Portrait Photography - A Primer

Portrait photograpy is the art of capturing human faces in a number of situations and capturing a variety of emotions. The whole idea is to adequately capture the personality of the subject as well as their image.

Portrait photography doesn't have to be restricted to the studio either, as many people wish their portraits to be shot on location or in their own homes as well as the the traditional studio setup. Plus, one less glamourous aspect of portrait photography is for pictures used on official documents such as passports and the like.

How to Start a Photography Business Using Microstock Sites

While photography can be a rewarding and fun hobby, it can also be a full time profession for many talented and skilled photographers. Not everyone can be a photographer for Sports Illustrated or Glamour but that doesn't mean that you can't make a good living from photography. Microstock photography, for instance, is a relatively new concept and a great way to make a little extra cash.

Understanding the Basics About Microstock Photography?

Top Valentine's Day Gift Idea - Boudoir Photography

Valentine's Day is an ideal holiday to romantically scheme how to top the last gift exchanged with your significant other. The regular Valentine's Day gifts, such as preparing someone's favorite dinner, giving flowers and receiving a couple's massage, are good notions; but why not add an unconventional twist.

Why not present him/her with a glamour shot of yourself. The photograph is a treasured present admired by your lover forever. It is timeless, unbreakable and never outdated. So where do you start? How do you pick the right photographer? What should you expect?

Glamour Modelling - Do You Have What it Takes?

The field of modeling can result in very high earnings for people, depending on the aspect of the industry they want to go into. While some areas of modelling attract marginal salaries, other areas like glamour modelling can allow the subjects to earn substantial incomes.

However, before you sign up for this type of modeling, it is important that you understand how it is used and what is expected of you before you get into something that you are really not interested in doing.

With glamour modelling,

Beautiful Story Telling With Modern Asian Wedding Photography

The first thing to note is that Asian wedding photography is an interesting term which means more than photographing at an Indian or Pakistani wedding. It is the art of telling the story of the Indian or Pakistani wedding beautifully, artistically and unobtrusively.

You are likely to find that wedding photographers who specialize in Asian weddings offer a combination or reportage or photojournalistic coverage together with artistic couple portraits, but good Asian wedding photographers need to have far more than excellent reportage and portraiture skills.

Setting the Scene

To tell a complete story of your wedding day, your wedding photographer will need to be a story-teller and able to photograph the events, people and details in a way which sets the scene. Like the elements of a written story, the setting and mood needs to be conveyed.

Your Boudoir Photo Session - What to Expect

Knowing what to expect during your boudoir photography session will help you prepare yourself for the big day and put you at ease when you know that there's nothing to be nervous about. Boudoir studios prize themselves on bringing out the most beautiful side of their customers and by making them feel comfortable and beautiful during the shoot. It's called glamour photography for a reason, so one thing you should expect during your session is to look and feel glamorous.

Upon arriving at the studio you'll have an opportunity to go over the specifics of your session. You'll meet with the hair and make-up stylists and discuss exactly how you want to look. You'll also have a chance to go over your ensemble. If you have a set selection of outfits that you plan on wearing, that will make this easier.

If not, there's no reason to worry. Many studios have outfits on hand that you'll be able to select from. However, you should check with the particular studio you've decided on to make sure that this is the case. If they don't have stock outfits and you haven't been able to decide on what to wear, you may be asked to bring in a multitude of different options that the photographer will go over with you.

After your dress, hair and make-up have been decided, you'll also be able to review the studio that your session will take place in. You will probably have discussed this with the studio beforehand, but once you actually enter the room you'll be able to make any last-minute decisions or suggestions that you would like. Don't be afraid to let the photographer or the stylists know exactly what you want. These are your pictures. Make sure that you and your surroundings are exactly how you want them before you begin.

As you begin, you'll most likely find that you don't need to be a model to take boudoir photographs. If you've selected a specialized studio, the photographer will be an excellent coach and will be able to tell you how to pose, how to look, and what to do. During the session, an abundance of pictures will be taken to ensure that the final product is the absolute cream of the crop and that you look your most beautiful through your entire collection.

