Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
8 Tips For Better Digital Photos
Whether you consider yourself an amateur photographer, or you just want to create better family photos, there are many things you can do to get better photos. Here are some easy tips to use the next time you head out with your digital camera.
Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.
Be Prepared
Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you'll need into one place. A camera bag is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in wet weather.
Hold your Camera Steady
Blurry photos are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.
So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot.
Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your cameras viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.
Once you're all set, gently press the shutter release in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.
Get Closer
One difference in snapshots and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you're shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You'll like the results.
Take more Pictures
Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don't like, and only print the winners - so don't hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.
Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you'll get a few shots that will really thrill you.
Vary the Lighting
Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don't have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you'll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.
Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.
Eliminate Red-Eye
Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subjects eye and reflecting back. You'll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn't as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don't absolutely have to.
Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn't directed back at your camera lens.
If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.
Go for Candid
Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.
It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.
Create a Scene
Putting your subject in the centre of a photo is just boring. You'll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off centre when you frame the shot.
This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact centre of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.
Anybody can practice these techniques. They're easy and you'll get better, more professional photos.
Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.
Be Prepared
Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you'll need into one place. A camera bag is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in wet weather.
Hold your Camera Steady
Blurry photos are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.
So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot.
Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your cameras viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.
Once you're all set, gently press the shutter release in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.
Get Closer
One difference in snapshots and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you're shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You'll like the results.
Take more Pictures
Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don't like, and only print the winners - so don't hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.
Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you'll get a few shots that will really thrill you.
Vary the Lighting
Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don't have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you'll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.
Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.
Eliminate Red-Eye
Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subjects eye and reflecting back. You'll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn't as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don't absolutely have to.
Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn't directed back at your camera lens.
If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.
Go for Candid
Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.
It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.
Create a Scene
Putting your subject in the centre of a photo is just boring. You'll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off centre when you frame the shot.
This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact centre of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.
Anybody can practice these techniques. They're easy and you'll get better, more professional photos.
Digital Photography Jobs – What You Should Know
Photography is a vast field that many people are interested in getting into–whether for leisure purposes such as a hobby or for a serious job like most professional photographers get into. And why not, photography is the ultimate expression of oneself that can be taken as an art. Even more, it can be made into a profitable business and a rewarding career.There are two types of photographs that can be captured in photography–one is a captured through film and the other and more recent development in photography is captured through a digital media such as a memory card. the pictures that are captured through film, a good amount of skills is necessary because aside from point and shoot, the ability to produce prints from films is a very tedious process to do.
It is a good thing that digital photography has been introduced in the society. With digital photography, it is very easy to capture images and delete them in instances where one finds the shot unacceptable. One good thing about a digital camera is that you can easily manipulate how a photograph will look through the use of photo manipulation software.Digital photography has been very popular in the current society because of the ease and flexibility that this type of work gives the photographer. For the ordinary, picture-admiring public, it gives them delight as the pictures are masterfully rendered and manipulated that a seemingly simple object or moment becomes extraordinary.Because of the popularity, many people are becoming interested in finding digital photography jobs. However, it is not in an instant that one can take a job like this. For an individual to succeed as a photographer, he must learn some additional skills regarding the creative and technical aspects of photography.Qualification wise, there are several trainings and programs that one can get into to further enhance his skills in photography. Having a unique style is something that will set one apart from the others, therefore exhibiting one will be very helpful when applying to digital photography jobs field of photography will always have something for everyone, which is one major reason why it continues to be appealing to many people. In photography, one’s interest is taken into context and is developed through the many exposures that one can get on the job.
The rewards of digital photography jobs go beyond the usual advantage of getting paid for doing something you love since it can even make one earn a decent living. The salaries of being a professional and well-known photographer can reach up to six figures in many instances. If you come to think of it, it really does pay well to become a photographer. Indeed, it is very ideal to get paid for something you find your interest in since it makes the job all the more easier. Some will even consider it not as a job but as a commitment.
