Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital ELPH Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical ZoomThe Canon PowerShot SD600 is my idea of a point-and-shoot digital camera. It is compact, easy to use, and has one of the best image qualities for cameras in its category. If all you need is a digital camera that takes great photos indoors and outdoors without “gimmicky” features, the SD600 is exactly what you are looking for.


Quick Overview
The Canon PowerShot SD600 retains the original classic look conceptualized by Digital ELPH designer Yasushi Shiotani. Beyond its looks, Canon adds cutting edge technology that delivers what discriminating photographers want in a camera. It features a 2.5” LCD screen, 6 Megapixel resolution, and 3x optical zoom with UA lens. You get sharp pictures faster with its DIGIC II, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus).

A total of 16 shooting modes are available, plus you get My Colors in-camera photo effects, which is great for special effects to enhance your shots. Movie clips can be recorded at 30fps in VGA mode.

Canon SD600 Features
What all that technical stuff boils down to is this: the Canon PowerShot SD600 is a stylishly compact and solidly built camera that allows you to take really good pictures not only outdoors in bright sunlight but also indoors and in other low-light situations. Most digital cameras fail at indoor pictures, but not the SD600. In addition, its Auto setting automatically sets faster shutter speed to minimize image blurring.

At 2.5 inches, the LCD screen allows you to compose your shots and review them without eyestrain. The screen also has a wide angle of view, making it easier to share playback with others.

With 16 shooting modes, a bad picture is a thing of the past. The camera’s shooting modes include Auto, Manual, Portrait, Indoor, Underwater, Night Snapshot, Color Swap, Kids and Pets, Sepia, Black and White, Stitch Assist, and more. You can even apply My Colors photo effects before and after taking pictures. This allows you to customize your images even without a computer. Color Swap and Color Accent modes let you apply color effects to images and movies without the help of a computer or image-manipulation software. You can also take underwater pictures with the optional waterproof case.

If you want to take a video clip, the SD600 won’t let you down. You can record 30fps VGA movie clips up to 1GB in size. A memory card is necessary to expand the camera’s 16MB Canon memory card. The Compact recording mode allows you to record up to 3 minutes in low resolution for convenient email sharing.

Printing multiple images has never been easier. The SD600’s Print menu simplifies printing directly to any PictBridge-compatible printer even without a computer. Of course, you can still download your images to a computer and print from there.

What’s in the Box
This is what you get out of the box: Canon PowerShot SD600 digital camera, Lithium battery pack NB-4L, 16 megabyte memory card SDG-16M, battery charger, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, wrist strap, USB interface cable, and AV cable.

Accessories
If you go for underwater shoots, you will need the optional waterproof case (Canon WP-DC3 for the Powershot SD600). You can bring the camera underwater up to 40 meters deep. You may also find the Soft Leather Case useful, along with the PowerShot metal and leather neck strap and compact AC power adapter. Although the camera comes with a battery pack NB-4L, you may want to have an extra battery pack handy for those “just in case” moments.

The Powershot SD600 comes with a 16MB Canon memory card, which you will find woefully inadequate for all those images and videos you plan to take. The camera is compatible with SD/MMC memory cards. The cost of memory cards has gone down, so you should get a 2GB card at the very least. A Sandisk memory card has a faster speed, so you may want to get this. Otherwise, the Kingston memory card is a good alternative.

What You Will Like About the PowerShot SD600
People who buy digital cameras usually want two things in a camera: it must be easy to use and must take excellent pictures. That’s exactly what the SD600 does. In addition, it is solidly built and ultra-compact. Amateur photographers will find the Auto Focus mode helpful (just point and shoot), while more experienced photographers will like that it also allows manual shooting. One of the best things about it is the good photography even in low light.

If you’re concerned about the 6MP resolution, especially now that 8MP and 10 MP digital cameras are common, just keep in mind that you won’t notice the difference unless you intend to make large poster size prints with your pictures.

What You Might Miss
If you’re a big fan of personalized images, you may be a bit disappointed that the camera has no titling capability. It does not have a calendar feature either, and there is no indicator meter for the battery. You can’t tell how much battery you have left until the camera dies on you.

