Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Architectural Photography - Shooting at Twilight Can Add Drama

An architectural photographer can create dramatic images of buildings that perhaps at first glance, do not seem to be all that photographic. Understanding architectural design and then selecting the angles that best portray the building, combined with critical lighting - which is determined by time of day - are all essential components in fine architectural photography. Many buildings can appear much more dramatic when photographed at either dusk or dawn. Outside lighting on the structure, landscape lighting and even the atmosphere of city lights, can separate the building from it's surroundings and create a more visually exciting image than a daytime photograph might be able to do. Another added feature when shooting during this time is that the sky becomes a very deep cobalt blue. Twilight photography is also a good way for the architectural photographer to take control of an undesirable weather condition. If the light during the day isn't optimum due to clouds or if the building faces north and it must be photographed at the time of year when there isn't any north light, photographing at twilight (dusk or dawn) can save the day. It is also a helpful technique when one needs to make a mundane building look more dramatic or to clean up the environment; for instance, if the building has undesirable elements around it, or if the landscaping isn't in yet.
A Hotel or Resort photographer will find this technique especially valuable to convey the atmosphere of the property, especially in heavy tourist areas where there is a "night life" with exotic landscaping, fire pits, lit swimming pools and Jacuzzis. These areas draw thousands of tourists every week and the hotels and resorts in such areas are very competitive. Photographing these properties in twilight will add an element of life and excitement that can give your hospitality client maximum visual impact for their marketing and advertising.
For the architectural photographer whose client is the architect, this technique of photographing at twilight is especially important when the building has a glass curtain wall, enabling one to see the interior from the outside. In this scenario, the interior becomes an important compositional element of the exterior view and it may be a much more dramatic way of showing the architect's complete design. Sometimes the building may have it's own exterior lighting, however, usually I add my own lights to creatively illuminate the exterior of the building in an interesting way which at the same time accentuates it's design.
Architectural twilight photography must be well planned, because the optimum exposure time (when the interior exposure and the exterior exposure fall within an acceptable range) lasts only for 10-15 minutes. Depending on the circumstance, this may have to be done at dawn rather than at dusk; for instance, in a situation where there is heavy traffic or when photographing in a busy city. Shooting at dawn is a bit more inconvenient, because it will require a very early set up - at least an hour before the sunrise. It is also imperative that special arrangements are made with the building engineer in order to make sure that all the building lights, both inside and out, are turned on and that they stay on. New buildings are designed to be energy efficient and I am finding that I frequently need to have someone walking in the building, in and out of offices, in order to activate the motion detectors and keep the lights on.
Dusk photography requires long exposures so a sturdy tripod is absolutely essential for the architectural photographer. If there are people or traffic in the view, one could use the longer exposures in a creative way by intentionally letting the moving cars or people blur. Be careful however, as the client may find the blurring effect to be distracting. Also, if you choose, or if the scenario dictates, that there will be blurred pedestrian or vehicle traffic, one must make sure that the blur adds to the composition in a complementary way and not over-power the visual impact of the building or interior space.
Architectural photography is a highly specialized field and twilight photography can be an effective and useful tool for the Architectural photographer and the Hotel or Resort photographer in making any building more dramatic; especially if it is fairly mundane to start with.

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Create and Send Truly Personal Greeting Cards

