Photography as a Hobby

by Ted Burns

Photography is a hobby that you can easily learn if you are serious and invest time practicing. Although some think that taking good quality photographs is complex, there are actually some fairly basic elements that need to be learned and eventually mastered.

Photo Source and copyright: Uzedphotography.com

Other than through video cameras, today there is not a good generally available alternative to "freeze" and retain memorable moments of our lives than through photography. You can capture special events from birthdays to graduations and more. These will be available to you - with all their rich memories - for the rest of your life. You can always relive those one-time moments and share them with family and friends.

Photography can only truly be enjoyed optimally if you learn the proper skills and techniques needed for taking good shots. Initially you may need some informal - and perhaps formal - training and reading material.

Below are a few simple techniques for the beginners to learn photography.

1. First, determine which general topic interests you most. Is it science? Nature? Sports? Whatever it may be, become a student of that area of interest. It is important to have some level of understanding - if not expertise - to enhance your ability to catch a niche's best shots at opportune moments.

2. If you can afford to purchase an SLR camera with its easy-to-use features, this will help. However when searching for a camera, either stay within your price range or save up for and later buy a camera that is currently out of financial reach.

3. If nature photography is your area of interest, it is important to evaluate the areas you select for locations to be included in your shots. For example, avoid taking a picture in direct sunlight, as that would almost surely ruin your picture quality. Position yourself so that the sun is behind you while snapping the picture.

4. Practice as much as you can by regularly taking pictures of just about anything. Use different light settings, locations, people, animals, inanimate objects, bodies of water, and so on. When you photography people, capture them in both expected and unexpected contexts.

5. Stabilized images are important. You don’t want your picture to be distorted because of your shaking hand. To avoid this problem, use a tripod to steady the camera. Doing so also assists in taking pictures at different angles. And take into account the size, position and shape of your subject as you aim.

6. If you are taking pictures indoors or the required amount of light is not available, you will need to use an artificial source of light to brighten the target area. A camera's built-in flash will help, but sometimes even it doesn't produce enough light to sufficiently brighten the picture.

Adhering to these recommendations will help you gain the most out of your photography experience. The more practical knowledge and skill you bring to the hobby, the better will be your results and subsequent enjoyment.

For practical photography & camera information, please visit http://www.photography-and-cameras.com, a popular site providing great insights about photography training, camera types, and more.
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The Art of Photomanipulation

Photo source and copyright: Domen Lombergar

Although you will constantly hear photographers scold and nag about the photomanipulation process, it is actually one that has been used for many years, and one which is able to offer a variety of benefits. It has also existed throughout the art of photography in many different forms, including everything from different angles, how to use different lights and settings, hiding imperfections, and so on.

Especially in the world we live in today, where everything and everyone is expected to be perfect, namely in the magazines that stare back at us from off the shelves, photo manipulation has played an incredibly large role.

What is it?

Photomanipulation is basically the art of taking a normal photograph and then manipulating it the way that you want it, namely through use of a computer and various tools and applications on the computer. This modifies photographs either by analog or digital means, and is also commonly referred or related to what is known as 'Photoshopping', which is the slang term for the digital editing them, and although it is not directly aimed at the Adobe Photoshop application, it was named after it. Adobe Photoshop is only one of the many different digital editing applications that are available however, and for instance there is Paint Shop Pro, Corel, and even Paint, although this is one of the less advanced programs and is rarely used in the photomanipulation processes of today.

Ethics

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the issue of photomanipulation, and although there are definitely many people who have good, positive things to say about it, there are also those who feel that there are concerning issues surrounding it. For instance on the covers of magazines, when celebrities heads are pasted onto different bodies, this in the past has stirred up a lot of commotion. One instance in particular was when the O.J. Simpson trial was taking place and the Newsweek magazine posted his mug shot as their magazine cover picture, while Time Magazine posted the exact same picture only used photomanipulation to alter it, and ended up making Simpson appear much darker than he was in the actual picture, and as well they removed the serial number and darkened the area around him. The Lebanon reuters incidents is just another prime example.

