Great Nature Photography on a Cloudy Day

October 25, 2011 by  
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Nature photography relies on your sensitivity to the natural light above all else. You have surely heard that for good landscape photography, you generally want sunny conditions, early or late in the day when the light is low and soft. However, this does not apply to every situation, and busy lifestyles do not always allow us to choose the conditions in which we take our photos.

Have you ever planned and set aside a day to get out and practice your nature photography, only to wake up to grey, cloudy skies? You are not alone, this happens to us all; professional and beginner alike. And of course when you are traveling, you often only have one chance to take your photos before moving on, so you have to make the best of the situation as you find it.

Photographers, don’t despair. There are many situations that suit cloudy skies just fine; in fact, there are some situations when cloudy skies are the best option for a good nature photo. Here are just a few situations that you could explore when cloudy weather threatens to derail your photography outing.

#1. Rainforest Photography. When the sun shines through the trees in the forest, it creates a patchwork of light and shade that makes correct exposure almost impossible. You simply can’t manage the contrast in these conditions. Cloudy weather is actually the best way to take good rainforest photos. Some would say the cloudier the better, because if your rainforest is high enough to be in the clouds, you can capture some very atmospheric misty effects in the forest.

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I live in South East Queensland, so I am close to both the beach and some fabulous rainforest. My rule is: If it’s sunny, go to the beach. If the weather is grey and cloudy, grab your camera and head for the rainforest.

#2. Wildlife Photography (Pets and People Too). Bright sunlight can be a problem when shooting wildlife. In the middle part of the day, the sun can create heavy shadows which make exposure difficult, and rob your photo of essential colour and detail that gives the subject its character. Worst of all, sunlight can create shadows on the face of your subject. As you know, the critical part of any good wildlife photo is the eyes. If the eyes in your photo are lost in shadow, the personal connection with the subject is lost.

Animals do not like looking into the sun any more than you do, so even early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is softer, photography can be difficult. More often than not, you will probably find your subject turning away from the light.

If you take your photo on a cloudy day, you can capture your wildlife subject in soft, even light that allows perfect exposure without ugly shadows. There will also be less glare reflecting off shiny surfaces (a snake’s skin, a bird’s feathers etc.) so your picture can actually appear more colourful.

#3. Sunset Photography. Clouds create a much more interesting sunset photo than clear skies. All you need is for the sun to break through the clouds as they cross the horizon. A good nature photographer learns to read the sky and try to predict what is coming. Often on a grey, cloudy day you will notice that the only patch of clear sky is far away near the horizon. If that is the case, you can go looking for a good location and set up for your sunset photo.

With a bit of luck, there will be several breaks in the clouds before the sun goes down. If so, you could be on the spot to photograph spectacular sunbeams, a truly wonderful effect that every nature photography hopes to capture.

Like all things in nature photography, all the planning in the world means nothing without a bit of luck. You may get your photo all set up, only to see the gap in the clouds close and your chance of a good photo disappear. Persistence wins in the end, so keep trying and from time to time you will end up with some breathtaking sunset photos.

I hope these tips encourage you to get out and enjoy your photography, no matter what the weather is like. As your experience grows, you will find it easier to read the light and know what sort of photography suits the conditions. Until then, practice, practice, practice!

After 20 years as a professional nature photographer, Andrew Goodall has turned to teaching his skills to others. His work concentrates on both the technical and the artistic skills of nature photography. Find Andrew’s images and ebooks at http://www.naturesimage.com.au


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Clicking Nature Photographs for Stock Photographs

October 20, 2011 by  
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Nature photography is a wonderful endeavor that we all find a pleasing pursuit. It’s usual when you see something exciting; you want to capture it in some way. Nature photography is extremely competitive. You have to be an incredible photographer with good images. There are so many reasons why an image becomes a good stock photo. A photograph is only a good stock photo if a customer is willing to present you reward for the use of that photo. Cameras are a great way to do this. I believe a high quality camera enables you to create professional quality picture.

It is important to get the best equipment considering your budget. Some of the important factors which you should keep in mind while choosing camera:-

Digital vs. Film:-One of the important decisions you will face is whether use digital or film. Today’s Digital cameras are used to capture high quality photos under different conditions. Most digital cameras come with options to shoot macro, portrait, and high speed and several other setting. Knowing how to use your camera is very important in creating quality images, which generally comes when you spent more time with the camera.