Taking the time to select and send a greeting card is something which, in itself, demonstrates an unusual degree of thought and consideration. After all, the spread of electronic communication has created a situation whereby, if you want to get a message to someone virtually anywhere in the world then you can do it in seconds. Sending tweets, emails or text messages is incredibly quick and simple but what this means is that they really aren't suitable for special occasions. The fact that everyone receives numerous messages every single day means that they tend to be taken for granted and, whilst they are useful for transmitting information in a strictly practical sense, they are not really the medium via which to transmit good wishes or emotional messages. Photo greeting cards, on the other hand, are special in their own right, and making sure you select exactly the perfect image will only reinforce this impact.
If you've tried in vain to find just the right card and all but given up on tracking down anything which is a little bit different, then the answer may lie in the field of digital technology. Thanks to the flexibility of the way in which electronic information is stored it is possible to choose your own favorite images and use them as the basis for personalized photo greeting cards. No matter what the occasion, greeting cards such as this will genuinely touch the heart of the recipient. Imagine a grandparent, for example, receiving a birthday card from a much loved grandchild which boasts a favorite photograph of the child on the front, above the legend 'Happy Birthday Gran'. Nothing you could buy in a card shop or stationers could hope to get anywhere near that kind of impact.
Creating greeting cards like this is as simple as printing photographs. Upload the image of choice to the website and use the software to choose the size and shape of the finished card. Add any text and it will be printed using the latest technology and the highest quality materials. The same kind of simple process can be used to create personalized photo albums which, unlike the photo albums of the per digital age will be printed in the form of luxury quality professional standard books. An option such as this is ideal, for example, if you wish to create a wedding album which combines the high standards of the kind a professional photographer would produce with a selection of images which are truly personal and intimate. This is the promise which digital technology offers - a blend of technical excellence and personal input which allows you to create items, mementos and gifts which are stunningly unique.
Whether you use the software to create bespoke photo albums or genuinely personal greeting cards, you'll be creating once in a lifetime items which could only possibly be made by you. Whether you give them as gifts, or keep them for yourself, they'll be treasured for years to come.

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Camera Upgrade or Not

When should you decide to upgrade your camera? We'll actually there is several reasons. If you're a long time compact or point and shoot camera user; you might be looking to upgrade to a digital SLR camera. Compact cameras today are top of the line giving you plenty of mega pixels for their capability and a quality zoom lens. But these types of cameras limit your photographic creativity. This is one good reason to upgrade to an SLR camera; but also this upgrade will broaden your creativity, give you many different choices of lenses, plus many creative tools that compact cameras can't offer.
My first digital SLR was a Canon Rebel and I used it for a long time till the camera exceeded its life expectancy as far as use. So I upgraded to a Canon 50 D which was a terrific upgrade with new features that expanded my skills as a photographer. This upgrade had given me a better frame per second burst and a much larger ISO sensitivity rang. And by staying with the same brand of camera I could use my lenses I purchased for my old camera on my new camera. So when you find technology is far beyond what your current camera will do, you might think about making that upgrade.
Another reason to make that upgrade is if you're freelancing and depending on just one camera to get by with, this could eventually be a problem. Not having a backup camera could leaving you as they say "holding the bag" and could give you much grief with potential customers. I actually bought my second camera about a year after I upgraded because I wanted to have a full frame camera to photograph landscapes. At that time the Canon 5 D Mark II had just been released and it being a full frame camera, having many features that professional cameras of twice its price; made it as good a time as any to make a second upgrade. This gives any photographer a peace of mind when going out on a photography shoot one or both those cameras will do the job.
But when you go to upgrade, don't wait too long and let technology pass you by, because you can always use the current camera for a backup. You also want to look at the cost of switching camera brands if you have several lenses from the previous camera; you don't want to purchase new lenses if it's not necessary. If you're going to spend lots of cash on this new camera you want to make sure it fits comfortably in your hands. Holding a camera that's uncomfortable can make for a long day of shooting photos. But the best reason to make an upgrade is to enhance your ability to create photographic art.
When not to upgrade is if you have a bad case of technology envy because your recent purchase might not have some bell or whistle that just come out after your purchase. Don't get caught up in a bigger; newer digital SLR will make me look more professional, that's determined by the photographs you take. From experience I would wait at least a year or two after my upgrade to take advantage of the newer cameras unless a fantastic deal comes along.

