One of the very first things that should be taught while mastering digital SLR photography is to go out and buy a lens filter for each of your lenses. Everyone should have one on their lens, be it a digital or film SLR camera.The best kind of filter to purchase is a UV or Sky filter. Will this make your pictures any better? Maybe, a little. But more importantly what it does do though, is protect the investment you've made on your lens. Once you scratch the surface of your lens - that's it. Time to buy another lens, which can get very pricey. And there is nothing you can do about it. However, if you have a UV filter on your lens, and you scratch the filter, go purchase another one - most for around $10 dollars! It'll be the best $10 insurance you've ever spent on your equipment.
Now beyond that, what other types of lens filters are nice to have in your accessory arsenal? Most photographers will agree that a polarizing filter is always nice to have. Neutral density, or ND, filters are also a great addition to help you achieve certain types of shots in very bright light. Still another type of lens filter, used lots by landscape photographers, is the graduated ND filter. These, in effect, limit the amount of light on half of the shot - for example, when shooting land and sky.
There are also bunches of specialty filters, such as close-up or macro filters (these allow you to zoom in closer for macro photography) and special effect filters. Whereas the macro filters are nice to have, depending upon your camera's image resolution, you may be able to get as close by cropping with your photo software package. As for all the special effect filters, like adding stars and rainbows, or filtering out certain colors, most of this can now be done in your image software package.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Take Better Photographs
Are your pictures uninteresting and badly composed? Are they boring or uninspired? Even if you have a reputation within the household as being the worst at taking photographs by adhering to just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the quality of your snapshots. In this article I'll be telling you the most important points to get right so the next time your let loose with the camera you'll take some really nice photo's which you'll be proud of.
Of all the things that go to making up a good photo light is the absolute most important. If you get the light right then your photo will still look nice even though the composition may be poor. With today's digital cameras getting the light right has become a whole lot easier as most of it is done automatically for you. You should still pay attention to it however and change the angle from which you take photos to gain the most beneficial and flattering light. When taking photos, light should be at the top of your list to get right.
Secondly, take more time to frame your shots. Get out of this habit which tells you to simply point and shoot, instead take just a few extra moments to look at the shot your taking and adjust it so that your background and subject are fitting together with nothing ugly or distracting encroaching upon the frame. Look at the shot as though it were already a developed picture.
Finally, have a point! All photos should have a very clear central subject. Often bad photos are about nothing in particular. They are far too busy with far too many things happening within them. It's better to have decided upon a clear subject or focal point for your picture and concentrating on showcasing it.
Move around to get the most flattering light, take time to compose your shots more carefully, be aware of your background and have a clear subject for every one of your photos. By putting those fundamental points of photography into action you should see a marked difference in the quality of your shots.
Of all the things that go to making up a good photo light is the absolute most important. If you get the light right then your photo will still look nice even though the composition may be poor. With today's digital cameras getting the light right has become a whole lot easier as most of it is done automatically for you. You should still pay attention to it however and change the angle from which you take photos to gain the most beneficial and flattering light. When taking photos, light should be at the top of your list to get right.
Secondly, take more time to frame your shots. Get out of this habit which tells you to simply point and shoot, instead take just a few extra moments to look at the shot your taking and adjust it so that your background and subject are fitting together with nothing ugly or distracting encroaching upon the frame. Look at the shot as though it were already a developed picture.
Finally, have a point! All photos should have a very clear central subject. Often bad photos are about nothing in particular. They are far too busy with far too many things happening within them. It's better to have decided upon a clear subject or focal point for your picture and concentrating on showcasing it.
Move around to get the most flattering light, take time to compose your shots more carefully, be aware of your background and have a clear subject for every one of your photos. By putting those fundamental points of photography into action you should see a marked difference in the quality of your shots.
Avoid Red-Eye in My Photos
Imagine it. After an hour in the mirror, you arrive at the office party looking exceptionally handsome or glamorous. You are so good-looking, in fact, that a coworker scrambles to take your picture. You strike the pose and - SNAP - feeling confident you've taken a great shot. That is, however, until you arrive at the office Monday morning and your coworker shows off the image she took. Suddenly, no one is admiring your chic clothes and perfectly coiffured hair, they're all laughing and calling you "demonic Donna" or "Harold from hell". After seeing your ghoulish image, you slump in your office chair and think, "What causes red-eye anyway?" Well, I'm going to tell you but the answer may surprise you.
What is Red-Eye?