Unlike other models like the SD700, this digital camera does not have an “anti-shake” feature, but you will get sharp pictures nonetheless. If you have a problem with shaky pictures, try shooting through the viewfinder. This will give you a firmer and more stable grip.

The Bottom Line
This is a great camera for the price, and it takes good quality pictures even in low light. It’s very compact and easy to use. If you are looking for a no-fuss, point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot SD600 fits the bill perfectly. You can purchase it at Amazon for only $499.99.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tips on Capturing Moments in Travel

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures. Capturing those precious and exciting moments is even more pleasurable, especially if it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For the photo enthusiast, taking pictures of everything in sight is as important as going to these places.

So how can you exercise good travel photography? Here are some tips:

1. Choosing the right variety of camera
  • Purchasing the perfect camera can be as hard as deciding where to go on a vacation. A primary consideration for travel photography is whether to get a single lens reflex camera or a SLR, or a point-and-shoot type. They each has their own benefits and disadvantages.

  • In SLR, lenses can be interchanged. A photographer can view exactly what the lens is seeing because of its reflex viewing system. Point-and-shoot, meanwhile, have viewfinders that adjust the view of the image automatically. They are easier to use than the SLR, but its viewing range is a bit limited.
2. Selecting the right kind of film
  • The dilemma in choosing the right kind of film can be solved by determining the output desired and the traveling conditions in which the pictures will be taken. You need to choose between a color negative or a color side if you want to take colored pictures. The benefit of using a color negative is that it tends to be forgiving of corrections in color or errors of exposure. Professional photographers, however, go for slide films because almost all commercial reproducing is produced from transparencies.
3. Researching for the trip
  • Knowing the right information about the place your visiting is as important as shooting the pictures. Planning the trip in detail enables the photographer to improve on the quality and quantity of opportunities where he can take great pictures. It is essential to read before a trip. Browse through materials such as travel guides, magazines, maps and newspapers. Also, try to talk to someone who has actually been their. The information that they can give will be very valuable.
4. The right way in creating a travel journal
  • The pictures taken during a trip should tell a story, and should not be just a jumble of random pictures. It should chronicle the trip from start to finish. It is important to track the dates that the pictures were taken.
One should not turn down the experience of travel, just the same, as one should not forget to capture precious images from that trip. Perfect planning and having a keen eye for a good image can be the key to achieving everything.

Canon PowerShot SX130IS Review (Part 2)

Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCDCanon really hit the nail on the head with this product. This digital camera has all the bells and whistles that actually matter. First of all, its ergonomic design makes it a pleasure to use and hold the camera. All the major controls are ready to be put to use instantly. It’s a point-and-shoot camera in the real sense of the word. You can start using it straight out of the box.

The Powershot SX130IS is a combination still camera and video maker. You can use the zoom function even while recording a video at 720p resolution. The video is recorded in stereo sound.

Its 12x wide-angle optical zoom allows you to capture astonishingly clear images even from a distance. This camera performs at high speed while keeping power consumption low. With Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, camera shake is controlled even while zooming in, so your images remain sharp and steady.

The downside when zooming in while in video mode is that the camera does not auto focus. You have to use the shutter to re-focus.

The camera has many fun and functional features. The Miniature and Fisheye modes are a lot of fun to use. With the Smile Detection mode, a picture is taken without using the shutter when a smile is detected.

The LCD screen is big, bright and clear. It has an auto-rotate feature, so the images you view are always right side up. Images on the screen are very clear even in bright sunlight.

Some people may find the PowerShot SX130IS a bit bulky, but it’s not really that much bigger than a regular point and shoot camera. Besides, it has a nice heft that many people like. It’s an improvement on the older PowerShot SX120IS, which does not have the HD video capability.

The only thing lacking in this digital camera, which would have made it close to perfect, is a viewfinder. On the other hand, many people prefer using the LCD screen when taking pictures or movies. Only a few people use a viewfinder, so most users will not miss this feature on the PowerShot SX130IS.