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Lens:-If you want to capture the beauty of nature in your camera then, it’s important to know about lens that you will need to use for taking photographs of nature. For most of the nature photographs you will need to have lens in the range between 300-400mm.

Resolution:-Even the cheapest cameras provide minimum 5 megapixels which is quite good for creating 11*14 –inch photos. Resolution is measured in pixel. The more pixels a camera has the more features it can capture and give in even bigger print without becoming fuzzy.

Try to find rechargeable batteries:-Most of the photographers prefer rechargeable batteries. It becomes quite costly when you have to buy disposable batteries again and again. You have two choices when it comes to digital camera batteries: rechargeable AA or camera-specific battery packs. These batteries can be recharged hundred of times.

Nature stock photography is motivated by a passion where you cannot measure success on financial investement.It takes years to put up your passion for photography. And keep in mind, nature photography is a lifestyle, not an occupation!

To Know more about stock photography, stock image, stock photos, stock photos online, stock photos for sale, Royalty Free Stock Photographs, royalty free stock photograph, royalty free stock photography, Royalty Free Stock Photo, Royalty Free Stock Image feel free to visit http://www.imageselect.eu

Article Source: http://stockphotosandimages.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/choosing-a-camera-for-nature-photography/

The Author is an expert in stock photography, stock image, stock photos, Stock Photosonline, stock photos for sale, Royalty Free Stock Photographs, royalty free stock photograph, royalty free stock photography,Royalty Free Stock Photos , Royalty Free Stock Image if you want to know more about the author feel free to contact him at http://www.imageselect.eu


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Wedding Photography Scotland

October 17, 2011 by  
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Bonny brides adore their Wedding Photography Scotland

And who can blame them?  It’s been taken by an expert in reportage wedding photography Scotland and the end results are truly breathtaking.  Unlike the traditional ‘posed’ pictures taken by a mainstream wedding photographer Scotland, the finest Wedding Photography Scotland is taken using the latest photojournalist techniques and boy, does this show in the final product. Wonderful Wedding Photography Scotland documents the day in detail from the beginning to the end.  As you look back on the Wedding Photography Scotland you see your magical day unfold before your eyes, and witness the wonder of professional photography of the highest order. Blushing brides adore their Wedding Photography Scotland, almost as much as they love their new husband.

What a beautiful day

It’s been a lifetime in the making but here you are on your wedding day with the wedding photographer Scotland hard at work.  Quite rightly you’re impressed, you hardly notice the presence of the expert who takes reportage wedding photography Scotland; they seem to blend right into the background.  This is exactly how the finest Wedding Photography Scotland should be taken.  You don’t want to be bossed around by a photographer who captures Wedding Photography Scotland.  The last thing you want is to pose for hours for Wedding Photography Scotland when there’s plenty of champagne to be drunk. The documentary style of Wedding Photography Scotland captures images without you even knowing it and this produces the most amazing results.

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I didn’t see him take that

That’s the whole idea of reportage wedding photography Scotland.  The wedding photographer Scotland works tirelessly to document each magical moment as it unfolds leaving you with a timeline of happy, natural images.  Naturally taken Wedding Photography Scotland does follow a plan though.  Don’t be fooled into thinking the photographer simply turns up with their camera and takes the Wedding Photography Scotland ad-hoc.  Oh no.  They’ll meet up with you well before the wedding to talk through the Wedding Photography Scotland and even visit the locations so they are familiar with the best places to take pictures from. There’s a method to the photojournalistic style of Wedding Photography Scotland which ensures you’re presented with a unique storybook of your day.

 

If you want the best <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/5015633']);” href=”http://www.mikeboydphotos.com/”>wedding photographer Scotland</a> services possible. Mikeboydphotos.com has <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/5015633']);” href=”http://www.mikeboydphotos.com/”>reportage wedding photography Scotland</a> to suit all your needs. So don’t delay, visit today!

If you want the best wedding photographer Scotland services possible. Mikeboydphotos.com has reportage wedding photography Scotland to suit all your needs. So don’t delay, visit today!


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Australian art: The best photos take landscape photography?

