Tip of the Day: Cold Weather Shooting

The winter is almost here, and you no doubt want to go and shoot some winter scenery. Before you go out into the cold, remember to protect your gear. If the temperature is below freezing, the camera will collect snow, which will quickly turn into moisture; not good for your camera. Get a disposable shower cap, and use it like a glove for your camera. It does work, and you still have full control over your camera.

Tip of the Day: Leaves and Macro Photography

Now is the perfect time to pick a day and go out to your nearest park, or any other wooded area and collect some beautiful leaves. Look for leaves that just fell off, or are still attached. They will still have all the brilliance and luster. You could always take a few shots while there, just forget a tripod. Take the most attractive leaves with you, and shoot them when you get home. Hopefully you already have at least a minimal macro setup, which you could use to capture their intricate details.

Tip of the Day: Photographing Coins

If you are a collector and trader of coins, you may have already experienced the struggles with photographing your coins. If so, this tip may help. Good lighting is essential when shooting coins. To produce an evenly lit coin, consider acquiring a light tent with a open top. This will allow you to shoot down, into the tent. If you do not have any artificial lights, consider placing the tent on a small table next to north facing window. Any overcast day will present an excellent opportunity to shoot your coins. If a tent is not in your budget, a cylinder made out of a large sheet of white paper will work as well. Different paper has different thickness, and thus passes light differently, so do not use cardboard. You may need an external light source, like a desk lamp lighting the side of the cylinder. If you are planning to photograph a lot of coins, and need to get very accurate photos, you will need a tripod with tilting center column. This type of a tripod allows for the center column to become horizontal, which will hang the camera directly above your tent, instead of an angle.

Tip of the Day: Photographing Light Rays

I don't know about you, but I am always captivated by photographs with beautiful light rays streaking through the leaves, or a tree canopy. This is not the easiest thing to photograph, so here are some tips on getting it right. First, the time is typically early in the morning when the sun is just getting up. Look for a misty day, any fog, or other atmosheric conditions create exellent artifacts, which make your photographs more surreal. Use a smaller aperture, perhaps f/11 and above. Be sure to have a tripod. You may not need any filters, but bringing a graduated neutral density will not hurt, and may proof rather useful.

Tip of the Day: Depth of Field in Macro Images

Are you starting to shoot macro with your digital camera? If so, you no doubt have been trying different modes, including the macro setting. If however, you are still not quite satisfied with how much of the image is in focus, it is time to switch to Aperture Priority Setting. Most digital cameras, and ALL digital SLRs have this setting. Depending upon what you shoot, set it anywhere between f/8 and f/22. Experiment, and you will eventually achieve the results you want.

Tip of the Day: Capturing Rainbows With Your Camera

Driving through the park one day, I realized how easy it is to capture rainbows, when there's sun and the sprinkler systems are running. On a sunny day, make a trip out to your neighborhood park, and find a sprinkler running. Look for the sun, and if you position yourself directly facing it, through the stream of water, you will see a beautiful rainbow. Slow your camera down enough to capture a smooth flowing stream, somewhere around 1/30 to 1/60 sec. and take some shots. Use a tripod to avoid blur.

Tip of the Day: Intentional Blur

While blur is something we try to avoid, in most cases, sometimes it is actually desired. I have seen some very interesting abstract photographs where blur was used. Consider going out to a nearby park, a forest, or another densely planted area, look up into the tree canopies, and take a few shots introducing shake purposely. I must admit, digital will help a lot in this case, as you will be evaluating and deleting a lot of photos.

Tip of the Day: Holiday Special Cards

Are you wondering what to give your family members for the holidays. Looking to give something memorable? Consider turning your holiday photographs into beautiful Fold Cards. While you could make them yourself, with a little creativity, consider having them done by a Photography service such as Kodak Gallery, or Mpix.com. Both offer choice of papers, sizes, and a host of other creative opportunities. Put your pumpkin patch photographs to work, and get cards customized for your family.

Tip of the Day: Tokina 80-400mm Super Telephoto Lens

The All-New Tokina AT-X 840 AF D 80-400mm f 4/5.6 is a a lot to love. This lens makes super-telephoto photography affordable to more casual and amateur photographers. This lens is fairly light for its range, 35.9 ounces. This lens is very sharp, and the contrast is excellent, thanks in no small part to new coatings developed for D-SLRs. The lens is built very well, and while it is not the fastest lens in this focal range, it is certainly the fastest in the price range. While the retail of this lens is lsted at $1,240, you will find it for a lot less. Expect to pay no more than approximately half the retail cost, plus shipping. Lens is equipped with a tripod mount, and a cleverly designed hood. If you are looking to move into the field of outdoor telephoto photography, this lens will get you there, and not break the bank.