The ironic part was that the magazines ended up side by side on a newsstand, and it was incredibly clear what a significant amount of this had taken place in Time's version of the photograph.

Journalism is only one area that uses a great deal of photomanipulation, and fashion magazines are definitely topping the list as well. One of the biggest problems with these photomanipulated photographs is that they alter the opinions and views of the public who, for the majority of the time, have no clue that the particular photo was even altered at all. Therefore there really needs to be certain standards set in the field of photography when it comes to something such as photomanipulation.

Domen Lombergar uses photomanipulation to create his limited edition prints and windows vista wallpapers, come check them out!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Domen_Lombergar

Personal Note: Although it is not directly related to photography you can say. But What a great artist Mr. Domen Lombergar is. I request you all to take a look at his website.

How To Take Adorable Photos Of Your Pet

Photo Courtesy: Camroseanimalclinic.ca

While great pet photography is an art like anything else, if you master these tips you can create photo stories your whole family will talk about for years to come.

Tip #1: You can't get a 'staged' photo

The first thing to remember is that Fido, Fluffy or Tweetie may not pose exactly like you want - unless you simply want them to sit and look at the camera. While posed shots have their place as records of important moments or events, it'll take a little more work to create photo stories of your pet you'll truly cherish. But the effort you put in will be well worth it.

Tip #2: Get down to their level

In one respect, pets are like kids. They're all over the place, they fidget and rarely, if ever, keep still. So it helps to get down to their level. No, that doesn't mean making funny faces or acting a bit foolish. What is does mean is getting down on the floor in order to take the best photograph. Basically, you wan to be eye-to-eye with your pet -- whether he's relaxing on the sofa or on top of the picnic table.

When you do you'll have be able to share memories of your pet in some of their most natural poses!

Tip #3: 'Go below'

If it's at all possible, try to take pictures of your pet from a perspective that's below them - get underneath their normal line of sight. This will make for an unusual and intriguing shot and create photo stories no one will ever forget! You'll have fun for many years as you share memories of these moments.

Tip #4: Be quiet!

You never want to startle or alarm your pet. So try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises that might frighten your best friend. This is especially important when you're sneaking up on him while he's playing with a ball or rolling around on the floor.

Tip #5: Bring out the performer in him!

This is very different than actually trying to get your pet to pose. The fact is, many cats or dogs will actually perform tricks for certain family members they are comfortable with. And they'll do it on command. If you can capture one of these moments, you'll share memories that will be special and quite hilarious!

Tip #6: Keep your pet's personality in mind

If you're struggling for some good ideas, why not concentrate on your pet's personality or his features? What makes him special or endearing? He may love to sleep on his back in a funny way? Or he may love jump real high when waiting for a treat. Or he may have unique eyes or an unusual color.

The point is, you know your pet's best attributes. Capture them with your camera and create photo stories so you can share memories in the years ahead.

Tip #7: Put yourself (or a child) into the photograph

In the great scheme of things, people and pets go hand in hand, especially children. Who can resist a little kid and a pet?

While solitary shots are perfectly good, you can add real excitement and drama by creating contrasts and contradictions. Small children and big animals or big men with a small dog or cat will make everyone smile...and create photo stories that are truly special!

Tip #8: Avoid flash photography

Again, this is an easy one. It should be obvious that any type of flash may really frighten or alarm your pet. So it's always best to shoot when the natural light is good. Besides, animals are prone to red eye and eliminating the flash and using natural light is a great way to end the red eye effect!

Tip #9: Be prepared!

Let's face it - getting the perfect shot of your family pet involves luck, being in the right place at the right time. So be prepared at all times. You never know when that precious moment will occur. Catch them while they're sleeping or munching on a snack.

Oh, and don't try for the perfect shot. Just have fun. That's one of the biggest secrets to being able to share memories and create photo stories of your pets!

Matt Smolsky develops marketing programs and has written articles for a variety of clients, including HOORRAY, a new way to share photo memories.
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