October 8, 2011 by  
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Simply put,  landscape photography is to capture the beauty of the relieves and elements of nature with their immense and the microscopic dimensions. In its pure form, this form of photography, Australia tries to capture landscapes in all their originality, devoid of human elements and influences. The aim is to reduce the camera everything natural. Australian landscape photography is all about capturing the natural beauty that Australia is blessed with one. However, landscapes are not solely defined in terms of nature, but they can also be more broadly defined in terms of urban, industrial, downtown and rural areas and landscapes as well. Clearly, these are the elements of human intervention as well. If you want to be good for landscape photography then you took note of these tips:

 ü Depth: Depth is something that can be done with care by creating a small hole. Lesser is the opening, more depth. But if you still have the same reduction, there will be less light from the sensors and that means the same compensated by increasing the ISO or an extension of the shutter. ISO refers to the sensitivity of the sensor to incoming light and with a smaller aperture; the ISO must be increased for better pictures.

 ü Use a tripod: A tripod is a standard that has three legs. Using a tripod makes it should be quiet and not moving. This allows the best landscape photography when the shutter should be extended and the camera is still necessary to take for maximum exposure. Using wired or wireless trigger is considered good for the best landscape photographs Sydney.

ü Identification Focus: When is the logical panorama required to capture, it is often not easy to describe the purpose of the. If you do not select a good focal point, the audience is not stable. They would not be able to have their eyes on the pictures of Australia and appreciate their beauty. It is not necessary that the focus should be zero, but it is important to know where it is placed

ü Foreground: It is very common for people to focus more on the media, but focusing on the foreground can be extremely useful as well. By focusing on the foreground, you can create depth to your photos.

ü Skies: Skies are a good influence on the photo image. They enhance the beauty of your photo session. You’ve seen the Art  Australia, where artists use the air to give a greater emphasis on other elements

ü Weather: capturing the landscape when the weather changes again how the mood of the landscape changes with the weather. The beauty of nature, weather variables are recorded in photographs from different photographers inSydney.

Mark Zissis is an internationally recognised professional landscape photographer with 13 years experience in panorama, framing, landscape photography and the ability to capture nature’s sheer beauty. His landscape images show the emerging brilliance of sunrises, the day’s spiritual terrain and coloured hues of sunset.


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Spectacular Fashion Photographers London to make your look scintillating at wedding

October 5, 2011 by  
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Every woman wants to look The Best on her wedding day. This is the most memory filled day for any female and she always wants to have it done in a ravishing manner.  In current scenario there is a huge craze for wedding photographers that are from fashion industry. Time cannot be held in a fist but its memories can be captured and cherished for a life time. If you get a perfect photographer on your wedding then he has a capability to make you look more beautiful and take best poses from you. London and Paris is considered as best place for looking out for fashion related people. These two places are famous as fashion generators. Fashion is such a thing that is ever changing, and it requires a lot of experience and information to deal with it. It is a must to be in fashion in parties and fashion meets. And when it is your wedding, you ought to look “very differently in Fashion”.

There are available sites that have information about highly famous Fashion Photographers of London, that are ready to serve you. Well it is said that a man is judged by his shoes and a female by her clothes. If your wear good, you look good so in the tough competition of fashion, there is need to have perfect guidance. Changing from ordinary to sublime is the need of the hour and this can only be done by Wedding Photographers in London they will make an exclusive impression of the clothing line for your wedding ceremony. Fitting and curves carved out of perfection is what demystifies the beauty of a woman. And in this regard Wedding Photographers from UK are very famous in this lane and have won many awards too. If you are attached to fashion world, then there is a great opportunity in designing wedding costumes. Besides this you can also have a look at various pamphlets having new products. Pre and post sale services is something that is been looked out by females in this industry.

It is a must to see the scheduled events of Fashion Photographers London as they have a very busy schedule and you are in need you have to have a prior appointment. This can be done online also besides having a conversation with an assistant. There are many famous photographers that are in the business of wedding gown designing but it is important to look for your budget also. These photographers are a bit dear and it is simple to understand that in the world of fashion there is no room for cheap apparels. Before going in for Wedding Photographers Londonyou have to check records of their sales accomplishments. This is sought to have a better planning and a perfect event. And it will also give you a point to boast off about your photographer. You can also select Wedding Photographers UKby the awards won by them which is the best way to know about their extent of creativity and expertise. Make a planning before your choose one.

We specializeinFashion Photography. Get the best creative photography done by our professional Fashion Photographers in London. For more information visit: www.vn-photos.co.uk.


