Learn Photography

Many new parents find themselves wanting to be better photographers when their new bundle of joy gets home. Documenting each precious first in photos and taking pictures of the special moments that you do not want to forget is part of being a parent. It's also a lot of fun to take pictures of your baby and share them with others. If you are ready to learn photography tips and ideas to make your photos the best that they can be, here are a few suggestions of where you can go.

Learn Photography Online

The easiest place to learn photography in a short amount of time is by doing research on the Internet. This is a flexible and easy solution, because you can do it from home and on your own schedule. Keep in mind that anyone can write anything on the Internet, and you get what you pay for. If you are interested in receiving tips from a person who is a subject matter expert on the topic of photography, be prepared to pay a small fee. It is worth it to receive your information from a well respected source on the topic. This is true for anything you learn online. Using the Internet to research tips on photography is especially helpful if your new little baby is already home. Any new parent will tell you that it is difficult to get out of the house in the first few weeks.

Take a Photography Course

Another way to learn photography is by taking a local class. Nearby colleges and community education centers offer courses for amateurs who want to take better pictures for personal use. These courses are very popular, but they are usually offered only once a semester. You may have a problem fitting in a class to your schedule, depending on when the course is available. Keep in mind, that depending on who is teaching the course, it may be out of your budget. Learning from the best is not always necessary if you only want to be able to take good pictures of your new baby.

Read a Photography Book or eBook

You can also learn photography from a book. Just make sure that your book has been written sometime in the last year or so. Technology changes so quickly that a book that was written a few years ago will be very much out of date. Digital pictures or pictures taken with your portable electronic device require a different skill set than pictures taken with a film camera. Consider an eBook that can give you up to date tips and information. These are usually inexpensive, and filled with relevant information that is appropriate to the current technology.

Photography Workshops

Photography workshops are some of the most interesting in the training sessions and all students long for the time they will finally get into the field to use the skills they have learned from the courses. The workshops are suitable for all including photography beginners, amateur photographers who are serious in improving their skills and even the experienced fine arts photographers.

Most of the workshops are made possible by the training school that you have enrolled in but there are some which are externally organized to offer all interested photographers the chance to learn much more from the professionals attending the workshops. This means therefore that the workshops come in different packaging but are all important and quite helpful in sharpening photography skills.

The photography workshops are very interesting and take the students to selected areas thereby giving them the chance to take photos of different subjects whether selected or those they find most interesting in the setting. It is during the workshops that the students get to put to use the different techniques they have learnt in class hence the reason as to why the workshops are the best treats in any photography course.

Photography Vacations

Photography vacations are a one-of-a-kind experience for those who already consider themselves advanced photographers as well as for those that are amateurs, just beginning their photographic journey. This type of a photo vacation is a wonderful experience for both photographers and non-photographers alike. Some of the best photography vacations combine leaders who are not only highly skilled in the technical and artistic areas of photography but also have an intimate knowledge of the local landscapes, towns, and villages. The photo guides have to be skilled in making your photography tour in Italy memorable on a cultural level as well. They have the knowledge of the comfortable and charming places to stay for the night as well as fine restaurants for evening dining and those out of the way little cafes for the mid day Italian panini.

The best part about taking photography vacations is that you will be given expert guidance by an experienced photographer who has first-hand and extensive knowledge of the best locations and landscapes of the region that you will be visiting. These types of travel photo tours allow you to enjoy your time away from your routine life and also learn to take fantastic pictures like you have never done before.

Glamour Photography Models

No director of glamour photography models need be given a list of reasons why a head is invaluable in a picture. Some directors do, however, welcome ideas on how to bring the model's best face forward - whether it is one of beauty, character and/or expression.

Before we come to our views of the subject, however, we would like to acknowledge the presence of the controversy existing over the candid versus the controlled pose. Some directors contend they never direct their subject. 'To place a head or a mouth in a pre-determined position,' they say, 'would destroy all of the spontaneity and naturalness of the picture.'

Others, just as vehemently, contend that 'In a business that calls for consistent results, lucky mood and coincidence are not enough. They are not reliable and cannot be depended upon.'

We feel that when both director and model have a working knowledge of technique, each individual job will determine whether the pose requires controlled, candid or controlled-candid treatment.

Experienced directors practice many ways of getting a glamour photography model to act and react realistically before the camera. Each has developed ways of controlling a model without having literally to push her into position. Adroit use of words, exemplary action, strategic suggestion and psychological motivation all bring forth expression that is dependable as well as spontaneous. At the same time most directors have found in actual practice, that with intelligent direction from behind the camera, any capable model can accept correction and rearrange parts naturally without showing strain and losing spontaneity!

In photography we lean heavily upon the model's capabilities, yes, and in many instances even upon her ability to inspire us by doing something her way from which we can select or perfect a pose.