Red-eye is caused when the light leaving the flash unit travels through the eye and hits the back of the retina. Since the retina is filled with blood vessels, a reflection of this blood returns through the pupil and back into the camera as glowing red.
What Causes It?
The simple, scientific reason is that your flash unit is located too close to the camera lens. To ensure its small size, a compact camera's flash window was designed to be located within a inch or two of the lens. Unfortunately, that's a formula for disaster!
How Can I Correct It?
The best answer is to avoid flash altogether by using natural light to expose your photos. This can be accomplished by moving your subjects into daylight outdoors or even indoors using diffused window light. If shooting outdoors, the most soft, flattering light exists near sunset. If you try to shoot outside but it's during hot, daylight hours, move your subjects under an overhang or into the shade. If natural light is not an option and you must use flash indoors, open all window blinds or turn on as many lights as possible. Next, move your subjects closer to the light source. Another suggestion is to move them to any well-lit room nearby. For example, if you're in a dimly-lit, hotel ballroom, move your subjects to the well-lit lobby nearby. Since red-eye worsens with enlarged pupils, the more light that exists, the more it will narrow the pupils and therefore reduce the amount of red being reflected back. This is the science behind your camera's "Red-Eye Reduction" feature that emits small bursts of light to narrow the pupils prior to exposure.
If you're willing to make the investment, purchase a digital SLR with a large accessory flash unit that attaches to a hot shoe on the top of the camera. This design significantly raises the distance of the flash from the lens. However, "pop-up" flashes on digital SLRs remain relatively close to the lens and therefore can still result in red-eye. If any of the above remedies are not feasible, photograph your subjects as close as possible to the camera. Due to the angle of light, it seems the farther away your subjects are from the camera, the worse the red-eye becomes.
Professionals virtually eliminate red-eye by purchasing brackets to mount their camera and flash unit upon. These brackets will place the flash unit significantly higher and away from the lens. After all, it's unprofessional to have red-eye in professional images.
What is Red-Eye?
Red-eye is caused when the light leaving the flash unit travels through the eye and hits the back of the retina. Since the retina is filled with blood vessels, a reflection of this blood returns through the pupil and back into the camera as glowing red.
What Causes It?
The simple, scientific reason is that your flash unit is located too close to the camera lens. To ensure its small size, a compact camera's flash window was designed to be located within a inch or two of the lens. Unfortunately, that's a formula for disaster!
How Can I Correct It?
The best answer is to avoid flash altogether by using natural light to expose your photos. This can be accomplished by moving your subjects into daylight outdoors or even indoors using diffused window light. If shooting outdoors, the most soft, flattering light exists near sunset. If you try to shoot outside but it's during hot, daylight hours, move your subjects under an overhang or into the shade. If natural light is not an option and you must use flash indoors, open all window blinds or turn on as many lights as possible. Next, move your subjects closer to the light source. Another suggestion is to move them to any well-lit room nearby. For example, if you're in a dimly-lit, hotel ballroom, move your subjects to the well-lit lobby nearby. Since red-eye worsens with enlarged pupils, the more light that exists, the more it will narrow the pupils and therefore reduce the amount of red being reflected back. This is the science behind your camera's "Red-Eye Reduction" feature that emits small bursts of light to narrow the pupils prior to exposure.
If you're willing to make the investment, purchase a digital SLR with a large accessory flash unit that attaches to a hot shoe on the top of the camera. This design significantly raises the distance of the flash from the lens. However, "pop-up" flashes on digital SLRs remain relatively close to the lens and therefore can still result in red-eye. If any of the above remedies are not feasible, photograph your subjects as close as possible to the camera. Due to the angle of light, it seems the farther away your subjects are from the camera, the worse the red-eye becomes.
Professionals virtually eliminate red-eye by purchasing brackets to mount their camera and flash unit upon. These brackets will place the flash unit significantly higher and away from the lens. After all, it's unprofessional to have red-eye in professional images.
Landscape Photography Tips
Just like the beautiful, sweeping landscapes painted by artists such as Monet and Hockney, the environment around us can provide a wonderful source of inspiration for photography as well. Landscape photography can be serene, powerful, exciting, or relaxing, among others. Here are six tips to help you capture the landscape photo that you desire.
