Amateur Wedding Photographers

Since I have been surfing the net over the past few years, I have come across many, many photography sites, some excellent and some appalling. The danger is that when a "photographer" with a new website, is simply someone having just taken up the hobby, bought an overly expensive camera and maybe stumbled across a good photo or two! Then they learn how to do one or two tricks with an editing program like Photoshop and "hey presto" they are a professional photographer.

I don't want to put anyone off this fantastic hobby, but it is important to establish the credibility of the person giving the advice, ESPECIALLY when it comes to wedding photography.

I have read advice from people on the net that really wouldn't pass muster as a wedding photographer, as not once did I see the words professional or professionalism. Anyone can click away with a digital camera at a wedding, but to do it right, in order, with all the required photographs being taken efficiently and professionally takes experience.

My first piece of advice would be to advertise and put yourself out there as an inexperienced photographer looking to learn and take up wedding photography, that needs practice.

Approach a professional wedding photographer and ask if you can tag along at a wedding firstly WITHOUT your camera, and assist him (for nothing, although he may throw you a few £´s at the end). The next time ask if you can take a few reportage or candid shots as long as under no circumstances do you get in the way of the photographer OR the proceedings!

Read the full wedding photographer article by Nick Stubbs.

Aerial Photography with RC Airplanes

Have you thought about taking aerial photos of your home, business or family event? Now the technology exists to make this easier, safer and cheaper than ever before. Digital cameras can be mounted on slow-flying remote controlled electric planes. The shutter is triggered from the rc transmitter on the ground.

Aerial Photography has many interesting uses. Several of these are related to real estate: raw land or improved structures on the land. Examples include but are not limited to: Properties for Sale, Construction Progression, Agriculture / Farming /Ranching, Advertising, Special Events, Mapping of Disaster Sites, and Archaeological Overviews.

Using radio control aircraft for aerial photography (AP) has certain advantages compared to traditional aerial photography. It is definitely cheaper than using full-size aircraft. The rc plane can fly at lower altitudes, which is good for avoiding haze and gives unique angles on the subject. The planes are often quiet electric powered models and so do not disturb property occupants. And the photo session does not require a nearby airfield.

Read the full aerial photography article by Andre McFayden.

A Closer Look at Image Resolution

Image resolution refers to the size your image appears on a computer monitor rather than the physical dimensions an image will print. The pixel dimensions of an image identify the resolution. Many digital cameras let us change image resolution. So, before we take a picture, we must determine the quality of an image first by using the highest quality setting available on the camera. Therefore, set your camera for the best image quality if you want to obtain high quality photos.

According to the article “Image Quality – An Explanation” by Julian Foster which was posted at www3.teleplex.net, a truly high-resolution digital photo can be anywhere from 12MB (for a 4-by-5-inch image) to 70MB (for a two-page-spread photo). The CD ROM photo collections currently on the market have files ranging in size from 500K-22MB. He added that image resolution, the amount of information in a digital file, is measured in dots per inch. Screen frequency, the density of the lines of dots used to print a continuous-tone photograph, is measured in lines per inch. Newspapers typically use a coarse line screen of 85 lpi; in-house publications, 100 to 120 lpi; and glossy magazines & good quality offset lithography, 133 to 155 lpi.

Proper resolution is truly important for good printing. And to achieve this, you must always remember some rules that include the following: the text must be 400dpi at the final size in the layout; the images must be 300dpi at the final size in the layout; the dimensions of the resolution and size are inversely proportional to each other so, if you enlarge an image, you lower its resolution and if you reduce an image, you increase its resolution; how an image is originally acquired will determine its resolution and thus, the size it can print at for clear and crisp printing; and low resolution images print with jagged edges and appear fuzzy.

Read the full image resolution article by Nashville.

Buying a new digital camera

I feel, after visiting so many websites and reading so much advice, and also by frequently visiting photography forums, that I have to speak on this subject.

For the majority of the buying public, there are 2 categories that we fall into when getting started or upgrading in digital photography, the "Absolute Beginner" or the "Amateur" (or serious amateur sometimes labelled as semi pro).

Now for the beginner, or someone getting started in photography itself (not just digital), the choice of cameras nowadays is quite overwhelming! Everywhere you look there are cameras, not just in camera shops like the good old days. You even get given a cheap digital camera as a gift for buying something else in some places. There are reasonably powerful digital cameras in the more expensive mobile phones now and they come in all shapes and sizes.

So where do you possibly start and how do you make that choice for buying a camera for yourself or someone else. Really it is quite simple and there are 3 criteria you should look at:

1.Quality - If you want the camera to last at least a few years and not get bothered by a bit of bashing about, go for quality. A titanium body, not plastic, something that is fairly heavy and robust in your hands, you can feel quality!

