology, an every-day person like you and me can own a camera with a host of features, and basic functions. So, for all those who are or very soon will be owners of digital cameras, here are five things you may not know about it.

1. Resolution is NOT that important. It is a common misconception among all that the more the megapixels are, the better the pictures will turn out. A higher resolution does allow one to print large photographs, or crop areas of the photograph to create a new piece, but such is only the case with a small part of the photographer population. If you are a casual photographer, even if you want to print your pictures, or edit them clearly on some software, five to six megapixels is enough.

2. Battery is key. There have been countless occasions with many people where their camera batteries have died at the most eminent moments. This can put a grey cloud on your day. So it is essential that you make sure that you have a well charged digital camera. It may seem like a very basic thing to do, one which doesn't need to be told specially, but believe me it is. It is always best to learn from mistakes, even if they aren't your own.

3. Zoom is important. It may seem like just another feature of your camera, but the zoom function can prove to be one of the most important. If you are smart, you will have a camera with a high level optical zoom. This allows you to capture far away shots with much ease. Imagine capturing a beautiful landscape. The zoom function in your camera allows you to take clear pictures of far-off scenes, without having to squint to look at the details!

4. Small is good. You may think you have a basic camera, and may look at the professional cameras with their big lenses and magnificent exteriors, but they have their handicaps. A small camera is best for taking with you wherever you may go. Whether it is on a long vacation, or just a night out with friends; you can always carry it with you and capture the candid moments of your life.

5. Last but not least, digital cameras break. This is another seemingly obvious fact but something that needs to be mentioned. Earlier, a camera was sturdy enough to withstand great falls. One could drop their camera from heights, and have nothing or very little happen to it. Come water or dust, an old time camera never broke down. However, the digital cameras today are not that tough. They need constant upkeep. So be careful with your camera.

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