So, part of a director's success lies in his ability to keep a model suggesting ideas within the scope of the camera's ability to record them.

Many models feel they have exhausted the possibilities for different head positions when they have turned their head slowly from the left of the camera to the right of the camera! This can be most exasperating to a director (especially if you believe that you get the fullest creative contribution from a model by allowing her to move freely instead of placing her). Try a suggestion that will take her into several other positions from which you might select a pose.

You might ask her to repeat the horizontal turn - this time with her chin up a little higher. This gives you at least six additional positions to choose from. Then ask her to lower her chin and repeat the horizontal turn - six more positions! By repeating each of these eighteen positions with her head tilted right and then with her head tilted left, you've added another thirty-six possibilities without yet putting her in any exact position.

If your model has trouble with the tilt, which is the most difficult direction to understand, you might try this. Hold a pencil vertically in front of your model's face. Let the tip of her nose touch the pencil and divide it equally lengthwise. Ask her to put her chin on one side of the pencil and her forehead on the other as you repeat the word tilt.

With encouragement, let her try a few combined movements such as, 'Turn your head slightly to the right... that's good ... now tilt the top of your head right (or tilt your chin left).' If she loses her conception of tilt, hold the pencil before her again and she will usually remember it for the remainder of the sitting.

Candid Photography

Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique. Your subject's focus is not on the camera, but on their current task. So we're not talking about the photo albums full of people looking at the camera and smiling here! Your subjects are un-posed and the shots are unplanned.

Candid photos are usually simple photos without a lot of technical equipment or any time taken 'setting up the shot'. Thus they capture some wonderful 'slices of life'!

Here are some tips for taking candid photos:

- Take your camera everywhere you go! Keep alert for candid situations - they can be found everywhere.

- Some examples of candid shots: A daydreaming store owner; an elderly man sitting beside you; commuters waiting for a train; two lovers on a park bench about to kiss; a child's delight when feeding ducks; elation of a football supporter when a goal is scored; a city tramp surrounded by clutter; a woman lost in thought staring at the beach.

- It's rare to get a second chance with candid photography. When you see an opportunity, grab it!

- Don't use complicated lighting techniques for taking your candid shots. Concentrate on the simple and use your camera's automatic features. Technical problems don't matter so much if you have a great candid photo. Most technical problems (like if the image is too dark or too light) can be fixed on your computer.

- Set your camera to "ISO 400" so it uses a fast shutter speed. This will help you 'grab' the shot even if you are moving.

- The best candid photographers blend into the background so don't be too obvious. Do what everyone else is doing so you fit in with the situation. Then when you see a good candid moment, bring your camera up to your eye.

- You don't always need to take the shot with your camera at eye level. Support your camera on your waist when taking the photo. Some luck or experience is needed here to get the framing right.

- Use your zoom lens to it's fullest extent so you can keep away from the action while taking your shot. A Telephoto lens is essential if you're going to be a fair way away.

- Never take photos of people's backs. Nothing is more boring than a group of people with all backs turned to the camera. It just doesn't work.

- Try converting the image to Black and White to get that extra punch and emotion.

- People 'doing things' make the best candid photos. Sports players, trades people, farmers and accountants are all excellent examples of subjects with 'things to do'. Try to capture the essence of the person's task. For example, you might capture a plumber concentrating on fixing a leaky pipe.

- If you're in a public place, it's usually okay to photograph people. If they object however, you need to stop. If you're not sure, it never hurts to ask permission before hand. Your subject may want to pose, so explain what you saw them doing and ask them to continue as if you weren't there.

- Experiment! Sometimes the artistic expression of a candid photo can be limited by you; the photographer. Try different angles, places and scenes. Look at candid photos created by others (they can be found in lots of magazines) for inspiration.

Candid photography is a great way to add some artistic flare to your photos without spending a lot of time with the technical aspects of photography.

Modern Photography

Photography started as early as the 4th century B.C., when the very first image was formed on a wall, using a pinhole camera in a dark room. It wasn't until 1820, that modern photography was born. In 1839, the word photography, derived from Greek words 'fos' for 'light' and 'grafo' for 'writing', was finally universalized by John Herschel.

Today we have reached a stage, where modern photography is present everywhere. Life would have been colorless, but for the morning newspaper, colorful and glamorous magazines, the soap operas on television or a late night movie at an auditorium. Viewing 'Still' photographs in a family photo album or watching live images on a video or television is indeed fun. From an old black and white camera, with minimal options for speed and zoom, to a modern auto focus digital or an SLR camera, which has a supreme power to manage every possible option in photography, indeed we have come a long way.

Modern photography is an art, in fact, an expensive art which is probably more than just amateur photography of a family, friends or nature, to more complex portrait, glamour photography or photojournalism by a professional. Whatever may be the level, the results can be passionate. There have been occasions when photographers have won awards and accolades, for their photography, in areas like fashion, nature, war and combat, to name a few from a long list.