Recommendation

With a digital camera that’s close to perfect, there’s no other recommendation possible except to buy it. Prices are lower than ever, and you can purchase the Canon Powershot SX130IS offline at department stores or online at Amazon.com.


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

About Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1MP Digital Camera (Part 1)

Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCDIt’s not often that you come across a marvelous piece of photographic equipment that seems to be perfect in every way. The Canon PowerShot SX130IS is a 12.1MP digital camera with 12x wide-angle optical image stabilized zoom equipped with 3.0-inch LCD screen. It’s a digital camera that you can use to capture special moments with the special people in your life.




 
Canon PowerShot SX130IS Highlights

The Canon PowerShot SX130IS has a sleek, ergonomic design with all major controls at your fingertips. The 3” LCD screen is larger than most LCD screens found on other digital cameras. It also has a wide viewing angle, making it easier to see what you are shooting. In addition, the high-resolution screen provides clearer images during playback.

Videos can be taken in 720p high density, even while using the 12x wide angle optical zoom. The camera is loaded with basic functions that you will find extremely useful, plus some cute gimmicks that are a lot of fun such as Fisheye Effect for stills and Miniature Effect for movies and stills.

The PowerShot SX130IS features Smart Flash Exposure technology. This uses the proper flash by analyzing the lighting conditions to help ensure that your images are not over or underexposed. Your photos will retain all the details and lifelike colors even under low light. When combined with the Smart AUTO feature, your pictures will come out clear and sharp all the time. The PowerShot SX130IS will take care of all the technical details for you, with 28 predefined shooting conditions to choose from for optimum results. You can take a picture of your friends, a flower, or a landscape. Each time, your images will be crisp and color-rich.

Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor delivers better picture quality even at high ISO. Noise is reduced, so there is no blurring or fuzziness in the images. With its 12.1 megapixel resolution, the Canon PowerShot SX130IS gives incomparable detail and depth to your images. Shots can be enlarged to create clear 13 x 19-inch posters. Any section of an image can be cropped and enlarged with no loss in quality.

This camera uses two AA-size batteries as its power source. In my opinion, this is one of its most practical features. Size AA batteries can be purchased anywhere, so it’s good to know that you can easily get new ones at any local store. You don’t need any special chargers or power adapters. You don’t have to worry about running out of batteries. In fact, you can always pack a few spares.

Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD

What’s in the Box
When you purchase this digital camera, you will get the PowerShot SX130 IS camera body, a wrist strap, an AV cable, USB interface cable, and the Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM. Two AA-alkaline batteries are included so you can start shooting with your new digital camera.

Digital versus 35mm

Digital versus 35mm photography is a big discussion among many avid photographers. The 35mm camera has been the camera used by photographers for years. Using 35mm film requires chemical processing in order to expose the photos taken. Digital cameras on the other hand do not require the use of film. At the same time, digital cameras don't require any type of film to take a picture.

Technological advances in photographic equipment have brought about the creation of sophisticated digital cameras. Digital cameras don't require film so photos can easily be downloaded into a computer and printed later. The features of digital cameras have become so advanced and yet so simple to use that more and more people are opting to use them.

Digital photography simply requires the use of a computer and a colored printer to produce any shot taken. With digital photography, amateurs and even professional photographers can do it themselves. Unlike 35mm film photography where the users are particularly amateurs at the mercy of camera stores for the development of their photographs.

In most cases, users can even dictate the outcome of the pictures taken with a digital camera. Pictures can be printed on a variety of materials unlike 35mm film photography that require a lot of work just to be printed on anything other than the standard. However many conventional photographers attest to the durability of 35mm film photography as proven by history.

Although there are cases where digital photography has been used to salvage and restore 35mm film photographs. Pictures taken with a digital camera can easily be stored in a variety of formats from floppy discs to compact discs. Many traditionalists are concerned that the ever changing technology of digital cameras may soon make current formats obsolete.

Digital Photography for Amateurs and Professionals Alike

Digital photography has become quite popular because it is convenient and easy to use. A digital camera in the hands of an amateur photographer can produce some amazing shots that can outdo those taken by a professional with a conventional 35mm camera. Mainly because many of the digital cameras today include a number of features that only professional photographers using conventional cameras would know how to use.