Play with your focus. Typically, the depth of field, or the area that is in focus, is a narrow band with regular photography. However, if you adjust your hyperfocal distance, you can have photos that are in focus from as close as half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
Pick a foreground. While your main emphasis may be on the mountains far, far away, choosing an interesting foreground can help make your pictures pop. For example, if you want to add extra contrast between the faraway snowy mountains, be sure to capture the lush green grass at your feet as well with a photo taken from ground level.Define your focal point. Because landscapes often take in a large amount of area, make sure you have a definite focal point. Also, because a landscape photo might be all in focus no matter the distance, it is easiest to place this focal point in the middle. You can choose an interesting cloud, a unique rock formation, or a lonely building against a big blue sky.
Work in movement. Nature does not sit still for a photo opportunity. Instead of hoping for one brief moment of stillness, capturing movement is actually a great way to set the mood of the picture. For instance, if you are trying to recreate the rush of a mighty waterfall, consider putting your camera on a longer shutter speed so that the water all flows together in the image.
Try a tripod. Whether you want movement in your picture or utter stillness, a tripod can help you in several ways. First, it can keep your horizon straight rather than letting it accidentally tilt. Also, it can help keep your natural flinches from blurring a photo the wrong way or pulling a finely-focused camera out of alignment.Consider the weather. Of course, if you want a bright picture of, say, the sun reflecting off of a pond, then you must wait for a sunny day. However, changes in weather can actually cast a whole new light on the landscape. Additionally, if you are interested in awe-inspiring sky shots, an upcoming storm can provide show-stopping cloud action.
Play with your focus. Typically, the depth of field, or the area that is in focus, is a narrow band with regular photography. However, if you adjust your hyperfocal distance, you can have photos that are in focus from as close as half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
Pick a foreground. While your main emphasis may be on the mountains far, far away, choosing an interesting foreground can help make your pictures pop. For example, if you want to add extra contrast between the faraway snowy mountains, be sure to capture the lush green grass at your feet as well with a photo taken from ground level.Define your focal point. Because landscapes often take in a large amount of area, make sure you have a definite focal point. Also, because a landscape photo might be all in focus no matter the distance, it is easiest to place this focal point in the middle. You can choose an interesting cloud, a unique rock formation, or a lonely building against a big blue sky.
Work in movement. Nature does not sit still for a photo opportunity. Instead of hoping for one brief moment of stillness, capturing movement is actually a great way to set the mood of the picture. For instance, if you are trying to recreate the rush of a mighty waterfall, consider putting your camera on a longer shutter speed so that the water all flows together in the image.
Try a tripod. Whether you want movement in your picture or utter stillness, a tripod can help you in several ways. First, it can keep your horizon straight rather than letting it accidentally tilt. Also, it can help keep your natural flinches from blurring a photo the wrong way or pulling a finely-focused camera out of alignment.Consider the weather. Of course, if you want a bright picture of, say, the sun reflecting off of a pond, then you must wait for a sunny day. However, changes in weather can actually cast a whole new light on the landscape. Additionally, if you are interested in awe-inspiring sky shots, an upcoming storm can provide show-stopping cloud action.
Usable photography
Usable photography was invented way back in 1816 by Nicephore Niepce. Even though he was not the first man in the history of the world to capture an image, he did capture a photographic image that could last an extended amount of time. Mankind's quest to capture a picture has been around for centuries and continues to evolve. This evolution has led to the widespread production of photos on canvas.
Photos printed on canvas have amazing durability and they are significantly more durable than a typical printed photograph. Canvas is a very durable material that can last for tens or even hundreds of years. Printing photos on canvas is a process that allows a photo to be admired for many years into the future. The lifespan of a photo can vary greatly and really depends on the medium on which it has been printed. Printing photos on canvas ensures that the photo will survive the test of time. On top of this, canvas produces a charming quality as it ages.
Tests are conducted on canvas in photographic laboratories to ensure that it will last a century. Such tests usually involve shining UV lights at the image for an extended period of time. This is done in order to gauge how long it takes for a photo to completely fade. Canvas is a beautiful way for you to preserve your memories for a long time and your photos can remain in prime condition for decades.
With some photos, life expectancy may be an issue. If this is the case having a printed on canvas is a great idea and will assure that the image will last. By doing so, you will reduce the chance of a photo needing restoration in the future. This is a fantastic benefit of photos on canvas as ordinary photos can become wrinkled or possibly even fade away overtime. Photos of your glorious wedding day may be lost forever, but those printed on canvas can maintain their sharpness, contrast and colour depth for years to come. Many photos on canvas can see a good 100 years before needing any restoration.
Unlike ordinary photographs, those printed on canvas do not need to be cared for and stored as well as typical photos for them to last such long periods of time. This can save a lot of energy wasted in the upkeep of your photos over the long-term.