Tip of the Day: The Sun is the Center of Everything

Several hundred years ago we considered the sun to be at the center of the universe. We know better today. While the sun is beatiful at times, it should not always be placed right in the center of your shot. Consider offsetting the sun either to the left or to the right. While I am not big on sticking to rules in photography, the rule of "Thirds" applies in this case. Try placing the sun in either the upper or lower left, or right corners of your shot. This creates a sensation of either a sunrise or a sunset.

Tip of the Day: Sunsets, How to Get the Light to be Just Right!

Sunsets are a magical time when the sky is filled with brilliantly glowing bands of multi-colored light. The light is beautiful, and all subjects below the split of the horizon are enhanced under this glow. However, capturing sunsets with a camera is complicated, due the dynamic changes in the lighting across the scene. To make your shooting easier, learn to use the meter on your camera, and if you are shooting with a more than a basic digital point-and-shoot camera, or an SLR, you will no doubt have an "Exposure Lock" button, which will in many cases have an Asterisk [*] icon representing it. Point the camera away from the sun, as it will cause the camera to under-expose the photo. Press the Exposure Lock button while looking at a fairly neutral part of the scene. Remember, the camera measues light through the lens, so where you look is where the camera is going to look. After you pressed the "Exposure Lock" button, recompose the shot, and take the picture.

Tip of the Day: Shooting Architecture

Architectural photography is a difficult subject, simply because architecture is so complex at times, and requires a lot of attention and patience. Try to shoot buildings without tilting the camera upwards, or downwards. This emphasizes lens distortion and causes buildings to "lean". Try to shoot buildings to excentuate their geometry. Look for repeating elements which stand out, and attempt to isolate them. Take perspective into account, and try to shoot down a hallway, a stairway, or a row of columns. Use a wide angle lens, which increases depth, and creates an illution of grandure. Pay close attention to the edges of your image; if the camera is tilted enough, the edges will not be straight, and the buildings will seem asymmetrical. Use a tripod, and take your time to fine tune the image.

Tip of the Day: Photoshop Adjustment Layers

If you are using Photoshop to fine tune your photographs, and find yourself adjusting the saturation, or the levels quite frequently, consider using Adjustment Layers. Since Photoshop CS, Adjustment Layers have been introduced, and became extremely popular with many Photoshop users. The big advantage of the layers is how quickly you can apply them, and how quickly the changes could be made. You can of course stack them, and hide and un-hide them at any time to compare results. Simply click on a round, semi-filled icon in the Layers Palette, and choose from the many available tools. I almost always create a Curves Adjustment Layer, which lets me adjust for blacks and whites, and I always aim for a smooth S-Curve which saturates the colors and increases contrast.

Tip of the Day: Light Tent and Macro Photography

If you are starting to fiddle around with macro photography, but are not ready to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars, I have a tip for you. Get a light tent. If you have never seen one before, you need to check them out. Just do a search on line, and you will find many different ones. The most common are square, and made of a translucent white material. They are open in the front, which allows you to position your "subject" inside and light it up from both sides. A light tent diffuses light coming in and creates soft pleasing textures, and subtle shadows. Check out eBay for ready-to-go kits with two lights and a light box.

Tip of the Day: A Simple Reflector for Merchandise Photography

If you are looking to shoot merchandise for eBay, or other sales purposes, it is important to make your photographs look professional, and clear. If your budget is small, this will get you started on the right path. Place a small table near a northern window, since it will offer softer more diffuse light, and use a large white poster board bent down the middle at 90 degrees. Place it on its side to form a triangle on the side opposite the window. Overcast days will be best, as the light will be very soft. Even this simple setup will produce excelent photography which will satisfy 90% of your needs.

Time to Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Yes, it is Autumn again, and it is probably snowing in some parts of the country. However, a little snow should not stop you from leaving home to visit a near-by pumpkin patch. Yesterday, I visited near-by country side, and was surprised to see so many people with their digital and film cameras out, and their kids on top of giant pumpkins. This is the time for kids to have fun, and you to get some good photos. Even when the days are overcast, the color of pumpkins is a beautiful orange, and creates a lot of interest in photographs. Since kids enjoy pumpkin hunting to begin with, take them out, and get some close-up shots with them on, near, and on top of the pumpkins. If there's snow, the contrast will be much greater, so try to avoid anything really dark in the photo, as the snow may be averaged out by the camera to a pale gray. Be creative, and use hay, or other props that are so common to pumpkin patches. Counterintuitively, try some photos in black and white, and you will be surprised as to how good they actually are.