Terry Edwards -
About the Author:You can find out more about http://www.DigiCamCashReview.com
Photography is a vast field that many people are interested in getting into–whether for leisure purposes such as a hobby or for a serious job like most professional photographers get into. And why not, photography is the ultimate expression of oneself that can be taken as an art. Even more, it can be made into a profitable business and a rewarding career.
There are two types of photographs that can be captured in photography–one is a captured through film and the other and more recent development in photography is captured through a digital media such as a memory card. the pictures that are captured through film, a good amount of skills is necessary because aside from point and shoot, the ability to produce prints from films is a very tedious process to do.It is a good thing that digital photography has been introduced in the society. With digital photography, it is very easy to capture images and delete them in instances where one finds the shot unacceptable. One good thing about a digital camera is that you can easily manipulate how a photograph will look through the use of photo manipulation software.
Digital photography has been very popular in the current society because of the ease and flexibility that this type of work gives the photographer. For the ordinary, picture-admiring public, it gives them delight as the pictures are masterfully rendered and manipulated that a seemingly simple object or moment becomes extraordinary.
Because of the popularity, many people are becoming interested in finding digital photography jobs. However, it is not in an instant that one can take a job like this. For an individual to succeed as a photographer, he must learn some additional skills regarding the creative and technical aspects of photography.
Qualification wise, there are several trainings and programs that one can get into to further enhance his skills in photography. Having a unique style is something that will set one apart from the others, therefore exhibiting one will be very helpful when applying to digital photography jobs field of photography will always have something for everyone, which is one major reason why it continues to be appealing to many people. In photography, one’s interest is taken into context and is developed through the many exposures that one can get on the job.The rewards of digital photography jobs go beyond the usual advantage of getting paid for doing something you love since it can even make one earn a decent living. The salaries of being a professional and well-known photographer can reach up to six figures in many instances. If you come to think of it, it really does pay well to become a photographer. Indeed, it is very ideal to get paid for something you find your interest in since it makes the job all the more easier. Some will even consider it not as a job but as a commitment.
Terry Edwards -
You can find out more about http://www.DigiCamCashReview.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Adobe Photoshop: A Must Have Software for Photographers
As a professional photographer, you know that you need to take great and flawless photos of your subjects. If you donít, then you donít really deserve to be called a professional photographer and you won't profit from this kind of job as no one would want a photograph that was taken by an amateur. However, we have to admit the fact that not everyone is perfect. Even if you are a very good photographer, you are bound to make mistakes and take bad pictures.
This is why you will need Adobe Photoshop (CS..2,3,4,5). So, what is Adobe Photoshop?
First of all, you need to remember that most professional photographers today use digital cameras. I say most, because there are still a few hold outs. Film cameras are a thing of the past and digital cameras are a lot easier to use and provides better quality photographs. So, I am assuming you are already using a digital camera, and you will see that Adobe Photoshop will be able to help you a lot on your job as a professional photographer.
This is basically "the" image editing and enhancing software program that will allow you to edit and enhance the photos you take and upload from your digital camera to the computer. For example, you have to remember that no one likes the red-eye phenomenon on their photos. If you have been hired to take a picture of a kid's birthday party and you saw that the seemingly great pictures you took resulted in a red-eye phenomenon on most of the subjects, the people who hired you will not really be satisfied because of it.
Even if you are using the latest professional grade digital camera with red-eye reduction, the red-eye phenomenon will still happen whether you like it or not. With Adobe Photoshop, this is no longer a problem as it will have the red-eye detection tool which will detect the red-eye on the photos you take and get rid of it. The result is a natural looking photograph without the red-eye on the subjects.
Also, you have to remember that there are times where you will be faced with a bad lighting condition. No matter how many times you adjust your digital camera, you will still have to deal with the bad lighting condition which will ruin any photograph. Adobe Photoshop has tools that will help you deal with lighting and colour. With the adjust brightness and contrast, adjust colour intensity, and hue adjustment tools, you will be able to make dark photos in to something that looks like it was taken in the best possible environment.