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Using Natural Light To Take Studio Quality Images

October 3, 2011 by  
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There’s a lot to be said about a fully equipped photo studio, filled to the brim with expensive lights and equipment just waiting to be applied to some artistic task.  Unfortunately, most people who love photography as a hobby, don’t have the budget to spend money on a professional lighting equipment setup.  If you’re only shooting pictures as a hobby, there is really no good reason to spend money on lighting equipment that you won’t regularly use.  If you want to create studio quality images without buying a lot of expensive equipment, here are some tips you can use to get great results.

Get Out Your Paint Brush
Whenever you go to shoot, always remember that all surfaces either reflect or absorb light so keep this in mind especially when designing a room for taking pictures.  If you know you’re not able to add a bunch of lights to a room, try painting the entire thing white (even the floor, if possible).  The white walls will help to bounce the light around for a more even tone.

Make Your Own Reflectors
If you want to create soft and even light, you need to learn how to “bounce” the light off of the umbrellas or reflectors for the best results.  Though this is hard to do without a few different light sources, you can mimic the effect by making your own reflectors to use when you shoot.  A white sheet, large piece of poster board, or even some Styrofoam from a construction site can do wonders in this role, and will help to soften the shadows created when you only have one main light source (like the sun).

Create Your Own Backdrops

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You may not be able to have a large selection of photo backdrops like in a professional studio, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun creating one of your own.  You can use bed sheets for basic colors and then if you want to get creative you can always use paint to create a pattern or add color.  If you hang these backdrops opposite a large window (or garage door opening), you’ll get the same effects as using a fill light pointed at them.

Know How to Use Your Flash
Direct flash can often make an image look shallow and cause harsh shadows, but when used correctly you will find it a great resource.  Focus on bouncing it off surfaces around your subject whenever possible, and only use it to fill in the shadows from the front.  One good way to think about using flash, is that if the image doesn’t look like it needs a flash, that’s a good time to use one for additional fill lighting.

Watch Your Time
The brightness and quality of the light will change depending upon the time of day.  If you set up a backdrop facing the clear, early morning light, then use one of your homemade reflectors to soften the shadows and you’ll be surprised at how professional the final image looks.  You should practice taking pictures at different times of the day so you know when the lighting is at its best, then schedule your sessions for these exact times so you can get the best possible lighting.

Don’t forget that studio lights are designed to simulate natural light as this is the type of lighting that is the most appealing.  If you know how to harness this light and make it work for you, there’s absolutely no reason that you shouldn’t be able to generate images that compete with those created in the most expensive studio in town.  All it takes is a bit of creativity and the will to make it work, and you can have your own makeshift studio in no time at all.  Really, the tools that you use to get studio lighting doesn’t matter as long as you get the quality results that you want.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Your Picture Frames offers a wide variety of beautiful gold leaf silver picture frames and silver leaf picture frames so you’ll be sure to find a frame that you’ll love. Shop online and see our selection of wooden silver leaf picture frames or call 1-800-780-0699.


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Photography Course Online – Why Black And White Equals Perfect Portraits!

September 30, 2011 by  
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A black and white portrait allows for no hiding places. Without the distraction of colour, the absolute physical characteristics of the subject are revealed. A monochrome image will expose intimate details of bone structure, texture and expression at a much greater level than the equivalent image in colour. A good photography course online will show you how to really take advantage of this genre, and how you could take creative portraits using an affordable home studio set up.

An immediate insight into the subject’s world and personality can be gained by successfully capturing a quirky look or expression. Black and white photographs can create an air of vulnerability. If we are able to understand what makes them tick, simply through the image captured, then this is ultimately one sign of a winning portrait. Although this all sounds a bit serious, black and white does not need to be used only to record austerity. Subtle changes of lighting, for example, can transform the mood to romantic, sultry or even comical. Black and white can be an extremely versatile medium.

One of the joys of black and white portrait photography is that traditional beauty is not a requirement. Look for something unusual to capture in the subject. This could be using someone who is known for having a serious nature, getting them to let their hair down and allowing the viewer to see another side of their personality. If you do not already know them, it can be difficult to get them to let their inhibitions out. A reliable photography course online will teach you not only the technical aspects of photography, but also techniques to relax you and your subject in order to make the most of any portrait session.