The credit for modern photography goes to both, machine and the man behind the machine. The special photographic effects seen in the movies have reached a zenith. The camera tricks and the photography in modern movies can leave you in shock and disbelief. If you plan to pursue photography as a career, then following items are a must for you. A good camera, compact digital or digital SLR (single lens reflex) type, accessories like special UV filters, different zoom lenses for a more professional touch can take you a long way, if you are an enthusiast for still photography; but if you are venturing into the video photography zone, then modern handy cams can be pretty handy.

Selection of a camera and accessories would also depend upon the place of photography you are planning, indoor or outdoors? In both situations, you will need a good camera, but if you love to shoot outdoors, then you cannot do without a handheld or body supported balance system and the tripods to avoid a blurred picture. The camera cranes, dollies and remote heads would further augment your efforts for photography, especially outdoors. Some of the most awesome pictures have been captured outdoors, on land, under the sea and in the sky.

Sony, Nikon, Canon, Minolta and Olympus manufacture very good digital or digital SLR type of cameras for modern photography. These cameras range from $50 to $2000. It would be inappropriate if we do not mention here the role of printing. You can transfer the images onto your computer or store them in USB drives. You can print your results with a wide range of color printers available, without wasting precious time for the processing lab results. So go ahead and nurture that artist in you and enjoy taking photographs of the beautiful land, the life under water or the different facets of the sky.

Engagement Photography

It is very common to visit few different photographers' Website to check some of their wedding photography samples and package prices before you select the one that will be your Wedding Photographer. When you are checking their Websites, you might also find pictures and some minor information about Engagement Photography.

The truth is that a lot of brides still don't know what Engagement Photography is and most of them don't know why to have a special Engagement Photography session done is so important.

Here is everything that you need to know about Engagement Photography, and why this session is a must for who is getting married.

What- Engagement Photography is a special photography session dedicated to couples that are soon getting married.

Why- There are few different reasons for having your Engagement Photography done, but two of the best reasons are;

a) Know your photographer better (quality, talent, personality, etc)

b) Have a nice picture of you and your loved one displayed at your Wedding Reception

Where- You can have your Engagement Picture taken at the photographer's studio, a nice park, or at the beach. You should select the location that will translate the personality of the couple best. I personally recommend beautiful open areas with a lot of plants, flowers and etc, or a beautiful beach with clear send, beautiful palm trees and etc.

When- This session have to be done no latter than two or three weeks before your wedding date, so you would have time to select the best picture to be printed and find a nice frame to display the picture at your Wedding Reception. If your intention is to use this session to know better your photographer or just to try a photographer before you sign any contract. I would recommend you to schedule this session at least three to six months before your wedding date.

How- Once you selected the location and the date you and your loved one have to decide about what clothes to wear, makeup, hair, props and etc. Your photographer will be able to help you with some personal suggestions.

There is no reason to you don't have your Engagement Photography done, other than if your Photographer does not offer that on his or her packages. If this is the case, talk to your photographer about your needs or find another photographer that will work the way that you want.

Great Photography

The photography industry has been very successful in generating an absolute hysterical interest in the latest technological innovation to the point of changing the perception of the general public into believing that great photography is simply a matter of having the right equipment. Many times I have heard from someone, "Well, I could do that good if I had a camera like yours." Statements like these totally discount my 35 year study of photography and over 10 year study of Photoshop. My normal retort is to encourage them to get a better camera. The problem with that is my statement is an affirmation of their core belief.

Kids Photography

I would guess that majority of the cameras today are bought by parents to take pictures of their kids. They want to capture all the memories of them growing up, but photographing children is not for the faint of heart.

Creating professional looking pictures is less a question of expensive equipment, but more of experience. Depending on their age or personality, kids can love or hate when they are photographed. To catch good pictures, you need to be patient and let them time to get used to your presence. Besides all these, they move around with the speed of light, which does not make things easier.

The two major things you need to decide on is the environment and the light. I prefer playgrounds or parks, right after the sunrise. This is ideal, because will give a very nice warm feeling to the picture and children are in their best form in the morning when they are not tired. Just let them play around and forget about you and do not force them to pose to the camera.

The other big advantage of this time of the day is that you do not need to use a flash. Flash can give a creative look to your photos, but it is significantly more difficult to use correctly. What you also have to keep in mind is, that children will rarely wait for you to set it up. By the time you are done, they will be gone.

So what are then the major things you need to be aware of to create great photos of your kids and not get frustrated:

be patient and build a relationship with them 

photograph them in places they are familiar with and where they feel comfortable 

keep it simple technically - use natural light with a reflector if needed, but forget the flash if not absolutely necessary 

let them be kids and don't force them in any posing that you might think looks nice, but they hate it

...and most of all, enjoy the process!!!!!