At the same time, digital cameras can be used in various locations. Many digital cameras can even be used for underwater pictures which is a big improvement over shots taken with a traditional 35mm camera. Digital cameras can also be used to take wide shots like landscapes without sacrificing detail or color.

Canon AE-1 35mm Camera w/ Extra Lenses and Accessories
Canon AE-1 35mm
Choosing between Digital and 35mm

Photographers whose businesses rely on taking the right pictures require dependable equipment to help them create the imagery they need. However, many professionals are divided about the use of digital cameras over traditional 35mm cameras. Some prefer digital while others still prefer 35mm cameras.

Most photographers that capture major news or sporting events need equipment that will help them produce photos quickly and easily. Any delays will be costly. That is why, most news and sports photographers rely on digital cameras for prompt and straightforward results.

Fujifilm ZoomDate 125EZ 35mm Camera
Fujifilm ZoomDate 125EZ
Next to these photographers, the advertising industry is another community that relies on digital photography. In most cases, shots taken for various ads using digital photography also rely on computer enhancements to add a few significant touches here and there. This is truly something that can't be done with a traditional 35mm shot.

On the other hand, photographers who take various pictures concerning nature and animals rely on the traditional 35mm camera for results. For these purists, digital photography simply will not do. These photographers sacrifice speedy printing for quality that they believe only a 35mm camera can provide.

Despite the differences of both many photographers have actually combined both mediums to create the exact photo they want. In fact, most photographers own both types of cameras wherein either one serves as a backup to the other. 35mm cameras have become the backup to digital cameras.

Simply because digital cameras have become so simple that even a child can operate one. At the same time, digital cameras provide a wide assortment of features that would make any amateur photographer feel like a professional.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

How Should You Edit Your Picture?

Editing cannot make a bad photo good. However, great photo editing is crucial – Because it can make a good photo great by accentuating its best points and bringing out its full potential. Most world class photographers are also expert photo editors. How do you edit your picture in a way that creates a great photo? Read on.

The Basics
When you’re editing any image, you should do the following basics:
  • Adjust the contrast levels. Make sure you have enough contrast. Higher contrast often results in sharper images that really stand out – Although contrast that’s too high just looks tacky.
  • Remove any color cast. If the whole image is “shaded red” for example, you’ll want to change that. White balance is often the easiest method, levels or curves if the image has complex colors schemes.
  • Touch up any humans. Depending on what the image will be used for, you may want to remove any blemishes, pimples, discolorations, etc.
  • After you’ve done the basics, then …

Try Different Crops
Try at least 2-5 different ways to crop any image you’re editing. Does the focus look better in the center? On the left? On the right?
 
In the past, you had to take the picture perfectly if you wanted to get the focal point right. Today, you can crop your image in different ways after the photo is taken, provided you have a high enough resolution image.

Manual Editing
Often times, you’ll have to do a bit of manual editing to get the picture perfect. It might be something like creating a levels layer just for one part of the image you want higher contrast, but nothing else. It might be cloning out things that somehow managed to get in the picture.
 
For example, you have a gorgeous picture of a park, but there’s a plastic garbage bag in the corner. In that case, you’ll have to do something like clone the grass over the area to get rid of it.

Or, you have a 4 person picture but one person is too dark, while the other 3 are perfect. In that case, create an adjustment layer and mask out everyone but that one person to get the levels perfect for that one person.
 
The list of manual editing can go on and on. Use your own artistic eye to see what needs to be done.

Subtle Effects
Often times the use of subtle effects can really help bring out the picture.
 
Blurring out the background is a common way to add focus to the picture. If one person is standing there with the rest of the background slightly blurred, it adds a very nice feel.
 
Grayscale or sepia toned images are a great way to add style, depending on the image.

You may one to go for a slightly dreamy tone with something like waterfall pictures. With pictures of animals in the wild, you might want to create an effect that goes with the feel of the image. For example, you might want to motion blur the background of a cheetah so it looks like it’s going extremely fast.