As a professional photographer, you will sometimes take headshots. For this kind of job, Adobe Photoshop will make your subjects look more handsome and beautiful. How? Well, Adobe Photoshop has tools that will help enhance the skin or the face of your subject. You can remove pimples, and other imperfections from the subject's face. And, you can even make someone old look a little bit younger.
If your subject is very pale, you can add some colour on their cheeks and make them look as if they have those healthy rosy cheeks. In fact, Adobe Photoshop even has some tools that will make an obese person look as if they were a model of Victoria's Secret and vice versa. This is how powerful Adobe Photoshop is.
So, if you are a professional photographer and you are looking for a way to edit your photos to make it look flawless, then you will need Adobe Photoshop.
This is why you will need Adobe Photoshop (CS..2,3,4,5). So, what is Adobe Photoshop?
First of all, you need to remember that most professional photographers today use digital cameras. I say most, because there are still a few hold outs. Film cameras are a thing of the past and digital cameras are a lot easier to use and provides better quality photographs. So, I am assuming you are already using a digital camera, and you will see that Adobe Photoshop will be able to help you a lot on your job as a professional photographer.
This is basically "the" image editing and enhancing software program that will allow you to edit and enhance the photos you take and upload from your digital camera to the computer. For example, you have to remember that no one likes the red-eye phenomenon on their photos. If you have been hired to take a picture of a kid's birthday party and you saw that the seemingly great pictures you took resulted in a red-eye phenomenon on most of the subjects, the people who hired you will not really be satisfied because of it.
Even if you are using the latest professional grade digital camera with red-eye reduction, the red-eye phenomenon will still happen whether you like it or not. With Adobe Photoshop, this is no longer a problem as it will have the red-eye detection tool which will detect the red-eye on the photos you take and get rid of it. The result is a natural looking photograph without the red-eye on the subjects.
Also, you have to remember that there are times where you will be faced with a bad lighting condition. No matter how many times you adjust your digital camera, you will still have to deal with the bad lighting condition which will ruin any photograph. Adobe Photoshop has tools that will help you deal with lighting and colour. With the adjust brightness and contrast, adjust colour intensity, and hue adjustment tools, you will be able to make dark photos in to something that looks like it was taken in the best possible environment.
As a professional photographer, you will sometimes take headshots. For this kind of job, Adobe Photoshop will make your subjects look more handsome and beautiful. How? Well, Adobe Photoshop has tools that will help enhance the skin or the face of your subject. You can remove pimples, and other imperfections from the subject's face. And, you can even make someone old look a little bit younger.
If your subject is very pale, you can add some colour on their cheeks and make them look as if they have those healthy rosy cheeks. In fact, Adobe Photoshop even has some tools that will make an obese person look as if they were a model of Victoria's Secret and vice versa. This is how powerful Adobe Photoshop is.
So, if you are a professional photographer and you are looking for a way to edit your photos to make it look flawless, then you will need Adobe Photoshop.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Red Eye and Your Digital Camera
You’ve seen the dreaded demon-eye effect that occurs when the camera flash bounces off the eye of a person or pet that you are photographing. An otherwise wonderful picture can be ruined by these retinal reflections. Technically, this is called red-eye and is caused when the pupil of your subject’s eye is wide open and the light from the camera’s flash reflects off the subjects retina. In people, the colour ends up red; in pets, the colour is often green.
Many photo editing programs include a red-eye correction filter, but this may not allow your photograph subject to appear “normal. These filters also don't always work on the green effect produced in a pet’s eyes. Photo stores sell pens that are used to clear up red-eye, but again they are not always natural-looking and do not work on the green. The best thing is to prevent the demon-eye effect from the start.