After the shoot is finished, you'll most likely have a chance to review the pictures that were taken. You'll be able to select from the pictures taken and make sure that your favorites end up in the final product. After you make your choices, these pictures will be digitally retouched and developed.

This will take a few weeks, and each studio varies, so pay close attention to delivery time when deciding on your studio. You don't want to have the photographs sent out two weeks after the event for which they were intended.

In the end, professional boudoir studios are concerned with what you want and how you want to look. You should expect to be catered to and made to feel at ease while you look your most elegant.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer. You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog:http://www.LearnSexyPhotography.com

Your Boudoir Photo Shoot - Deciding What to Wear

Your Boudoir Photo Shoot - Deciding What to Wear

The first question that may leap to mind after a woman has decided to have boudoir photographs taken of herself may be: What do I wear? There are a lot of options and a lot of variety available, and picking the right outfits is essential to producing the desired final product. Some studios suggest bringing in three different outfits for the shoot.

Others have stock clothing on hand that you can choose from before the pictures are taken. What's important to keep in mind is that glamour photography is all about you. This is about what you want, what you like, and what you want to see yourself in. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful when it comes time to select your final ensemble.

Lingerie is a very popular choice for a boudoir shoot. It is important, while trying to be as beautiful and confident as possible, that you feel beautiful and confident. Your favorite lingerie (or your significant other's favorite) is an excellent choice when preparing for a boudoir session. Corsets, bra and brief sets, and thigh-high hosiery are recommended. Be sure to bring clothing that not only makes you look good, but makes you feel good, too.

Heels are also an important consideration when it comes to dress. Just because this is boudoir (bedroom) photography doesn't necessarily mean you'll be lying down the entire time. A pair of high heels or knee-high boots will definitely have an added effect.

Beyond the realm of traditional, provocative clothing, many studios make other suggestions to bring the photographs "home," so to speak. The clothing of your significant other is recommended in most cases. Some studios highly encourage wearing sports jerseys to please the sports lover, specifically a men's size jersey of the favorite team.

Studios also encourage wearing a men's dress shirt, maybe even complete with a tie for an extra touch. If your significant other doesn't fall into either of these categories, then this suggestion need only be modified. Wear a favorite shirt instead, or something that is significant between the two of you. This will help tie the gift of boudoir photography to both of you.

Something else to consider is what type of bottoms you're going to be wearing. Thongs are a classic choice, but so are panties. Depending on how little or how much you want to reveal, this choice will be totally up to you, as will all the other choices concerning your boudoir photography session.

Nighties are also a suggested article of clothing. Nighties are versatile dress, and can be as revealing or modest as you would like. If you're not excited about the idea of lingerie and high heels, something more elegant may be the right choice for you.

The clothing that you wear during boudoir photography is very important because it will, more than many other things, affect the final outcome of your photographs. If you're still not sure, the professionals at the studio will be more than glad to help, and some even invite you to bring in all of your options so you can go over them together. Just remember, in the end, it's all about what you want.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer. You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog:http://www.LearnBoudoirPhotography.com

Glamour Model Posing Tips From a Photographers Standpoint

When it comes to modeling, there are almost as many potential photographers as there are potential models. While many people understand that there are serious demands placed on any man or woman that wishes to be a model, few people understand all that goes into being the professional that snap the pictures.

Of course there is undoubtedly going to be a huge expense in the accumulation of the proper photography equipment like high end digital cameras, meters, lighting for the studio and even advertising to promote the new business.

However, all the top dollar gear in the world will not help one to become a true professional photographer.

This genre takes on many forms from portfolios for modeling to romantic portraits ( also known as boudoir ) for females to give husbands as gifts. But, no matter what type photos, a photographer will need to offer glamour model posing tips during a shoot, and this is something that simply does not usually come naturally.