You may have a list of poses in mind that you want to run through, but also keep an eye on your subject and look out for any characteristics that may be specific to them. Once they feel relaxed, you should spot moments worth capturing, so try to take some informal shots which may be of use, as well as the more formal poses. Decide which shot suits the subject best, such as close ups of the face, shots from the side, or full body. To capture a sense of character, a close up shot is best.

Location shots are ideal for a sense of context. It’s best to find somewhere that won’t impact the focus that is ultimately on the subject. You may choose somewhere that has a link to the subject, directly or visually. If they had a particular childhood haunt where they used to hang out, this may not only make for some great photos, but because they are familiar with it, and hopefully have some happy memories, this should show up in the final image. The surroundings may simply suit the subject, and in this case the link is visual.

These are just a handful of ideas to consider when tackling black and white portraits. Reference to a suitable photography course online would, of course, open up countless further techniques which would make your explorations into this exciting genre ever more pleasurable and rewarding.

You can discover the secrets of taking stunning photographs, simply by following a photography course online. Please check out http://www.photographycourseonline.info for further information.


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Photography With Correct Composition

September 28, 2011 by  
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Composition is a critical component of fine photography. It is often what separates snapshots from outstanding photographs. There are, of course, other elements needed to make a wonderful picture, but the best lighting, the most expensive equipment, and the finest exposure will not overcome poor composition. Fortunately for you, composition is not an aspect of photography that requires professional-grade equipment or a large investment in either time or money to learn.

Depicting Life Horizontally

Anyone can pick up a camera, aim it at a subject, and press the shutter release. But you probably want more in your pictures than dull images. Making your photographs interesting, exciting, and meaningful requires a little more effort and skill.

Some subjects are meant to be captured on film horizontally. Others are not. Creative photographers know no boundaries. They let their artistic senses run wild. However, art takes on many forms, and which one to use may not be so evident to you.

When your goal is to create eye-catching scenic shots, a horizontal shot is often best. Pictures of cities, houses, cars, boats, and other similar objects are normally captured this way.

One rule-of-thumb to remember is if your subject is wider than it is tall, a horizontal format works best. Here’s an example. Let’s say you are at a family reunion, and you want to take a picture of your favorite niece and nephew. How should you frame this photograph? Vertically, since two people standing side by side are taller than they are wide. But, suppose you want to take a group shot of everyone attending the reunion. This would be a good time to shoot horizontally.

Many newcomers to photography don’t consider holding their cameras in any way other than horizontally. Does your camera have lettering on the top of it that says, “This end up”? Don’t get locked into looking at the world in only one way; you’ll stifle your creativity and lower the quality of your photography.

Your Camera Is Sideways

You know a person is a rookie when you are taking a vertical shot and someone walks up to you and says, “Your camera is sideways”. Look through your photo collection. How many of your memories are stored left to right instead of from top to bottom? Were most of your photos taken horizontally? Learning to take vertical shots comes naturally to people with a photographic eye, but the process is much more difficult for most people.

Go to a zoo, a park, a museum, or any other place where shutterbugs are prolific, and observe how the photographers are taking pictures. Most of them are probably holding their cameras all in the same position.

Pictures of people are almost always more effective when they are taken vertically. This is assuming that the person is standing up and is not part of a large group. If your child is stretched out on the floor looking particularly cute, or your subject is skiing, running, or involved in some similar activity, shoot horizontally.

Having empty space in front of your subject gives space for the subject to be moving into. However, vertical shots are still generally best for people.

Architecture is often framed vertically. So are wildlife subjects. Common sense plays a large role here in deciding which slant to use. When you look through your viewfinder, imagine the image you are looking at hanging on your wall. Turn the camera body and view the subject vertically and horizontally. Which looks best? Where is open space needed? As you become more comfortable with looking at your subjects through a lens, you will develop a natural feel for which angle works best.

Going Low for a Better Perspective

Lowering your body for a better perspective can produce stunning photographs. How often have you seen photographers get down on their knees to get a better angle? Or, lie down to take a picture? When you are taking pictures of live subjects, it is usually best to keep your camera at eye level with them. An adult taking a picture of another adult might do very well standing up. But, the same adult taking a picture of a child should lower the camera to the child’s eye level.