Tip of the Day: Cleaning Your Digital SLR Camera

If you just got your first Digital SLR, or you are just not sure how to go about cleaning out the camera behind the lens, this quick tip should help. First, purchase a quality bulb blower. My personal favorite is a Giotto's Rocket Air. This blower is made out of 100% natural rubber, and pushes a lot of air on every squeeze. To clean: take the lens off, and flip the camera so that the lens mount is facing towards the ground. Blow air directly below the opening. Repeat several times, and check the camera. Most if not all dust should be gone. Do not flip the camera up, and use the blower, because you will only be pushing the dust back in. If the mirror is really dirty, use cotton swabs dabbed in pure alcohol (nothing less than 92% pure), and clean the mirror. Use a microfiber cloth, designed for optical cleaning to clean your camera's body, and the lens element. Alcohol will help to clean tough stains and grease.

Tip of the Day: Shooting Around Gray Skies

It is that time of season when saturated blue skies in many states are replaced by often textureless, lifeless, dark gray tarps. Not exactly the most desirable skies for an outdoor photographer. While it is next to impossible to change the sky, try to use a graduated blue filter, which will help add color to your skies, and improve your shooting opportunities significantly. Even when the sky does not cooperate, consider going out to wooded areas, since many trees are at the peak of shedding beautiful red, golden, and yellow foliage. Instead of shooting landscapes, collect some beautiful leaves, and shoot some macros.

Tip of the Day: Bean Bag Photography

Next time you are planning a trip, whether a family vacation, or a dedicated photography adventure and you do not expect to need a tripod, consider getting the POD. It is essentially a bean bag with a tripod mount scew on it. The 1/4 inch screw attaches to your camera, and the bag may be fitted securely in many different areas, whether on a tree branch, the hood of your care, any flat serface, whatever. You will quickly begin wondering how you survived without it before.

Tip of the Day: Shopping for a New Digital Camera

If you are in the market for your first digital SLR, you are no doubt trying to decide amongst the large selection of brands and cameras. It has never been better to buy a digital camera than it is today. Of course, one thing holds true about technology: it ages very quickly, and will continuously improve. Nonetheless, today, a good consumer Digital SLR will run you around 1000 dollars, and will capture images at a resolution high enough to produce excellent 13x19's and larger, even when the image is cropped. Recently, Canon released their upgraded Digital Rebel, which they named XTi. This camera was built as a direct competition to Sony's Alpha 100. Both cameras have a 10 Megapixel Digital Sensor, and have many features of high end digital cameras. You cannot go wrong with either camera. Aim for a camera with a sensor no less than 8 Megapixels, so even cropped images will have enough resolution to print larger than 8x10's.

Tip of the Day: Used Photography Gear

One question my friends and co-workers often ask me is: "How can I get a very good camera for little money?" The answer is simple. Buy the equipment used. A used camera, or a lens, if taken care of properly will mean significant savings, which will allow you to get a much higher end camera than you would if you were to buy new. Keep this in mind: a high-end used camera or lens is still better than a low-end new camera or lens. Buying used has become much easier with places like eBay. Many stores on eBay are selling used photography gear. Look for a reputable seller, who provides a good description, and good photographs of the gear. Most good sellers rank their product on a scale, which helps you understand how used it really is. With a little luck you will get good gear that will last you for years for as much as 90% off from the original price. Ask questions, quick and good responses mean the seller is commited.

Tip of the Day: Photographing Sunsets

During those few precious moments, when the sun is setting down, the skies, as well as everything else lit by the setting sun is golden and beautifully colored. Sometimes though, when we shoot, the pictures we capture do not do justice to what we actually saw. To resolve this problem, consider getting a sunset filter. Yes, there is such a thing. It really makes those yellows, oranges and reds Pop! A sunset filter is graduated, which means that its strength is decreased gradually to compensate for a split between the sky, and the land. If you are using an interchangeable lens camera, consider a square type filter, since you will be able to use it on several lenses. If your camera has a fixed lens (permanently affixed to the camera) find a screw-in filter which will match the size of the lens.