It must be acquired, and it can be if you know what to do.One of the best ways to gain some practical experience is to pay attention to facial expressions that you see on a daily basis. Since more than one facial feature can make up a good pose, you will need to be aware of the entire face and the movements it makes, from the eyes, nose, mouth and other regions of the face. This will help you to give good and reliable pose ideas when shooting.

Another good way to gain experience is to look at magazines. Looking at what established models and photographers do and how the pictures come out is a great way to get an idea or two when it comes to model posing techniques. Once again, it is important that you pay close attention to facial expressions as well as body poses.

This will also help you to understand a little better what the model will need to do when creating the photographs and will help you to hand out advice which is useful and that gets results.When it comes to male or female modeling photography, the person in front of the camera will look to you for direction, and if you are not prepared to give them the proper looks, the photos you take will not fair very well.

Simply because you lack experience does not mean that you cannot offer valuable and professional glamour model posing tips on your photo sessions. By being observant, you can make it through your first few shoots and you can gain the experience that is so important in this business.

A final thought is of course, practice. There is no substitute to practicing your craft until you are comfortable. Shoot with some fashion or glamour models who are willing to be "experiments" in exchange for free pictures for their portfolio books. You will get better and will learn something new with each session. Do this before advertising for paid sessions.

Once you have a few photography shoots under your belt, giving appealing posing tips to the models you shoot and making the photos you create reach their highest potential will become second nature.

Bob Pardue creates professional modeling portfolios in Carolina athttp://www.bobpardue.com

Basic Photography Lighting Equipment

Lights are some of the most important tools photographers use in the creation of their final products. Here's a look at some of the most basic photography lighting equipment, as it relates to studio strobe lighting. Choose the right tools, and you'll get a better result, every time.

While you may occasionally be able to get good results with the wrong equipment, most of the time you won't. There's a slim chance that a photo taken with a bare flash head will work out. However, rather than take that chance, it's a better idea to find the equipment to help you do a really professional job.

Bare bulbs are just a strobe head with no reflector, allowing the light to go wherever it wants to. They're only really effective as a portrait background light in a small space. They can also be used inside light boxes.

However, for pretty much every other use, you'll want a reflector or diffuser of some sort. Small reflectors are sometimes built into the light head, and work well with umbrellas, as well as for bouncing off of walls and ceilings. Stick with a neutral colored wall if you'll be bouncing light off of it, however.

Larger reflectors are a kind of photography lighting equipment that doesn't work as well with umbrellas, since they block part of them. However, they're much better for bouncing light onto ceilings and walls. They project more light, using fewer watt seconds. For commercial photography, this will save you money on photography lighting equipment.

Umbrellas are used by most portrait photographers, but not everyone cares for them. They spread relatively soft light over a large area, but have poor control. An alternative is a soft box, which creates a square catch light.

If you do prefer an umbrella, make sure you get the biggest one you can. After all, a large umbrella can be positioned closer to the subject to give the effect of a smaller one, but a small one can't act like a large one.

Another piece of basic photography lighting equipment is the grid spot. Shaped a bit like a metal honeycomb that goes over the reflector, it keeps the light from spreading, making multiple columns of light close together. This creates a spot light.

Larger grid spots are more efficient, but they also take up more space. They work well for background lighting, however. You'll also want to look at light boxes. These are a simple frame holding open a five sided box (some are also round). They offer a lot of control, and can work well for fill lighting.

We shouldn't forget about strip lights, either. These long, thin light boxes can help you do some interesting experimental effects. Another very important and key component in a pro photography lighting equipment setup is a backdrop.

From product photographs to glamour shoots, a dependable background support and backdrop is always needed. Utilizing a high quality, all cotton muslin backdrop to shoot against will assist photographers in creating stunning images on a consistent basis.

For photographers looking for the best shots and attaining them with a great degree of consistency. Making the best use of photography lighting equipment and accessories will greatly assist them in producing incredible photographs routinely. In the extremely popular photography world, the quality of your shots matter a great deal for everything between shooting product photos for your business or eBay store all the way to complete glamour shoots.