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Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Hand Painted Canvas Photography

Life is full of precious memories, and you may want to have a concrete reminder of your fondest moments with your loved ones. A hand painted canvas portrait is just what you need, so you can always remember the wonderful time you have shared with the important people in your life. With a high quality portrait, you can always bring to life loving memories. You will admire the exquisite appearance and lasting beauty of a high end portrait hung in your room. While this type of photography may be expensive, you will realize that it is worth your investment because of the exemplary quality.
Outstanding Features of Hand Painted Canvas Photography
When you want to capture tender memories in photos, make sure you go for a high-end portrait. Hand painted canvas photography is the best option because of its impressive quality that you will admire for years. It is nothing like a photo taken by an amateur, so you will not be embarrassed to hang it on your wall. In fact, a high quality portrait is much like a work of art crafted meticulously. Only a professional photographer understands how to make every bit of the image seem very much alive. An expert knows how to apply technology, use the right amount of lighting, and create a breathtaking photo. With the quality results you can expect, you will not have any regrets when you hire an expert to work on your family portrait.
Outdoor Photography: The Perfect Choice
You might have seen outdoor photographs before, and the fantastic image has impressed you. Nothing beats the serene and enticing beauty of nature, and having such impressive scenery as your background will enhance the appearance of your portrait. Moreover, outdoor photography is an excellent option because it eliminates the use of artificial light in any studio work. As a result, the portrait will appear elegant, natural, and simply amazing.
Great choices for the background include mountains, rivers, parks, gardens, or lakes. The natural scenery will give the portrait that warm, rich, and traditional feel. In addition, the tranquil surrounding will have a positive effect on your mood. You will feel more relaxed and comfortable to flash that lovely smile.
Search for an Expert in Hand Painted Canvas Photography
Some people may have second thoughts about hiring a professional who has expertise in outdoor photography. They may have worked with a photographer who failed to meet their expectations. However, it is important to check the professional's credentials and seek recommendations from reliable people before you decide to work with a particular photographer.
Consider hiring an experienced professional with a remarkable reputation with other clients. While the rates may be quite higher than what the average photographers offer, you can be sure that the amount you pay is worth it. Others may quote you with a cheap price; however, you can never be too sure about the quality of work. Search for a top photographer who can deliver outstanding results that will exceed your high standards.

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Did The Low-Cost Disposable Camera Slow the Digital Camera Disruption Development By 2-Years?

Way back in 1989 a company came up with an ingenious device - the disposable camera. This was just about the time the first digital cameras were being developed, still too costly to afford for the average person. Not that, a full-on 35mm professional photographer's camera wasn't but there just wasn't that much need for digital cameras yet, although as the internet progressed that would certainly change soon enough.
The other day, I was at a wedding and they put one of those throw-away cameras at every table of the reception with the concept that the guests might take their own pictures of family and friends - the concept worked of course - and this is quite common these days at weddings.
Now then, as we were joyfully taking pictures and winding the film for the next picture, it occurred to me that someone should develop a disposable digital camera. No, it's too late to invent one, they already exist online, and there are several patents for cheaply made digital throw-away cameras, sorry about that to my fellow inventors and readers.
One question I had considered was; did the advent of these ultra-low cost disposable cameras in the late 80s slow down the future development and consumer demand for the digital camera? Did it give the film processors extra years of life and prolong the eventual fall of Kodak or Fuji's film sales business, which were unable to make the transition fast enough? Today, Fuji only has less than 1% of its sales coming from the sale of camera film, and Kodak is in a world of hurt.
Franchising companies of film processing and even Walmart's in-store film processing booths are all but gone now. It was a good run, but digital cameras have completely changed the game and today, everyone has a smart phone with a digital camera inside, so there isn't much need for the old style cameras or even disposable cameras these days.
Perhaps, when we see extremely low cost personal tech hit the scene, we ought to realize that the industry sector is approaching survival mode, and disruptive technology may be right around the corner. This could be one sign that change is coming, and the industry must adapt, or die as they say.
It is interesting that in the year 2012 that anyone is still selling even disposable cameras, I just wonder where they will go to get that film developed or if it will indeed all be digitized anyway, as there are services which do that too. Please consider all this and think on it.