It is rare to find a digital camera that does not come with a red-eye reduction feature. This feature can be turned on or off. It is best left
"on" in all circumstances other than direct sunlight. The red-eye reduction feature works by flashing a short burst of light at your subject before you snap the picture. This burst of light causes the subject’s pupil to close and makes it less likely for the camera’s flash to reflect off the retina. This in turn reduces the chance of red-eye.
It also helps to direct the flash of your camera so it does not directly hit your subject’s eyes. Bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or other object will soften its effect and reduce the chances of this unwanted malady. Between bouncing the flash and using your digital camera’s red-eye reduction feature, your little angel, whether human or animal, will have eyes that don’t glow.
If you are using the bounce effect, it can be achieved in several ways. With a digital SLR camera and mounted flash, the flash can generally swivel to allow you to obtain the bounce effect. Another option with digital SLR's is removing the flash from your camera and handholding it. This would of course require wireless capabilities (you can view these options on-line or await my publication of wireless options in the future)
If you have a point and shoot digital camera, I would suggest a piece of white bristol board. Held in front of the flash at an angle, you will be abe to bounce the flash off of the ceiling and reduce any potential red eye effect. You may want to test a couple of shots to ensure that you are not blocking the lens or blocking the light entirely.
Good luck...getting the red out!
Many photo editing programs include a red-eye correction filter, but this may not allow your photograph subject to appear “normal. These filters also don't always work on the green effect produced in a pet’s eyes. Photo stores sell pens that are used to clear up red-eye, but again they are not always natural-looking and do not work on the green. The best thing is to prevent the demon-eye effect from the start.
It is rare to find a digital camera that does not come with a red-eye reduction feature. This feature can be turned on or off. It is best left
"on" in all circumstances other than direct sunlight. The red-eye reduction feature works by flashing a short burst of light at your subject before you snap the picture. This burst of light causes the subject’s pupil to close and makes it less likely for the camera’s flash to reflect off the retina. This in turn reduces the chance of red-eye.
It also helps to direct the flash of your camera so it does not directly hit your subject’s eyes. Bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or other object will soften its effect and reduce the chances of this unwanted malady. Between bouncing the flash and using your digital camera’s red-eye reduction feature, your little angel, whether human or animal, will have eyes that don’t glow.
If you are using the bounce effect, it can be achieved in several ways. With a digital SLR camera and mounted flash, the flash can generally swivel to allow you to obtain the bounce effect. Another option with digital SLR's is removing the flash from your camera and handholding it. This would of course require wireless capabilities (you can view these options on-line or await my publication of wireless options in the future)
If you have a point and shoot digital camera, I would suggest a piece of white bristol board. Held in front of the flash at an angle, you will be abe to bounce the flash off of the ceiling and reduce any potential red eye effect. You may want to test a couple of shots to ensure that you are not blocking the lens or blocking the light entirely.
Good luck...getting the red out!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Getting Free Photoshop Tutorials
Adobe's Photoshop software is truly a big deal for most people. If you are a photographer or photo enthusiast, it pays to have this program loaded onto your computer in order to manipulate your photographs and present the world with true, quality art! With Photoshop at your fingertips, you can rest assured that you will get to improve those digital images you have taken long before they are printed. The result will be one more reason for you to give away (or sell) those beautiful pictures to clients, customers, family and friends.
Unfortunately, for most,it is not simply enough that you have the Photoshop program installed on your laptop or desktop computer. It is imperative that you have a basic knowledge in Photoshop to allow you to do all of the things that you want to do, as well as add the magical touches you didn't even dream of. With that little piece, my advice is...that it is very important for you to get a Photoshop tutorial.
There are several options available, such as hiring a tutor or enrolling in a program where you can learn basic or advanced Photoshop skills. You can also choose to buy one of the miriad of books that will teach you the aspects of the program. (If books are your preferred method of learning, I would recommend any of the books authored by Scott Kelby. They are easy to read and easy to follow) These are a few of the options that are open to you. All of which can have substantial costs. However, if you are frugal, you may want to follow an even better choice and get a free Photoshop tutorial. During these tutorials you will have the opportunity to develop (or hone) your skill without having to spend the extra money that's in your pocket.