Your Boudoir Photo Shoot - How to Prepare

As a newcomer to boudoir photography, it's important to know what to expect. You don't want to be under-prepared, without an outfit you want to wear or your favorite shade of mascara. But you also don't want to over-prepare by running out to a tanning salon and getting a brand new haircut. Each studio is specific, so it's important to confirm with them exactly what you should do. Here are some helpful tips to help you get ready for your big day.

Glamour photography is all about you and your unique beauty. That said, it's typically not recommended that you change a lot of things about yourself before the shoot. These pictures are for your significant other and he already loves you for who you are.

You don't want a series of photographs of yourself that look nothing like you. New haircuts are a bad idea. There are typically professional hairstylists on hand at any boudoir studio, so keep the hair that your significant other knows and loves.

However, if you do want to get a haircut, you'll want to have it done before the day of shooting. While your hairstylist at the photography studio will be a professional, she may not be permitted to cut or dye your hair as a part of the studio policy.

Tanning is also not recommended before the shoot, unless of course you tan regularly. Again, you want to look like you, so your skin should look how it would normally look. New tans are also a bad idea because they can leave you with multi-colored or red skin that you don't want in your final product.

Usually there will also be a professional make-up artist at the studio, so you don't want to overdo it before you leave the house. A modest amount of make-up, just some mascara, is probably all you'll need before arriving at the studio. The make-up artists will take it from there and make sure that you look exactly how you want before the shooting begins.

While professional cosmetologists are commonplace in boudoir studios, it's a good idea to get a manicure and pedicure before you arrive. Many studios do not offer this service, and you'll want to make sure that everything is just right before you begin.

Aside from these physical attributes, there is still one big issue left: clothing. Your clothing, other than you, is the most important thing to consider before your pictures are taken. You need to consider exactly how you want to look, how revealing or modest you want to be, and what kinds of photographs you want in exactly what outfit. Your ensemble will be sharing the spotlight with you, so make sure that you're happy with it.

Being prepared for your boudoir photographs will help your shoot go smoothly, and if things go smoothly you'll be more relaxed and able to focus on looking your very best. Just make sure that the style you've prepared is the style that you're most happy with, because in the end these photographs are all about you.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer. You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog:http://www.LearnSexyPhotography.com

The Modern Movement of Photography

In the process of time, portrait and wedding photography has changed from the traditional approaches of formal portraiture to the less formal. The appeal of more relaxed and the natural poses are more personal and reflective of who the portrait is really about.

The movement of more casual styles may have been influenced by the current fashion photography that emphasizes untraditional poses. Fashion photography emphasizes details through techniques in lighting instead of using rigid poses. Also the digital camera has provided a high level of flexibility with nearly unlimited frames where the right shot doesn't have to be created, but rather just captured.

The modern day photographer doesn't have to be in a studio, in fact most people today don't want their picture taken in a studio. A natural and relaxed photo can be achieved anywhere.

Post processing has lead to this movement in the fact that pictures that aren't perfect can be made perfect. Natural poses will yield unexpected results. The best picture may be one where there is a tree branch in the way, or a stop sign in the back ground, or maybe even a little bit of bad posture.

All of this can be fixed in post production software. Even some free software can be used to make such corrections. And of course the all popular Photoshop seems to be the all in one tool for post production.

Does that mean the traditional way of photography is dead? Well quite the contrary. Traditional poses have been around since the beginning of time with paintings and certainly continue today in modern photography.

The concept is not as popular but the possibilities have been enhanced ten fold with modern day technology. Posed shots have shifted from the "glamour" shot of yesterday into dramatic enhanced effects of background and lighting to reveal fairy tale like effects that can seem almost magical. The possibilities are endless with todays post processing techniques.

The wonderful thing about photography today is it doesn't need sophisticated studio equipment or a huge investment. A good digital camera is very affordable and there are simple ways with a natural lighting, couple of lighting sources, and a decent post production software to make incredible and professional portraits.