There is also a big difference in the way canvas photos look and feel. Unlike photo paper, canvas has a rough surface which adds a fantastic texture to your photo. This also makes your photo look a lot more like an oil painting rather than a printed photograph. On top of these differences, your photos can also be printed in a variety of sizes and some are able to be printed on very large pieces of canvas.
The best way to ensure that your canvas photos last a century is to keep them away from areas where they may receive a lot of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause your image to fade over time. Water is also an enemy of photographs on canvas, so it is wise to keep your photos in dry areas with low humidity. Keeping the canvas print clean will also help to prevent dust particles permanently adhering to the photo.
Photos printed on canvas have amazing durability and they are significantly more durable than a typical printed photograph. Canvas is a very durable material that can last for tens or even hundreds of years. Printing photos on canvas is a process that allows a photo to be admired for many years into the future. The lifespan of a photo can vary greatly and really depends on the medium on which it has been printed. Printing photos on canvas ensures that the photo will survive the test of time. On top of this, canvas produces a charming quality as it ages.
Tests are conducted on canvas in photographic laboratories to ensure that it will last a century. Such tests usually involve shining UV lights at the image for an extended period of time. This is done in order to gauge how long it takes for a photo to completely fade. Canvas is a beautiful way for you to preserve your memories for a long time and your photos can remain in prime condition for decades.
With some photos, life expectancy may be an issue. If this is the case having a printed on canvas is a great idea and will assure that the image will last. By doing so, you will reduce the chance of a photo needing restoration in the future. This is a fantastic benefit of photos on canvas as ordinary photos can become wrinkled or possibly even fade away overtime. Photos of your glorious wedding day may be lost forever, but those printed on canvas can maintain their sharpness, contrast and colour depth for years to come. Many photos on canvas can see a good 100 years before needing any restoration.
Unlike ordinary photographs, those printed on canvas do not need to be cared for and stored as well as typical photos for them to last such long periods of time. This can save a lot of energy wasted in the upkeep of your photos over the long-term.
There is also a big difference in the way canvas photos look and feel. Unlike photo paper, canvas has a rough surface which adds a fantastic texture to your photo. This also makes your photo look a lot more like an oil painting rather than a printed photograph. On top of these differences, your photos can also be printed in a variety of sizes and some are able to be printed on very large pieces of canvas.
The best way to ensure that your canvas photos last a century is to keep them away from areas where they may receive a lot of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause your image to fade over time. Water is also an enemy of photographs on canvas, so it is wise to keep your photos in dry areas with low humidity. Keeping the canvas print clean will also help to prevent dust particles permanently adhering to the photo.
Animation and Multimedia
In recent days, it is not unusual to see Indian children chatting about mythological stories of Indian culture like Ramayana, Mahabharata and the legendary characters such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and many more. This re-introduction to the Indian culture can be attributed to the enthralling animated movies that have summarized the good old Indian epics for our young generation. And who could forget the ever so famous characters Tom & Jerry, Mowgli, Stuart Little, Popeye, and many more that were brought to life by animation. In this world of animation, inert images are brought to life through diverse tools and techniques.
Animation finds its place in the filming industry and in television but there are several other areas that animation plays a large part in. The biggest scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. Animation hit upon its place in the film and television industry, however there are quite a lot of other areas that animation plays a vital role in. The leading scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. The archetypal roles for people hunting animation as a profession in computers, depending upon their skills, consist of digital film animator, visual artists, graphics designer, senior animator, web artist or web designer.
The essential prerequisites for animation as a career, despite knowing the essentials in computer education, engage an unusual skill and startling versatility in drawing. A person who takes pleasure in drawing and computers can simply make a winning career out of computer animation. Associate degree in Animation normally takes about two years, and most individuals can start working straight away after graduation.Those animators who acquire a higher level of education are typically the ones who are proposed the superior positions as they come available. Salary can vary from employer-to-employer, but many animators are able to set their own working hours and prices for the work they do, if they decide to freelance. Career as an animator will be more than rewarding for a person who is full of creativity and it offers a real sense of fulfillment when you see how much others valued your work.
Animation finds its place in the filming industry and in television but there are several other areas that animation plays a large part in. The biggest scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. Animation hit upon its place in the film and television industry, however there are quite a lot of other areas that animation plays a vital role in. The leading scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. The archetypal roles for people hunting animation as a profession in computers, depending upon their skills, consist of digital film animator, visual artists, graphics designer, senior animator, web artist or web designer.