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Essential Blue Screen Techniques That Can Help You Create Convincing Photographs

Even though the Chroma key technology has been in use since the mid of the 1990s, the fundamentals of using the green and blue screen kit still scares many photographers. People, who are not involved in this form of photography, often find it very difficult to get good results. The truth however, is that Chroma key techniques are as simple as any other technique that is useful for an amateur. Here are some important guidelines that will maximize your Chroma keying efforts.
Visualize your end:
The best way to start your blue screen shoot is to visualize what you want at the end. Think what background you will use after removing the blue backdrops. This will help you to adjust your lighting as well as your camera settings. If you are planning a picture that will show your subject walking on the ramp or on a sunny beach, make sure you give your subject a bright golden look. If you want your subject inside a museum, give a slightly darker look to him/her. The better you visualize and plan your event, the easier will it be for you edit the pictures. Moreover, it will also help you to get cohesive results.
Un-sharpen the camera:
Keep your camera in the dull mode to get a cleaner shot. A sharpened footage will compress the inputs, thereby producing a slightly jagged or bit mapped picture.
Light your background as well as foreground separately:
Make sure that your blue screen backgrounds and the subject are evenly lit. If you are taking a full shot, light the floor as well. Use two different lights to illuminate the subject as well as the background. The better the separation, the lesser will be your post-production headaches.
Position your subject significantly away from the background
I have seen many photographers struggling with the issue of color spill and spending hours for editing a simple photograph. Color spill/color cast is not a very big issue and can be simply handled by making your subject stand away from the backdrop. The minimum recommended distance is 6 to 10 feet.
Don't trust the light meters
They don't work effectively for a blue screen shoot and therefore, you must use a Vectorscope to identify the hot spots. For getting accurate results, you must physically analyze how your subject will be visible in your photographs.
If you follow the exact principles of Chroma key photography, making convincing photos will be as simple as a cakewalk for you.

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Monday, 15 October 2012

How To Watermark An Image

As a photographer how do you protect your photos? One of the best ways is to watermark your photo. In this article I will be discussing how to watermark your photos in Photoshop CS3. By learning how to add a watermark to your photos will give you better protection from intellectual copyright theft. You can can begin by placing a copyright symbol on your photos but let's examine the more common watermarking method; your name. Let's take a look at how to put a text watermark on your photo.
Doing photography is a wonderful artistic pursuit. It provides us with an artistic outlet to express out creativity. It can provide years and years of fun and learning. I found this myself. I experienced a lot of fun and decided to start sharing my photos online. It was great until someone had ripped my photo off a webpage and used it on their web page.
This action of downloading, copying and reproducing others photos is an illegal act and one that is punishable in a court of law. Yes, that's right, it is very punishable by law. This is great news for photographers; professional or otherwise.
How can we protect our photos from being stolen? The fact is you can't have absolute certainty. You can, however, do everything to protect yourself. There are three options you have available to you.
The first is to never place any photos online. If you use social media and do photography on a regular basis, this might be an unrealistic option.
The second option you have available to you is to place your photos on a website and right-click-disable the photo. What this means is that anytime someone right clicks on your photo with the intention of downloading it, they can't. The right click function does not work on the page and they can't proceed. That is the best option I find.
The third option you have is to put a watermark on your photos. This is a universal option. This means that no matter where you have your photo it will have a digital watermark on it and limit the chance of your photo being stolen.
So let's look at how to watermark your images in Photoshop. Let's look at the text option first.
1. First, open your photo in Photoshop.
2. Click on the "T" tool to the left hand side panel.
3. Place the cursor inside the area of the photo where you want to display your name.
4. To increase font, change font colour and style, change these things on the top menu bar
5. To move the text box around, click anywhere in the photo and wait for the curser to change to an arrow. You will be able to pick up the box and move it.
6. Once you have changed the size, positioned the box where you want it, then simply click on the curser tool to the top left hand side of the panel.
Watermarking photographs is very important because they are your intellectual property. They represent your abilities and your work.
Happy shooting!

