Freebies That Are Priceless

How many times have you seen "free offers" on the internet, only to discover that they are worth exactly what you paid for them?

Here are some exceptions that are truly valuable:

#1:

If you use Microsoft's Internet Explorer, prepare to grin from ear to ear. It's something I have personally found and use, and it produces great results. And IT'S FREE...

Just check out the 4th item down (Firefox browser) on my photo products idea page.

If you surfed here using Microsoft's Internet Explorer, do yourself a HUGE FAVOR and check out Firefox. It's so much better, faster, and a snap to install (automatically moves all your favorites, etc.). I have been using it for about 6 weeks and will never go back to IE.

#2:

Visitors continually ask how to condense all my tips into a printable document so they can take it with as a reference guide. Since we have not yet written an ebook that covers digital photography tips, we have done the next best thing.

After personally searching the internet for over one year to find a product that meets the above standards, success has been achieved. I have personally reviewed the ebook of David Peterson, and... well, I was impressed! David provides the information in several formats:

• If you want to sign up for a FREE eCourse, in which one or more tips is emailed to you every few days, you can do so.

• If you prefer to have a copy of ALL the tips, that is available also, for a small fee.

• Finally, David also provides an electronic or printed version of 267 Simple Tips for Sensational Photos.

If you're just beginning in digital photography, learn how to get good real quick. If you're already good, see how easy it is to get better.

Keep shooting.

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Delete or Don't Delete Images - Don't Decide Too Quickly

Without question, one of the most appreciated features of digital cameras is the ability to delete unwanted images without costiing you anything.

However, before going through the 50 images you just took and deleting half of them because of blur, color, composition, or a stranger walking through your shot at the perfect WRONG moment; think twice.

Keep these factors in mind:

• Don't use your digital camera's viewfinder to make color or blur decisions. It is much too small, and results will vary according to the viewing angle and ambient light. Make these type of decisions once the image has been downloaded to your computer.

• How many times have you taken a picture a split second after a stranger accidentally enters the framed shot? If you notice this when it happens, you can always retake the shot.

  But, what if you don't realize it when you press the shutter? When reviewing the images, your first instinct may be to delete the image but resist the urge.

  Most likely the software that came with your camera provides you the ability to crop your photo. After you download the image, determine what result you would get if you cropped out the undesired elements from your photograph. Depending on how much is cropped and the original megapixels of the starting image, you may end up with a satisfactory 4x6 or 8x10 photograph.

• If you do have a "garbage shot," consider using it to get familiar with your photo-editing software. I've learned plenty by going down the road of "I wonder what this tool (or feature) does?"

Final word of caution... with most digital cameras, once you hit the "delete image" function, you cannot recover the image. So, just be sure.

Keep shooting.

Your Source for Photography Tips

The "Superbowl" of Fireworks Celebrations is a Comin'

Let's face it... what's the first thing you think of when you hear July 4th? Can you say F-I-R-E-W-O-R-K-S?

Before I began to photograph fireworks, I had many years of photographic experience behind me. Despite that, the thought of taking pictures of live fireworks displays intimidated me.

It was so different than any other type of photography I had ever done! It struck me as being very complicated, requiring techniques I was unfamiliar with.

Well, I'm happy to report that after several night time light shows, and many fizzled photo attempts, I got the process down to 3 key steps...

1. Select the best location. All the "do's" and "don'ts" are covered in detail at Fireworks Photography - Step #1. The key point here is to change your mindset from a viewer to a photographer, and then choose the best location accordingly.
   
   
2. Proper set up of your location. What to do and how to do it are found at Fireworks Photography - Step #2. These points address preparation, and how to set up your equipment.
   
   
3. Taking the pictures. This critical last step is spelled out at Fireworks Photography - Step #3. What to do and not to do are covered here.

There you have it. Just remember to enjoy the show while you're taking the shots.

Keep shooting.