If you are taking a picture of your dog, an even lower camera level might be needed. Viewers of your photographs will want to see the subject eye-to-eye. If you stand up and aim down at a dog or child, the picture will not be of professional quality. Seeking eye level with your subject is a rule you should always remember. However, if you’re into snakes and scorpions, use a long lens.

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As a professional photographer, I’ve gone to great lengths, and depths, to take the best pictures possible. When I wanted pictures of pink water lilies, I didn’t stand on the bank of the pond and simply snap my camera. Instead, I went into the water and got up close and personal with the aquatic flowers. If you want exciting and professional-looking pictures, you have to do more than just point and shoot. Get involved with your subjects.

Try lying on your back under a colorful tree, and shoot upward. The results can be astounding.

Put a Tree Limb in the Picture

The next time you are taking a picture outdoors, consider including a tree limb in the picture. This tactic will add depth of field to your photograph. Assume that you are standing on the shore and watching colorful sailboats breeze by. You can aim directly at the boats and preserve their image on film, but the photo may not have much personality. If you position the sweeping limb of an evergreen in one corner of the picture, however, you will create a new look.

Imagine that you are attending a wedding and want your memories of it to be special. Lots of people are burning through memory cards with standard snapshot procedures. When it’s your turn to photograph the bride and groom, you ask them to stand just on the far side of an open, arched doorway in the church. Your picture will stand head and shoulders above the rest. Adding the doorway has done many exciting things for your picture. It has provided depth, identified the location, and framed the couple. Simple little tactics like this make your main subjects stand out, and your photographs become more than casual snapshots.

Composing Odd Angles

When you slow down and look at a potential picture from all angles, you are more likely to find an ideal composition. Simply shifting from one side to another can give you a whole new perspective on a subject. Too many photo enthusiasts rush through their picture-taking techniques and miss out on unique photos.

Buildings with dome roofs, the cap of a mushroom, and a weathered rock are all objects that curve. Photographing these objects can be especially frustrating. Finding the right composition and maintaining a good field of focus can be difficult. When you are composing a picture where curves are present, you must decide where the curves will begin and end in your viewfinder. The size of your subject will, of course, dictate how much of it can be included in a picture.

Let’s use a mushroom as an example. Assume that you are a nature photographer who wants to highlight the color and texture of a wild mushroom. The mushroom to be photographed is white with brown pigment mixed in along the top cap. Pine needles cover the forest floor and create a base and backdrop for your picture. All the conditions are right. How will you compose the picture?

The first step is to squat or kneel down low, so that your subject and lens are on the same eye level. A vertical format should be used to accommodate the stem of the plant. But, where will the curve of the mushroom cap be placed? One way is to place the cap near the top of your viewfinder. Focus until the edges of the curve nearly touch the edge of the frame.

The open space in each of the top corners of the viewfinder should be uniform in size. By keeping the lens level and shooting straight on in this manner, the field of focus will remain consistent. After taking this shot, experiment with shooting from the underside of the mushroom to capture the fluted sections of the umbrella.

Finding the Right Angles

Angles, like curves, can create composition problems for photographers. Learning to use angles in your composition, however, is not difficult.

Imagine a pheasant standing still, head up, tail down, posing for you in profile. Would you consider the pheasant to be an angle? Huh? Photographically speaking, the pheasant is an angle. The tail is low to the ground and the head is held high. If you could trace the bird’s outline on paper, you would see a distinct angle being formed from head to tail.

How should you compose this picture? If the bird is standing still, one way is to put the tail in the bottom corner of your viewfinder and the head in the upper corner. This diagonal composition complements the bird’s natural form. If the pheasant were walking or running, the tail could be placed in one corner, while the head lay just above one side of the middle of the frame. This would allow space for the bird to be moving into. If the pheasant were in flight, you could put the head in an upper corner, the tail in a lower corner, and allow the outstretched wings to reach into the two remaining corners. This would be an awesome shot.

Avoiding Dead-Center Syndrome

Dead-center pictures are a sure sign of amateurish work. Many cameras have circles in their viewfinders that indicate the center point, and far too many photographers use these circles as an aiming device. Just like many people who have trouble learning to invert their cameras vertically, many photographers have difficulty in breaking away from the dead-center syndrome. People see the little circle and assume that it should be right in the middle of Aunt Alma’s nose. Well, it should not be.