There are a number of ways for you to get a free Photoshop tutorial. Be sure that you take advantage of these options...after all, "a penny saved is a penny earned"! If you can have something for free, make the most out of it.
1) Start by simply asking a friend for help with your Photoshop education
Many people are fortunate enough to have friends and relatives who are skilled in the Photoshop application. If you happen to have a friend of your own, then ask him or her to teach you basic Photoshop. Not only is this is a good way to get the free Photoshop tutorial, but most people who are skilled in Photoshop love to show off their capabilities. And besides, you can even use that extra time of learning as a bonding activity.
2) Try exploring the Photoshop program on your own.
If it happens that you can't access any friends to give the tutorials, you can explore the Photoshop program in a progressive step by step manner. Adobe provides basic tutorials with the installation. You can easily review the options for the basic tutorials. This will explain to you, how certain commands work and when to use them. You can read and review all of the instructions and the step-by-step processes. There are also editions of the Photoshop software that will actually provide tutorials using visuals. You will definitely enjoy viewing how a project is developed.
3) Try downloading trial files online
You can also get free Photoshop tutorials online. There are multiple web sites that will give help for free (like the ones at www.photoshopstar.com or http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_5652_use-adobe-photoshop.html). You can access the tutorial in PDF format or view instructional videos which will allow you to follow each step. You can also browse through the sites to find the discussion on a particular topic (http://www.planetphotoshop.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2 or http://www.flickr.com/groups/photoshopdiscussion/).
4) Never be afriad to ask for assistance online.
Adobe does provide an option for you to get help ( onlinehttp://www.adobe.com/support/photoshop/). However, you may simply find it more amazing to explore the different discussion boards and forums where other Photoshop users converge (as mentioned above). This can be an opportunity to get free Photoshop tutorials from the people who are both novice and expert alike. You can post your question and you can expect the other users to give you the advice you need.
You're not alone. Be sure to take advantage of all of the free Photoshop tutorials and learn the basic skills needed to operate the program. This way,in no time, you will be turning your "nice" images into fabulous works of "art".
Unfortunately, for most,it is not simply enough that you have the Photoshop program installed on your laptop or desktop computer. It is imperative that you have a basic knowledge in Photoshop to allow you to do all of the things that you want to do, as well as add the magical touches you didn't even dream of. With that little piece, my advice is...that it is very important for you to get a Photoshop tutorial.
There are several options available, such as hiring a tutor or enrolling in a program where you can learn basic or advanced Photoshop skills. You can also choose to buy one of the miriad of books that will teach you the aspects of the program. (If books are your preferred method of learning, I would recommend any of the books authored by Scott Kelby. They are easy to read and easy to follow) These are a few of the options that are open to you. All of which can have substantial costs. However, if you are frugal, you may want to follow an even better choice and get a free Photoshop tutorial. During these tutorials you will have the opportunity to develop (or hone) your skill without having to spend the extra money that's in your pocket.
There are a number of ways for you to get a free Photoshop tutorial. Be sure that you take advantage of these options...after all, "a penny saved is a penny earned"! If you can have something for free, make the most out of it.
1) Start by simply asking a friend for help with your Photoshop education
Many people are fortunate enough to have friends and relatives who are skilled in the Photoshop application. If you happen to have a friend of your own, then ask him or her to teach you basic Photoshop. Not only is this is a good way to get the free Photoshop tutorial, but most people who are skilled in Photoshop love to show off their capabilities. And besides, you can even use that extra time of learning as a bonding activity.
2) Try exploring the Photoshop program on your own.