Tip of the Day: Bird Photography

Many people enjoy photographing birds. Many challenges are presented to you as the photographer if you choose to shoot birds. First, most birds are quick, they fly, and are very tuned into their surround. As the photographer, you will need a long telephoto lens, skill and patience. Most of us cannot afford Fast and Expensive telephoto lenses, so we have to settle for slower budget ones. To compensate, try to shoot during the day. While many birds are most active at dawn and dusk, shooting in bright light will give your budget telephoto enough speed to suppress blur. If blur is intended, try to pan the camera horizontally on a tripod. Horizontal panning is ideal for flying birds. To practice, spend some time shooting pegions. If you live in a city, there are thousands of them everywhere.

Tip of the Day: Reflectors Improve Lighting

Many people think that reflectors are only used by pros, and those very serious about photography. This could not be further from the truth. The fact is, reflectors are cheap, easy to use, and are extremely useful in many different styles of photography. You may find a folding multi-reflector from major retailers such as Adorama, and BH Photo and Video for under 40 dollars. If you are on a real budget you can make your own. Look for an article which will be coming out soon, about making a DIY reflector. Keep in mind, reflectors can reflect and at the ame time modify light. Try a golden reflector, and it will bounce warm light onto your subjects. Remember, they are not just for studio use, take one outdoors, and see how much better your portraits could be.

Tip of the Day: Macro Attachments for Digital Cameras

Many people love to shoot macro photography. Whether you choose to hunt for ladybugs and spiders in your nearby park, or the small berries hanging from the bush in your yard, the choices are endless. Unfortunately, unless you use an Interchangeable Lens Camera, shooting Macro is too difficult, because most compact cameras are not really designed for macro photography. However, there is something that may help. There are Close-up adapters available for many Point-and-Shoot cameras. These adapters allow you to focus close to your subject, thus increasing magnification. Beware, some are better than others. If it is priced very low, chances are, the quality is the same. Check out eBay, as the selections of these close-up adapters there is great!

Tip of the Day: Beautiful Fall Colors

Fall is the time to go out and capture all its beautiful color. Depending on where you live, the nature is different, but the colors are equally brilliant. Fall colors are at their most brilliant in the early hours of day, and close to sunset. Use a wide angle lens to capture vistas. Consider shooting streaming water against red and orange foliage, as the contrast is vast. If the reds are not red enough, use an enhancing filter, which increases saturation in red and yellow hues.

Tip of the Day: Shooting Fruits

Food photography is as much art as it is science. It is almost unbelievable how much work professional food photographers and their help put into capturing a plate of food. Do not be fooled; it is no easy task, but here are a few quick suggestions to make it easier for a more average photographer. First, be sure to light your fruits either with natural light, or artificial. Try to make the fruits side-lit. Low side lighting will introduce texture, and increase shadows. Color will be more saturated as well. Consider using a reflector, even if it was made from a piece of cardboard, and foil. Try to lightly mist the fruits with a spray bottle, but don't over-do-it. Mix a little sugar, or glycerin, which will make the droplets slightly larger, and more sticky. Try to use fruits that are rougher, like peaches for example, because they will retain droplets longer.

Tip of the Day: Long Exposures with a Timer

If you shoot a lot in the dark, and use a tripod, you really should already have a remote control, or a remote shutter release for your camera. It is essential to make sure that your camera is completely still, when shooting long exposures. Any small vibration, even from pressing the shutter, may cause blur. There is an easy solution to this. Try to use a timer next time you shoot from a tripod. Enable the time and press the shutter. This way, the camera will have time to dissipate the tiny vibrations from you pressing the shutter, and the image will be sharper.

Tip of the Day: Essential Filter for Landscapes

If you like to capture nature, there are a few filters which will turn good images into great images. If you were to only have one filter, a circular polarizer would be it. It is a must, especially when you are shooting skies. A good circular polarizer sqweezes all the beautiful colors out of the skies. At the same time, you can use it to turn water from puddle green to beautiful blue, solid black, or soft aqua. It saturates colors, and increases contrast in vegitation as well. Some polarizers are tinted, and turn any scene from beautiful red to sephire blue. These effects are great, and are very easy to apply with a single, extremely useful filter.

Tip of the Day: Taking Advantage of the Sun

We all enjoy outdoor photography, and there are many reasons for it. First, we are outdoors, we are exploring, we are on an adventure. We are experiencing new places, new scenery, etc. Next time you plan to go out to shoot outside, maximize the use of the sun. If you have a place scouted, get there early, as the morning sun rises quickly, and the beautiful red, yellow, and golden skies disappear very quickly. Don't shoot around noon, because the sun is directly above you, and washes out saturated colors. Wait until later, when the sun is setting. You have approximately 30 minutes to capture beautiful sunset skies.