Single subjects can be framed near the center of a photo, but they should be slightly above center and a little to the left or right of center. If you are taking a picture of a person but will not be doing a full-body shot, you must decide where the frame should terminate. Cutting someone off at the knees is not a good idea. Moving in closer or rearranging the subject for a better break point is more sensible.

Also, before you shoot, scan the edges of your viewfinder. Most poor composition is not recognized until the film has been developed and printed. By this time, it’s too late. To avoid wasted time, lost memories, and agonizing moments reviewing your photos, clean up your viewfinder before you click the shutter.

People often photograph much more than they have to. This problem is most often associated with background interference. When a background is not adequately blurred with the use of a small aperture opening, distracting elements take away from the main subject.

A common cause for unwanted interference is that photographers are so focused on their subjects that they don’t notice surrounding objects. If you spend all of your energy concentrating on your subject, you are sure to make some mistakes in composition. There is, however, a way to avoid this. Compose first, focus second, and then compose again.

After you have done your initial composition and focusing, scan all areas of the viewfinder for distractions. Start by going from edge to edge and corner to corner. Next, look for background flaws. If your camera has a depth of field preview button, use it. Many good pictures are tainted by busy and distracting backgrounds. Use a long lens or an open aperture to blur out such confusion. You want your subject to be the focal point of the picture.

Reflections, Shadows, and Other Hazards

Have you ever taken a picture of someone or something standing in front of a window or glass door while using an electronic flash? If you have, you’ve probably been plagued by blinding reflections of the flash in the glass. Avoid this during the composition stage by pulling drapes or curtains closed, or by relocating your subject.

Shadows can also be a big problem when flash pictures are taken. Get your subject to move well away from any wall or surface that might show off a shadow. By simply moving your subject during composition, you can save yourself from the shadow monster. If you’re on vacation and taking family portraits, beware of signs, posts, and other objects that might sneak home with you in your camera. You must preview pictures before you take them.

If you can use a tripod to hold your camera, the process of checking a viewfinder is easier. The use of a zoom lens makes it easy to crop outside interference, and a fixed lens can eliminate bothersome images if you simply change position. The bottom line is this: don’t push the shutter button until you are sure that the viewfinder contains everything you want and nothing that you don’t.

R. Dodge Woodson is a full-time internationally-known, best-selling professional author and photographer. He is the owner of The Master of Moments ~ Distinctive Photography, in Brunswick, Maine. Woodson is in the Hall of Fame of Freelance Photographers and is listed in the Presidential Who’s Who.


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1 Peter, Chapters 1-4 with stunning HD nature photography and Wing-suit flights, and interesting music backgrounds. There is now no excuse to not listen to God’s holy Word to become Christ-like! www.gnpcb.org www.saltministries.wordpress.com

Adventure Nature Photography Promotes Physical, Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing

September 3, 2011 by  
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If you suffer from physical, mental or even spiritual health issues; and would like a way to spend more time with family and friends, you should consider adventure nature photography as your new hobby.

The primary reason you should take up adventure nature photography as your new hobby is that it promotes physical health and wellbeing. Physical health is important in all of our lives, and often it is difficult or mundane to force yourself to exercise in a repetitive routine. Many Americans suffer from obesity and a lack of physical activity is the cause for this disease. Taking up an active hobby such as adventure nature photography helps promote physical exercise in a unique and interesting manner. When I began gathering nature pictures and taking little hikes with my son in 2004, I weighed in at over 270 pounds. I was seriously out of shape, but now I weigh in at a trim 180, and have lost 90 pounds doing something fun and exciting.

Another important reason you should consider adventure nature photography is mental and spiritual health. Thousands of people suffer from anxiety and depression all over the world, and this is often caused by a lack of perspective in what really matters. If you take up adventure nature photography as your new hobby, the cares and concerns of work, school and the everyday stressful tasks of life will begin to melt away as you focus on the beauty and peaceful creation all around you. When you consider the way that God takes care of his creation, and that nature does not stress and worry about money or about what is going to happen tomorrow, we can then possibly begin to believe that he will, in his own way and time, take care of us even more than he does the animals and flowers in nature.