Or, you might want to add a slight red tone to the rest of an image if you’ve got a photograph of a bat. In the end, it really depends on your artistic style.
 
When you’re beginning to edit an image, first start by doing your basic photo adjustments. Then experiment with different crops and ways to frame and package your image. Then make any manual adjustments and edits you need. Finally, add any subtle effects you want in the image.

Canon Powershot Memory Card

SanDisk Standard SD Card 2GB Memory for Canon PowerShot G9 S5 IS SX100 SD550 SD870 SD850 DS900 SD950 A720 A650Like other digital cameras, a Canon Powershot has a distinct advantage over film cameras. It can store images on a memory card, and the card can be safely removed or replaced without having to worry about exposed images. You can use a Secure Digital (SD) Flash Memory Card or a MultiMedia Card (MMC).

An SD/MMC memory card allows you to expand the memory capacity of your Canon Powershot digital camera. You can store still pictures or videos on a memory card. The bigger the capacity of the card, the more images it can store. Typically, a 2GB memory card can store more than 700 images. With an 8GB card, you may be able to store more than 3000 images.
NEW 8Gb Genuine Patriot Memory Card for CANON POWERSHOT A570 IS Digital camera


Formatting a Memory Card for a Canon Powershot
You should always format a memory card with the camera before you start using it for the first time. If you fail to do this, you may not be able to save your images. SD/MMC cards are both formatted in much the same way.

You can access and format a memory card for a Canon digital camera by connecting the camera to a computer using a USB cable, or by removing the card from the camera and inserting it in a compatible card reader. It is also possible to format your memory card with your digital camera.

The simplest way to format your memory card is by using the camera’s built-in image delete or card format function. This is found in the menu options.
You can also use a computer to format or delete images. Without removing the memory card from the camera, connect the device to your computer with a compatible USB connector. Or, you can take out the memory card and insert it in a suitable card reader. The computer will automatically detect the memory card. If there are no problems, you will see the memory card’s folder on your computer and you can delete images or format the card.


Fixing Memory Card Errors
If your memory card gets damaged or corrupted, you may lose any images stored on it. You may get a “Memory Card Error” or “Memory Card Locked” message while attempting to view your images. If you have no backup of your pictures, you will have to use an advanced Digital Photo Recovery utility.

A memory card can become corrupted due to improper camera shutdown, virus attack or interruption of the read/write operation. A low-level format of the memory card for your Canon Powershot will usually render the card usable again. However, whatever images were previously stored on the card will be erased. Use a Photo Recovery utility to recover lost data after performing a low level or standard formatting procedure. Transfer all recovered data to another location, such as your computer’s hard drive.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Introducing The Top 10 Digital Cameras

Well, I suppose most of us know about which brand is top selling, most wanted, most friendly user, etc, etc.  But here I would like to highlight the top 10 digital cameras for all the brands that we know.

Digital cameras, as we know, come in all shapes and sizes, not to mentions features and functions. A simple point-and-shoot digital camera is perfect for taking family photos. On the other hand, you may be a serious photographer who won’t be satisfied with anything less than a digital SLR camera. There’s something for everyone in this rundown of the top 10 digital cameras.

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS
Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)This is one of the Canon’s best selling cameras. It features an easy to navigate menu complete with user interfaces. Controls are intuitive, and the camera is very easy to use. The SD 1100 IS has 8.1MP resolution, 2.5” LCD screen and 3x optical zoom. Experienced photographers will like that it has an optical viewfinder, which is rare in digital cameras of this size. An optical viewfinder makes it easier to “frame” your shots and is a good thing to have in your camera especially when taking pictures in bright environments where the LCD display is not so great.

Nikon CoolPix P5100
Nikon Coolpix S5100 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Purple)This Nikon camera is a high-end point-and-shoot camera. Its features are more like a digital SLR camera. You have more control over your pictures, although an automatic mode is also available. The Nikon CoolPix P5100 has 12.1MP resolution, image stabilization, an optical viewfinder, and other cool features.

