free photo hints

Free photo hints

Some people think that a quick way of thinking about photo composition is to consider the following three points...

• What is the subject of the photograph?
• How can I focus attention on the subject?
• How can I simplify the subject?

Simplfy your photos - this page gives a nice explanation of this

Composition Refresher - Composition, like proper technique can make or break an image. Some fantastic examples of how to compose a photo.

Photo tips of the month - this is relating to wildlife photos but interesting for all and of course some great photos. Articles are:
Apr02 - The Story Behind the Picture
Jun01 - Cheating Your Film's Recording Capabilities
Nov99 - My Top 15 Tricks and Gadgets
Nov00 - How To Capture Thanksgiving With Your Camera
(reprinted with persmission from NYIP)
Oct00 - How to Take Great Halloween Pictures
(reprinted with persmission from NYIP)
Sep99 - Desert Gold - Photographing the Fall Colors in Utah's Desert
Jun99 - Getting Published
Mar99 - Moon Photography
Dec98 - Get Started on the Web Updated Jan 2000
Sep98 - Using Hyperfocal Distance to Incease Depth of Field
Jul98 - Reciprocity Explained
May98 - Wildflower Photo Tips (macro tips, filters, composition, etc)
Mar98 - Budget Aerial Photos (getting the shot from the plane window)
Jan98 - Wildlife Photo Basics (composition, etiquette, special equipment, etc)
Nov97 - Get Great Pictures Backpacking in Yellowstone
(packing light, care of your gear, special emphasis on the scenery and wildlife in Yellowstone)
Jul97 - Shooting the Night Sky (getting star trails, moonscapes, etc)

Horse - hints on taking better photos of your horse - this is hints for taking photo of horses for their sale page, but they're interesting tips.

Concert photo hints -

Halloween Photo Hints -

http://betterphotos.cjb.net/ wants to instal some unknown add on - SAY NO

Taking pictures of paddlers...

Some basic ways to improve your own photography

1. Learn how to use your camera properly. Read the instruction manual which comes with it and explore all the features. Learn how to set the flash, how to switch to macro, how to alter the shutter speed and all the other functions cameras have.

2. Practice using your camera. Ensure you have used your camera enough to be familiar with all its settings. This is especially important if you are planning to take important photos with it.

3. Don't be afraid to try different angles and viewpoints. Getting photos which are striking usually means taking something from a different angle to that which you'd normally see it.

4. Get in close. Don't be afraid of taking photos up close of objects.

5. Watch out for odd things which will appear in your photos (Trees, telegraph poles, aerials, sticking up out of people's heads... rubbish and mess on the floor in front. Changing the angle of your photo can remove unwanted bits like this.

6. Be crafty about taking pics of people who don't like having their photo taken. Put the camera on silent, turn flash off and grab a few pics. Sometimes you'll get a lovely relaxed pic of someone when you've not stressed them out.

7. Getting kids to smile for photos - the traditional "say cheese" isn't completely dead, but is sometimes replaced with "say playstation" or "say mcdonalds" ;-)

8. Hold the camera below your eye level (works well with cameras with lcd screens where you can still see what's in the view finder - and talk to the person you're taking pics of. Take several pics and you should be able to get some of them not stressed about being photographed.

9. Experiment looking for ways of framing your photos - getting something close in the foreground. This can be trees, gateposts, if you're outside but inside it can be trickier. You could look for objects such as doorways, arches, of even smaller items if you're clever.

10. Carry your camera all the time. Keep spare batterys in its case and spare memory cards (or films!) with you. take pictures when the mood takes you and be prepared to whip your camera out to grab a shot quickly!