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One of the greatest benefits of becoming an adventure nature photographer is that it will give you an interesting reason to spend more time with your friends and family. Loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety, and having a friend or a loved one to share a nature photography experience with helps to build and strengthen your relationship. Husband and wife, as well as parent and child relationships, are critical in all societies and cultures; as family is the primary building block of all our lives. I often will consider going to the mountains by myself, and when I picture doing this in my mind I think to myself, “I would be lonely going on my own”, so I will ask my wife and kids if they want to go with me.

Although you may be concerned that you will not be able to hike if you are seriously out of shape or have another physical disability. You can begin by walking and hiking just a little at a time (such as walking in your back yard or neighborhood), and this will help you to build strength and endurance. Then again, you may be concerned that nature photography will be too expensive and you simply will not be able to afford a camera or equipment. However, quality point and shoot digital cameras are fairly inexpensive in today’s market and you can obtain a high resolution digital camera that is easy to use and operate for less than a hundred dollars.

In conclusion adventure nature photography is an exciting hobby, which promotes physical health and vigorous exercise in an interesting way. When you have an interesting hobby such as nature photography, your focus will begin to see God’s provision for creation and this helps you to mentally shift from monotonous daily routines, thus relieving stress and anxiety. Quality friend and family relationships are critical in all of our lives, and often an interesting reason to spend quality time together is all that we need. So, If you suffer from physical, mental or even spiritual health issues; and would like a way to spend more time with family and friends, you should consider adventure nature photography as your new found hobby.

Who knows, maybe if you take up adventure nature photography as your new hobby, it may develop into a small home business for you as well.

Christian Nature Photography Adventures
Christian Nature Photography Adventures

ForestWander Free Nature Picture Photography
http://www.ForestWander.com


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Read more reviews or buy this item: amaznlinks.com Photographer and environmentalist Uwe Skrzypczak wrote this book with several goals in mind–to teach the technical aspects and the workflow of digital wildlife photography; to show the beauty of East Africa and his beloved Serengeti National Park and to educate about its habitat; and to provide a guide for the photographer who is planning to go on an African photo safari and wants to be prepared to capture the finest possible images.

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Natural Light Photography – Tips And Tricks

September 1, 2011 by  
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In a world of automatic cameras and built in flashes, it’s easy to forget how rewarding natural light photography can be. Though achieving great results without studio equipment and a flash can be more challenging, using only the light available to you at that moment will make you a stronger photographer and can often end in strikingly beautiful imagery. Many of the best photographers preferred working with the environment rather than manipulating it with lights and flashes. If you think you’re up to the challenge, here are a few things to keep in mind before you set off into the world:

Control Your Light
You may not be able to control the level of natural light or its clarity, but you can still manipulate certain aspects of the way it interacts with your subjects. For example, when you take pictures in your house, you can open or close the curtains or blinds to change the amount of light coming into the room. This also works for creating focused directional light. If you’re in a room with two light sources like windows, you can always cover one side to get the focus and direction of light that you want. Try moving around buildings and structures to see how your movement changes the way your pictures end up.

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Watch Out for the Sun
Though it seems like the best time of day for using natural light would be when the sun is the brightest at high noon, that is actually the worst. The bright and direct light in the middle of the day can cause high contrast, hotspots and stark shadows in your pictures. If you’re looking for these qualities in your images then noon may be a good time to shoot, however if you’re interested in soft portraits or subtle color scales you’ll find much better results in the early morning hours. Morning air has a sort of clarity to it that is hard to describe, but you’ll immediately see the difference in your images. You will also find that overcast days are great for natural lighting of subjects as your pictures will be bright but lack harsh directional shadows.

Control Your Speeds
If you use regular film instead of digital, it’s advisable that you use a medium-range film speed (400 is ideal) to ensure that you’ll be able to shoot in most situations. High and low speed films are very situational and may cause you to work around available light rather than with it causing you to have missed shots. It’s also good to choose a shutter speed for the day (you’ll get good at judging these as time goes on) and only adjust the F-Stop, or vice-versa.  The less things you have to remember during your photo shoot, the more “in the moment” you will be.

Taking pictures with natural light can be one of the most enjoyable experiences (or the most frustrating) a photographer can have. As you use work more regularly in natural light photography, you will see more successes and less mistakes. As always, remember to keep it fun and everything should turn out just fine.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves picture frames. Shop online and see our selection of picture frames in a wide variety of shapes like squares and circles. If you want great customer service, visit our website or call us at 1-800-780-0699.


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