No matter what equipment you use, what techniques you are interested in, the essential goal remains about portrait photography: To idealize the subject. The best pictures portray information about a person's self. This can't be achieved with words and must be achieved by the pose, the lighting, and the surrounding elements in the picture.

The best way to do this is to make sure you know your subject before you take pictures of them. Then begin taking snap shots. The beauty of digital cameras is that you can see your results right away to see if you are taking pictures that are capturing the personality of your subject.

Now that you know it is important to capture your subject's "self", you must also know that it is your job to make your subject look good. There are a few ways you can bring out the best in a subject, but the easiest way is to make sure you have a good lens.

For portrait photography with 35mm format try using a 80mm lens. For medium format try using a lense between 100-120mm. The longer lenses will have a slight pinching effect that will make your subject appear slightly thinner.

With the movement in modern day photography there are opportunities for all types of photographers and the possibilities are endless. We are only seeing the beginning of the digital age and there is more to come in the near future.

Bill Cotter is an author for http://www.memoriesputtomusic.com about wedding photography phoenix Beyond just more information about phoenix wedding photography, Bill also writes about being a wedding photographer.

Boudoir Photography at Home

Boudoir photography (or glamour photography) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Either as a wedding present, an anniversary gift, or for no real reason at all, women have found that beautiful, elegant, and often seductive pictures of themselves are a real treat for the significant others in their lives.

Many studios now specialize in glamour photography, but it's also possible to take these pictures in one's very own bedroom. If you're interested in doing some amateur boudoir photography at home, here are some helpful hints.

First of all, you have to consider that in photography, lighting is everything. A lot of light is ideal, and for the best results you're going to want to use professional work lights on tripods. Of course, not everyone has professional lighting equipment, so the overhead light of a room, indirect window light, and the camera's flash are also options, although less than optimal ones.

You want a lot of light because you want to eliminate shadows that could obscure the picture. You also want absolutely to avoid light coming from behind. Backlit photographs will cause the model to appear dark and undefined in the photographs. Lighting creates the mood, so you need to get this right.

Also, a background is important in glamour photography. You don't want to set up in a bedroom with clothes on the floor and a lot of clutter lying around. The space should be organized in a way that the subject of the pictures chooses.

Namely, it should convey the kind of image and attitude that the model desires. Items of intimacy, such as pillows and other props, are a good idea. The old rule, "if it doesn't add to the scene, then it detracts from it" is useful here. Nothing is neutral in your scenes. It either helps or hurts the quality of the photos.

Before shooting, make sure the model and the room are exactly right so that the session can continue smoothly and without interruption. Also keep in mind that, even without interruption, boudoir sessions can take hours.

The pictures are meant to show the most perfect and beautiful side of the model, so a lot of photographs are necessary to ensure that the ones to make up the final collection are the absolute best. Don't be surprised if this process takes quite a bit of time.

Throughout shooting, it's important to make sure that the model feels comfortable and is happy with her session. If you're taking these pictures of yourself, then most likely this will be no obstacle. However, if you're taking pictures of someone else, especially of a customer that you're not acquainted with, this can be a delicate situation.

These pictures are extremely personal and private, and for your customer to be at her most elegant and seductive in front of a total stranger will take grace and patience on your part. Allow her to get comfortable both with you and her surroundings.

Keep her robed until shooting and allow her to put her robe back on immediately afterwards to avoid any awkwardness. Comfort is absolutely essential to a good session of glamour photography.

A professional atmosphere is a must for a boudoir session. Make sure that you follow such basic guidelines as lighting and setting to reassure your client that she is going to receive the best possible service. Also, make sure to cater to her as she sees fit. After all, these pictures are all about her.

While there is no substitute for practice, there is also much to be learned about shooting quality boudoir photographs. Don't pass up the opportunity to review some books or short courses on lighting and on posing models. Doing this can make the difference between obviously amateur photographs and those that are truly stunning.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer. You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog:http://www.LearnSexyPhotography.com

Boudoir Photography - What is It?