The essential prerequisites for animation as a career, despite knowing the essentials in computer education, engage an unusual skill and startling versatility in drawing. A person who takes pleasure in drawing and computers can simply make a winning career out of computer animation. Associate degree in Animation normally takes about two years, and most individuals can start working straight away after graduation.Those animators who acquire a higher level of education are typically the ones who are proposed the superior positions as they come available. Salary can vary from employer-to-employer, but many animators are able to set their own working hours and prices for the work they do, if they decide to freelance. Career as an animator will be more than rewarding for a person who is full of creativity and it offers a real sense of fulfillment when you see how much others valued your work.
History of Mickey Mouse
With the continuing demand for Mickey Mouse toys,cartoons and a whole range of Mickey related paraphernalia, it's always good to take a look back at how this phenomenon actually started. Today, we're going to take a look at one of the earliest cartoons, Steamboat Willie.
Released in 1928 it was the 3rd Mickey Mouse Cartoon and the first to feature synchronized sound. Steamboat Willie premiered in New York. it was an instant hit.Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks wrote and directed the film, parodying Steamboat Bill Jr, a Buster Keaton film. The music was put together by Wilfred Jackson who was a Disney animator. Popular songs included 'Steamboat Bill' and 'Turkey in the Straw'.There have been a number of controversies relating to the copyright of the film, although recent evidence suggests that issues relating to the original copyright may in fact, place 'Steamboat Willie' in the public domain. The film is selected for preservation in the United States Film registry and was voted number 13 out of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time.
The film has been subject to the censors scissors in the past. Mickey's pulling of a cat's tail and swinging it around his head caught the censor's eye, as did the using of a goose as a set of bagpipes.
DVD release
Steamboat Willie formed part of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD. it was also released as a DVD title, 'Vintage Mickey' which was a collection of Black and White Mickey Mouse Cartoons.
Video games
With so many Mickey toys and games being developed, it was hardly surprising that Mickey would feature in a video game. 'Steamboat Willie' was used as a the basis for the first level of the video game Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse. This was released for the Super Nintendo games console, but also made it onto the Sega CD and Sony Play stations.
In the Disney game Kingdom Hearts II a 'Steamboat Willie' inspired and themed world feature period versions of the characters.It is pretty amazing that a 1928 cartoon, primitive as it appears now, could have spawned such a market for Mickey Mouse Toys and other items. A search on the web brings forward a vast array of mickey related items. Board games, dressing up sets, earrings, ears, bedding, pajamas, video games, dozens of DVD releases and a whole lot more besides. There is a toy for all occasions. Mickey is never far away and the obsession appears as strong as ever.
Released in 1928 it was the 3rd Mickey Mouse Cartoon and the first to feature synchronized sound. Steamboat Willie premiered in New York. it was an instant hit.Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks wrote and directed the film, parodying Steamboat Bill Jr, a Buster Keaton film. The music was put together by Wilfred Jackson who was a Disney animator. Popular songs included 'Steamboat Bill' and 'Turkey in the Straw'.There have been a number of controversies relating to the copyright of the film, although recent evidence suggests that issues relating to the original copyright may in fact, place 'Steamboat Willie' in the public domain. The film is selected for preservation in the United States Film registry and was voted number 13 out of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time.
The film has been subject to the censors scissors in the past. Mickey's pulling of a cat's tail and swinging it around his head caught the censor's eye, as did the using of a goose as a set of bagpipes.
DVD release
Steamboat Willie formed part of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD. it was also released as a DVD title, 'Vintage Mickey' which was a collection of Black and White Mickey Mouse Cartoons.
Video games
With so many Mickey toys and games being developed, it was hardly surprising that Mickey would feature in a video game. 'Steamboat Willie' was used as a the basis for the first level of the video game Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse. This was released for the Super Nintendo games console, but also made it onto the Sega CD and Sony Play stations.
In the Disney game Kingdom Hearts II a 'Steamboat Willie' inspired and themed world feature period versions of the characters.It is pretty amazing that a 1928 cartoon, primitive as it appears now, could have spawned such a market for Mickey Mouse Toys and other items. A search on the web brings forward a vast array of mickey related items. Board games, dressing up sets, earrings, ears, bedding, pajamas, video games, dozens of DVD releases and a whole lot more besides. There is a toy for all occasions. Mickey is never far away and the obsession appears as strong as ever.
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