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Sunday, 14 October 2012

New And Advanced Features Of Digital Cameras

People continue to look for advanced features in digital cameras. Many have been looking for the wireless capability and better zoom feature.
Fortunately, manufacturers are continuously listening to what their consumers want and are making a constant effort to come up with better cameras for consumers to enjoy their photography experience. Today, there are newer models that have these advanced features you've long wanted to have.
An example is Samsung WB850F which has both the WI-fi capability and superzoom. With wireless technology, any user can quickly upload his photos and videos to various social networking sites including Facebook and YouTube as well as to photo sharing sites such as Picasa.
Apart from sharing images online, this camera has a TV Link. This added feature allows a user to display his photos in a wireless manner on an DLNA-enabled high definition TV (HDTV).
It also has a GPS capability which can be used to tag photos. This also allows camera owners to download maps onto their device. What this means is you can then use your camera to show a map while you're on the road.
Zoom-wise, this model which is only 1.4 inches thick features a 21x optical zoom. Another unique feature worth mentioning here is the fact that this Samsung camera can actually be paired with a smartphone in order to control the zoom. So if you're shooting a self-portrait, for instance, you can do this step to control the zoom from your smart phone.
Another Samsung camera model allows people to zoom their unit in a different manner. When using the MV900F subcompact model, a user can control the unit's 5x optical zoom lens and its shutter button even if you're away from the gadget. What you have to do is just move your hand to control it. This feature is called Gesture Shot as the camera keeps track of your hand movement. It works in the same way as the face detection technology.
To be able to use this feature, first position your camera either on a flat surface or a tripod and stand in front of the lens. Next, flip up the display so that you can see your image.
To control the lens, you can move your hand in a circular motion twice. Do this as if you're cleaning a window in a circular motion. For zooming in, do the movement in a clockwise manner and to zoom out, do a counterclockwise motion. Once you're ready, you can also engage the self timer by doing a movement as if you're pushing down your palm twice. If in case you don't want to include yourself in the photo, you can always exit the frame up to three seconds.
This Samsung unit also has WI-fi capability and can capture high definition videos. It will be on the market later this month.
These are some of the latest features you can look for today in a digital camera. They're most Ideal for the savvy consumers who have a great interest in getting top quality photos and videos they can share with friends and family on the internet.

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How to Choose The Best Family Photographer

Family photos are extremely important to have for any family. Not only do these capture images of all members in the family, they also show everyone together. There are a lot of photography options out there and it's not always easy to know what to look for. There are a few tips you should know if you want the best portraits possible. These will be pictures you can feel proud to hang in your home and send to your other family members.
Where should the pictures to be taken?
When you are looking for a photographer, it's important to know what style of pictures they take. While studio photos can turn out looking nice, they aren't nearly as beautiful as those that are taken outside. Not only will these have an authentic background that hasn't been added in through the computer, the lighting can bring out the best features for everyone.
A photographer that specializes in outdoor photography will know how to handle all lighting situations and find the best backdrops for truly unforgettable photos. You can take pictures outside in a grassy field, in front of a mountain range, or anywhere else you desire. There are a lot of beautiful areas that make for gorgeous photos with the family. These shots will also capture the true beauty of where you and your family live together.
How much should you spend?
While sometimes it's great to save money on cheap options, this isn't the case when it comes to photography for family photos. Hiring a higher end photographer will ensure you get the results you are looking for. They can make sure the pictures turn out beautifully the first time around, not after a bunch of different shots. This will also prevent you from having to go around to several different photographers until finding one who does a great job.
Professional photographers charge more money because they have the professional tools, experience and knowledge that is absolutely necessary to take pictures that look amazing. These pictures are going to be things you look back on in the future and show to your friends and family. Bad family portraits can end up making everyone feel very insecure about themselves. A high-end photographer will make sure situations like that do not happen. They will create photos that will make for long-lasting memories.
When you are preserving a special time in the history of your family, you should be making sure it's just how you want it. Professional photographers will do everything they can to accommodate to your needs during the process. They will make the pictures turn out like pieces of art so that you can appreciate the photos years into the future.
What are the benefits of choosing a great photographer?
When you hire a high-end photographer who knows what they are doing with outdoor photos, you will get pictures you can preserve forever. These can be passed down for generations by your children. They can also be proudly hung in your home for everyone to see. The pictures will capture a special moment in the timeline of your family. People will change, but the family photo will be forever.

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