Boudoir photography (also known as glamour photography) is a style of photography designed to create a set of sensual images of adult women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Boudoir literally means a woman's dressing room or bedroom, and so the bedroom is typically the setting of boudoir photography.

This style of photography has become popular recently as a form of a gift from a woman to her significant other. Specifically, a collection of boudoir photographs has become fashionable as a wedding gift from the bride to the groom. Boudoir photography is also popular as a Valentine's Day, birthday, anniversary or even a surprise "anytime" gift.

Boudoir photography is designed to highlight a woman's sensual side. The pictures are tasteful, fine-art portraits of the client. These photographs can be taken while the woman wears whatever she chooses, from a wedding dress to lingerie to sports jerseys. (Yes, some sites do recommend things such as jerseys or male work clothes to help bring a piece of the guy's world into the pictures.)

In many studios, nudity is allowed, but once again these are very tastefully done. In other studios nudity is off-limits, and the pictures focus more on the "suggestion" of nudity. This is to say that the woman is pictured in such a way that nudity is implied but never fully revealed.

In the world of glamour photography, the emphasis is all on the client. The uniqueness of each individual woman is what is most important. While many women may worry whether boudoir is right for them, glamour photographers and studios beg to differ.

Boudoir photography is not about being a model. Many studios stress that no modeling experience is necessary at all. Furthermore, it is not necessary to tan, get a make-over, or even a haircut before the shoot. It's actually frowned upon in most cases.

The point of these photos is to celebrate the individual, to explore the natural elegance and beauty already present in a woman. As one site instructs: "Remember, your significant other loves YOU."

In this vein, it is also important to note that boudoir photographs are completely customized and tailored to the desire of the client. How much or how little is shown, how to pose and what to wear are all in the hands of the woman being photographed. This overall personalization is a cornerstone of the boudoir business.

Boudoir photography is typically conducted in a studio with a very small number of employees present. The client will have access to a hairstylist, a make-up artist, and whatever other services the studio offers, but the shoot itself is a private affair more often than not.

The idea is to create a comfortable atmosphere, one in which the woman can truly relax, be herself, and focus on how she wants her pictures to turn out.

In many cases, after the photographs are taken the client will have access to them and may be allowed to pick and choose the final proofs as she likes. The photographs will then undergo a digital retouching during which lighting will be adjusted and "trouble areas" will be eliminated.

Just as many studios insist that their clients need not be models, they also reassure their potential customers that no matter how perfect a woman's body, she may be uncomfortable with some areas such as stretch marks, cellulite or scars. In the end, the customer is left with a series of photographs that highlight her own unique and elegant beauty.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. For several years he was a professional freelance photographer. You may learn more about the excitement of glamour photography and how to enjoy this art form either as a photographer or as the one being photographed at his blog:http://www.LearnBoudoirPhotography.com

Choosing the Best SLR Digital Camera

For many looking to take the next step in their photography endeavors, the digital SLR camera is a logical choice. For those that don't already know, SLR stands for "single-lens reflex," which refers the internal mirror mechanism that allows the photographer to see the complete image before the shutter is clicked.

Unlike older point-and-shoot style cameras where the viewfinder image may not match the final image, an SLR system allows the user to see the image as it will be captured on the digital media. While all modern point-and-shoot digital cameras contain a LCD screen that essentially serves the same purpose as an SLR's mirror system, there are still several distinct advantages that a SLR has over any other camera type.

Amateur and professional photographers alike continue to choose the SLR for the simple fact that no LCD screen can match the visual superiority of a direct-viewed SLR viewfinder.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of an SLR camera is the ability it offers to interchange lenses of different types to achieve an array of different results. Although many fixed-lens cameras contain an outstanding general purpose lens, this one lens cannot accomplish all things.