Fuji FinePix F50fd
Fujifilm Finepix F50fd 12MP Digital Camera with 3 x Optical Image StabilizationPrice-wise, this is a mid-range camera. Its resolution is 12MP, which is high for a point and shoot camera. It also offers different shutter speeds and a 2.7” LCD screen. One of the best things about this camera is its face detection software which works extremely well even when the face is in full profile.

Canon Powershot G9
Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized ZoomThis is one of the more expensive point-and-shoot cameras, with features close to an SLR. It has an optical viewfinder, 12.1MP resolution, and manual features. If you want extra control over your pictures but don’t want to use a large SLR camera, the Canon G9 is perfect for you.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T500
Sony Cybershot DSC-T500 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image StabilizationOn top of its sleek design, this beauty features 10.1MP resolution, a bright 3.5” LCD touch-screen, image stabilization and a host of other amazing features.





Kodak EasyShare Z740
Kodak Easyshare Z740 5MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical ZoomThis Kodak camera shoots great close-up pictures, with its 10x optical zoom and 5x advanced digital zoom. It’s also simple to use and gives vibrantly colored pictures under any lighting condition.





Nikon CoolPix S700
Coolpix S700 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom with Vibration Reduction (Silver)This high-end camera feels sturdy and comes with great features. Its Autofocus option lets you take pictures of great quality. The CoolPix S700 has a 12MP resolution, 3x optical zoom, and 2.7” LCD screen.






Canon EOS-5D
Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)In the realm of digital SLR cameras, the EOS-5D holds its own with a 12.8MP CMOS sensor. The camera is compact and takes pictures with outstanding image quality, thanks to Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor. It features a 2.5” LCD screen and easy-to-navigate menu.




Konica Minolta Dynax 5D
Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Anti Shake & 18-70mm LensAlso known as the Maxxum 5D, the Dynax 5D digital SLR camera features anti-shake technology for blur-free pictures. It has a wide range of customizable settings for greater control over each shot.






Nikon D50
Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor LensCompleting the list of top 10 digital cameras is the Nikon D50. It is compact and lightweight, with a lithium-ion battery that allows you to shoot around 2,000 images between battery recharges. It allows high-speed continuous shooting and you can choose the resolution you want when saving an image.


Hmmmm......... I am actually facing a difficulty in making decision for buying new camera.  :)

About Black and White Photography

As with television and the movies, black and white pictures were first developed long before colored pictures were born.

The history of the modern photograph is much printed in monochromatic pictures, which are basically black and white pictures. The photograph back then was rendered in dark and light patches which were used to create black and white effects. The dark portions would sometimes be rendered as gray or brown-ish.

 
Fall of Black and White
When the colored picture came into the scene during the 1975 era, black and white pictures came falling down, and they fell hard. There were many reasons behind this plummeting. The different manufacturers were developing better-than-ever color films and they were creating these films at low prices. The number of good developers of black and white films was also declining. The attention of the public was turned into the more elaborate and exciting colored pictures.

Because of the different factors that were affecting the photography market, the use of black and white film went further down to rock bottom. People started to see the use of black and white film as a difficult thing to do and they wanted to shift to the use of colored film as soon as they could. So, in those periods, people who studied photography or took photography classes were deprived of the beauty of the black and white picture. The market and the conditions around the photographers were shaped so as to repress the black and white scene in general.


 
Rise of Black and White

The black and white photographs are back in town. People are now seeing the inherent beauty that these photographs capture. They are back in print advertising. The modern print advertising materials are so cluttered by so many colors and pictures and when the black and white materials are put side by side with them, the black and white pictures gives the beholder a sense of reality which the colored ones can't give.

As the cliché goes, “black is beautiful.” And black wouldn’t be black if there wasn't white, therefore, “black and white” is beautiful. The black and white picture was never really gone away especially from the point of view of the professional photographers. The art scene was never detached from using black and white pictures, so as the newspaper industry, where many newspaper would want their photographers to get their pictures in the black and white format.

With the advent of digital photography, you can instantly convert your colored photos into black and white ones, the black and white pictures are definitely making a strong comeback. This time around, the black and white scene is here to stay.

What is Aerial Photography?