If it happens that you can't access any friends to give the tutorials, you can explore the Photoshop program in a progressive step by step manner. Adobe provides basic tutorials with the installation. You can easily review the options for the basic tutorials. This will explain to you, how certain commands work and when to use them. You can read and review all of the instructions and the step-by-step processes. There are also editions of the Photoshop software that will actually provide tutorials using visuals. You will definitely enjoy viewing how a project is developed.
3) Try downloading trial files online
You can also get free Photoshop tutorials online. There are multiple web sites that will give help for free (like the ones at www.photoshopstar.com or http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_5652_use-adobe-photoshop.html). You can access the tutorial in PDF format or view instructional videos which will allow you to follow each step. You can also browse through the sites to find the discussion on a particular topic (http://www.planetphotoshop.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2 or http://www.flickr.com/groups/photoshopdiscussion/).
4) Never be afriad to ask for assistance online.
Adobe does provide an option for you to get help ( onlinehttp://www.adobe.com/support/photoshop/). However, you may simply find it more amazing to explore the different discussion boards and forums where other Photoshop users converge (as mentioned above). This can be an opportunity to get free Photoshop tutorials from the people who are both novice and expert alike. You can post your question and you can expect the other users to give you the advice you need.
You're not alone. Be sure to take advantage of all of the free Photoshop tutorials and learn the basic skills needed to operate the program. This way,in no time, you will be turning your "nice" images into fabulous works of "art".
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Digital Zoom Versus Optical Zoom
Many point and shoot digital cameras offer both digital and optical zoom. These two often confuse the average camera buyer, until you know what you’re looking at.
Optical zoom works much like the zoom lens on a 35 mm film camera. It changes the length of your camera’s lens and draws the subject closer to you. The optical zoom keeps the quality of the picture. Digital zoom works differently. It simply takes the picture and crops it then enlarges the part that is left. It causes the quality of the photo to be reduced, sometimes greatly.
What this means in terms of output is you may have a larger view of an object with the digital zoom, but chances are your image will become unfocused. Details will become lost. It is actually best to turn off the digital zoom feature of your camera if possible. This will prevent you automatically zooming in too close as the digital zoom is often an extension of the optical.
There are a couple of things you can do if you want a closer view of a subject but want the quality of your picture to still be good. Try moving in closer when you take the picture. Often only a foot or two will do the trick. If this isn’t possible, you can set your camera to take a picture at its largest file size. This will result in a photo that can be cropped to include only your desired subject, yet allow for an image that is still clear.
Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the only destiny of your photo is the internet. Photos online can be a much lower quality in the camera and still appear acceptable when sent through e-mail or posted on a web gallery. If your goal is printing, however, seek a camera that has a greater optical zoom and turn off the digital zoom. Your pictures will be better in the end, even if they are not as close up.
Optical zoom works much like the zoom lens on a 35 mm film camera. It changes the length of your camera’s lens and draws the subject closer to you. The optical zoom keeps the quality of the picture. Digital zoom works differently. It simply takes the picture and crops it then enlarges the part that is left. It causes the quality of the photo to be reduced, sometimes greatly.
What this means in terms of output is you may have a larger view of an object with the digital zoom, but chances are your image will become unfocused. Details will become lost. It is actually best to turn off the digital zoom feature of your camera if possible. This will prevent you automatically zooming in too close as the digital zoom is often an extension of the optical.
There are a couple of things you can do if you want a closer view of a subject but want the quality of your picture to still be good. Try moving in closer when you take the picture. Often only a foot or two will do the trick. If this isn’t possible, you can set your camera to take a picture at its largest file size. This will result in a photo that can be cropped to include only your desired subject, yet allow for an image that is still clear.
Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the only destiny of your photo is the internet. Photos online can be a much lower quality in the camera and still appear acceptable when sent through e-mail or posted on a web gallery. If your goal is printing, however, seek a camera that has a greater optical zoom and turn off the digital zoom. Your pictures will be better in the end, even if they are not as close up.
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