Read the full digital camera article by Nick Stubbs.

Top of the Line Digital Cameras

If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only, then you obviously haven't heard about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras. SLR is a type of camera which has one lens for composing the frame and capturing the image. SLR cameras are also known as TTL (through-the-lens) cameras.

An SLR camera displays an image through the viewfinder that is exactly the same image as the camera sees and is exactly the same image that the camera is going to record when you release the shutter.

An SLR camera provides a much more accurate image through the viewfinder than a digital camera produces on its LCD because the LCD does not faithfully reproduce the colors and light intensity that is actually entering the camera.

The top of the line SLR digital cameras rival the best film-based SLR cameras and are designed for serious hobbyists and professional photographers. Digital SLR cameras are much larger, bulkier, and heavier than traditional digital cameras.

The SLR uses a mirror that is located behind the lens as well as an optical device known as a pentaprism to channel the light that enters the camera's lens to the optical finder. When you release the shutter the mirror moves out of the way and the image is captured in the same way as any digital camera.

Read the full digital camera article by Warren Lynch.

Traveling to Europe with your digital camera?

The Vacation Season is fast approaching and naturally you will be taking your digital camera along for the journey. After all your vacations are far and few between and it is nice to look back on those memories as you slave away at your job. However, when you travel with a digital camera, it is a completely different experience from that of traveling with a film camera. This is a lesson that far too many travelers seem to be learning the hard way, especially if you’re traveling to Europe. After a couples years of relying mostly on digital for taking photos when I travel, there are things you should consider before you head off on your next trip.

Charging Batteries is one of the biggest stumbling blocks you'll face when you travel. Outlets can be scarce in hotels. On a recent trip to Europe, only one of the five modern hotels I stayed in had more than one outlet available for use when charging up electronics. Charging your battery can be more of a hassle if you're traveling by train: If you take an overnight train in Europe, they don't have power adapters at the seats (certain trains do, but it's not something you can count on). I suggest bringing at least two rechargeable batteries, three if you plan to travel with overnight trains, or don't think you'll be able to charge every night. If your camera uses regular AA batteries, consider yourself lucky-you'll find those everywhere. Scope out the situation in your room when you check in: You should get at least one usable outlet, but don't count on more than that.

Bring your plugs. Some digital cameras typically come with a power brick that can handle international voltages, so you won't need a voltage adapter. However, you will need a power plug adapter to convert a US outlet plug to the local plug. Most of Europe is on the same outlet now-but not all countries accept the general "Europe" plug. Be sure to research what you'll need to jack in, and try to buy it before you leave (try CompUSA, Radio Shack, Rand McNally, or your local luggage store). If you don't have a chance to get what you need Stateside, don't fret: You should have no trouble finding an outlet converter overseas.

Read the full digital camera article by Doug Rogers.

Top 10 Ultracompact Digital Cameras

If you’re looking for an ultracompact digital camera, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that many of these models offer great picture quality and excellent optics. A good ultracompact digital camera is not only lightweight and stylish to carry around, it should also have the ability to take great pictures.

I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 ultracompact digital cameras that are market favorites right now to help you do your research. These cameras offer the best combination of features and value in a small, lightweight package.

Sony CyberShot DSC-W1
The Sony CyberShot DSC-W1 is selling like hotcakes out there. It has a 5.1 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a huge 2.5 inch LCD. Throw in support for optional lenses and great manual options, and we have a winner.

Canon PowerShot A95
Oh no, not another Canon model! Well, the fact is, Canon does manufacture great ultracompact cameras. The Canon PowerShot A95 is very new on the market and offers 5 megapixel resolution, along with a 3x optical zoom. While it’s a great choice for beginners, it also has good features for more-experienced users. Highly recommended.

Read the full digital camera article by Gary Hendricks.

Beach Vacation Photo Tips – Make Your Vacation AND Photos Memorable

Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take plenty of photographs. Once you're home and you view or print them out; are you ecstatic, bored, or disappointed? Be honest, now!

Does this sound familiar… You arrive at your destination, check the place out, and quickly change to go to the beach. Happily, you've remembered to take your sun block, nose plugs, and bathing suit. Maybe you remembered your camera, maybe you didn't.

Going on a family beach vacation brings up contradicting desires. On the one hand, you want everyone to have a wonderful, fun, relaxing, memorable vacation. On the other hand, most people don't want to do what's required to preserve the memories.

We will show you how to have the best of both worlds. By providing photography tips, you can capture outstanding beach vacation pictures, enjoy taking the photos, and ensure that when you look at the photos at home, you won't be thinking: "Was this OUR vacation!?!"

Read the full beach vacation photo article by Robert Bezman.