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It's Almost Summer... Make Your Photo Plans For That Special BEACH VACATION -- Part II

OK, you've made it through Part I, and made it to your summer beach vacation destination. Now it's time to capture some priceless memories that when you pull out for others to view, won't be met with: "Umm, could we do something else, like wash the cat?"

If there are any magestic bluffs, or overlooks at your favorite vacation spot, anyone can get a nice landscape shot of just the scenery. But, wouldn't it be nice to have your family in the foreground AND the landscape in the background with both being in focus?

Here's how...

• Position the human subject(s) in the foreground, just at the "break" between foreground and background.
  
  
• Begin by setting your F-stop for a high number (at least F-11, or at the "infinity" or "landscape" setting of your camera). Use the evaluative or matrix metering mode and focus on your human subject.
  
  
• Position yourself no closer than 10 feet from your human subject.
  
  
• Adjust the circular polarizer filter to obtain the desired shade of blue in the sky.
  
  
• Gently squeeze the shutter button.

Ideally, you would want to check the overall contrast for the shot; however, that is not practical through your LCD screen on the back of your camera.
If you have a histogram display, verify that it is not significantly shifted to either the extreme right or left.

And, just to be safe (highly recommended for any potential "postcard" shots) take another picture; in this case, using the center-weighted average metering mode.

And that's all there is to it. Simple when you know how, isn't it? For more beach vacation shot photo tips, visit Family Beach Vacation Pictures.

Keep shooting.
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It's Almost Summer... Make Your Photo Plans For That Special BEACH VACATION -- Part I

I'll bet you can't wait to go on your
SUMMER VACATION!!

Check your packing list. OK, no packing list... then check your memory for the essential items. Got a question: do you have any idea what photography gear to take with on your beach vacation?
Here's a quick combo MUST-HAVE + WANT-TO photography packing list:

• Camera, batteries, memory cards, camera case, battery chargers, external flash (if available), tripod, and portable digital storage device.
  
• Consider purchasing a circular polarizer filter. You will not regret it!

Circular polarizer filters are magical little devices. They

• Make the blue in the sky appear deeper and bluer
  
• Allow you to clearly see objects under the water
  
• Makes colors under certain conditions "pop" off the page with vividness

Stay tuned for Part II, in which we'll cover how to capture outstanding photographic memories of your beach vacation.

Keep shooting.
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Memory Cards and Resolution

In response to all the questions on 2 pressing topics, I have added 2 new pages to address them:

• Memory Cards
  
  
• Resolution

Memory Cards address the different types out there as well as a cost consideration you may want to use for your next camera purchase. And if you want to have an idea how many images can fit on different sized memory cards, check out the chart

Resolution covers all those issues visitors wanted to know. We cover:

• What resolution is
• Why it's a key factor when deciding upon your next digital camera purchase
• What a Pixel is
• And a major cropping tip

Keep shooting.
Your Source for Photography Tips

Black and White Photography Tips

Another new birth announcement... Black and White Photography Tips

Here are the reasons to take Black and White Photos, and here's the link to see the tips: Black and White Photography Tips

Why learn black and white photography tips in a world of color? Is there any point? Do you see black and white photographs anywhere? There is an excellent chance that you have never taken a black and white photograph in your entire life. Since there is much confusion on this entire topic, let's set the record straight.

In spite of the incredible popularity of digital color photography, there will always be room for black and white photography. The elegance and timelessness of black and white photography ensures its continual popularity. The fact is that more people are becomming interested in black and white photography for many reasons...

• It's seen less frequently, hence it is rare and for that reason alone... of interest
  
  
• When used "properly," it accentuates the depth of the photograph
  
  
• Heightens emotional content
  
  
• Black and white photography has a tendancy to make photos look more like works of art
  
  
• Produces a clean, crisp look
  
  
• Transforms a dingy or overcast look into a striking photo evoking emotion

Robert

Best Family Photography Tips