This is particularly true when the goal is to capture images in unusual situations (low light, extreme telephoto) or when performing macro or other specialty photography. So, what is the best SLR digital camera option for you?

This is a question that can only be answered through careful analysis of your individual situation. The points listed below should help to get you on the right track.

1. Identify Your Price Range - as with anything you're looking to research, it's important to first identify your desired price range. The last thing you want to do is to get excited about a particular camera only to realize that it's out of your price range.

Fortunately, there are SLR's at every price range that will satisfy the basics of image capture. Prices typically go up based on specific requirements (resolution, speed, crop factor, etc.). Typically, an entry level SLR camera is priced at around $500-700.

2. Intended Usage - there is no point in spending $5000 on the most advanced full frame digital SLR if you intend to use the camera to take casual photos of your children or friends. An entry level camera will perform such tasks extremely well and will be priced much more attractively.

Ask yourself the following questions - what types of photos do I typically take? What types of photography might interest me in the near future? How important is portability and camera weight? What size prints will I be printing?

3. Brand preference - I started taking photos using the Canon system and have since purchased many Canon SLR cameras. While Canon certainly isn't the only producer of high quality cameras, their cameras have a certain look and feel that I've grown accustomed to.

I can pick up just about any Canon camera and instantly grasp how to operate it. Be sure to try out several different brands to find one that works for you. The camera should feel right in your hands and the button layouts should made logical sense for you.

By following the simple suggestions mentioned above you will have an advantage over other consumers that are in the market for a digital SLR camera, and you will be less inclined to make an irrational purchase that you will later regret. For more information on cameras and specifically on pink digital cameras, please visit http://pinkdigitalcamerareview.com

Tips For Night Photography

When you are taking pictures, you may feel like you are restricted to daytime photography to accurately capture the lighting in your images. However, nighttime can present a number of wonderful photo opportunities, such as family pictures under Christmas lights and even casual shots of groups of friends going out at night.

Luckily, there are a number of adjustments that you can make to your camera to help you make your night pictures either as true to life as possible or as stylistic as you want.

First, let's take a look at how cameras actually capture images. Whether you have a digital camera or a film device, the most important thing is the light that comes into the machine. Light activates a photosensitive object inside the camera, basically burning the image into it.

With film cameras, the photosensitive object is the film itself. In digitals, there is a charge-coupled device, or a CCD, that basically translates the amount of light received into an electronic image with pixels.

There are three very important things in adjusting the amount of light that comes into a camera. First, you have the aperture, or the diameter of the lens opening. This is important because a wider diameter lets in more light. This can be very helpful if you are taking pictures at night so that you can fully capture all the light that is present, brightening up your entire image.

Second, the shutter speed is key as well. The longer the shutter is open, the more light hits your photosensitive substance. While this can make for streaky images, it can also allow the light to be more strongly burned into your picture.

Lastly, you can change your ISO settings. ISO refers the sensitivity level of the film or CCD. If you have a film camera, you can buy film with different light sensitivity levels. If you have an adjustable digital camera, you may be able to change your ISO setting manually.

For night photography, making your ISO more sensitive can be helpful, although you walk a fine line between making something too sensitive and not sensitive enough. This is because the higher your ISO, the more "noise" or graininess you have in the picture.

A good rule of thumb for night photography is to make the most of the light you have. This can mean lengthening your shutter speed, widening your aperture, and making your ISO a little more photosensitive.

However, you may have to experiment a little to find the perfect balance between these three adjustments. Making your camera more reactive to light can help you take a sharper, more realistic photo.

If you want to experiment with more stylistic night photos, consider lengthening your shutter speed as much as possible as lights pass by. This will make them all blur together in one big streak. This style is popular with taking pictures of highways and even pointing your camera up at the stars.

Joseph Devine

Once you know how to successfully adjust your camera, you can come closer and closer to taking the picture that you are looking for. When you get the perfect shot, you don't want to let it hide away in a small picture frame. To fully display your photo, consider having it made into a canvas. For more information, check out YourCanvasPhotos today.