Viewing photographs which are taken from a good, unique point of view is one of the most fascinating things in the world of photography. This is what we refer to as aerial photography.

 
Origins

Aerial photography is formally defined as photograph taking from an overhead viewpoint by using cameras that are mounted on an airborne tool such as a balloon, an aircraft, a kite, a skydiver and other similar tools. The art of aerial photography was first developed by Nadar, a French airman back in 1858. During the Second World War, aerial photography found a niche in military operations. Aerial photographs were used in spying and in the assessment of the battle ground. These photographs provided updated and realistic impressions of the topography and current situation in a certain area.

 
Uses of Aerial Photographs

There are many conceived and actual uses for pictures which are taken from above. Aerial photographs are actually used in the construction of topographic maps, in cartography, planning land use, archeology, production of movies, espionage, environmental studies, commercial advertising and in other fields.

The use of technology has also crawled into the field of aerial photography. Advances in radio technology has allowed for the use of aircraft models which are controlled by radio  in the conduct of low-altitude photography. This is mainly used in advertising for the real estate business. This is because manned aircrafts are not allowed to fly low altitudes in populated locations. This task can be done by these radio-controlled aircraft models and they do the job very well.

 
Public Domain

Aerial photographs are considered public domain, because the pictures are taken from aerial views which are considered public places.

There are many ways to view aerial photographs on-line. One of the most popular ones is the Google Earth by Google. Google Earth provides satellite imagery as well as aerial photos of the planet. You can actually use the service to be able to search for different places in a certain area such as parks, restaurants, schools and hotels. It can also be used to be able to track down the best routes for reaching a certain location. You can also view the aerial photographs in different angles by tilting and rotating them.

These are some basic things about aerial photography. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, you can browse through some basic materials at the local library or use the Internet to get more information about it.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The “Magic” Digital Photography Mindset

Your frame of mind is perhaps the most important factor towards becoming a great photographer. The difference between a world class photographer and a merely “good” photographer often isn’t their equipment or their photography technique, but their mindset. These are some of the “magic” success factors that great photographers develop.

 


Having the Patience to Wait for a Great Photo

Patience is often a critical factor in taking a great photograph.
 
If you’re photographing unique cloud shapes for example, your likelihood of taking a great photo goes up if you’re willing to wait several hours, getting shots from different angles and lighting while you allow clouds and sunlight to shift.

If you’re photographing people on the streets, giving yourself time will allow you to catch those “magical” moments that you wouldn’t have caught if you hadn’t had the patience to wait. A child letting go of a balloon. A man helping an old woman across the street. A screaming match between hot dog vendors. Whatever it is – You won’t catch that “moment” unless you were there waiting for it.

No matter what kind of photos you’re taking, having the patience to wait for the perfect shot is a crucial aspect of being a great photographer. One photographer, who now has his own Discovery movie, waited one whole year to catch photographs of a particular kind of bat drinking the nectar from desert cactus – An event that only happens once a year.
 
Some of the best photographers in the world are willing to wait months, even years to catch the right photograph. Develop your patience and the right shots will come to you.

 
Capture a “Feeling”

If you listen to the language of beginning photographers and the language of experienced photographers, you’ll find that they focus on different things.
 
New photographers generally focus on their equipment or their camera techniques. They’ll talk about the latest cameras, newest features or different kinds of lenses they want to buy. They’ll talk about different kinds of photography techniques or different ways of taking pictures.

If you listen to experienced photographers however, you’ll find that they talk about completely different things. Although equipment and technique are important, it’s not their main focus.
 
Instead, experienced photographers focus on the feeling. They’re trying to capture an experience in the shot.

An experienced family portrait photographer doesn’t focus on cameras or techniques – They focus on capturing the family feel in the camera.

A nature photographer might be trying to capture the majesty of nature, the danger of epic cliffs, or the beauty of a flower.

The focus isn’t on technique, but feeling.

A great photographer knows what kind of feeling they’re trying to capture and are willing to wait for that perfect moment to capture that picture.
 
If you want to become a first class photographer, someone who takes great photos and gets paid well for it, then take a look at this article to learn how.

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