Kerry Drager

Kerry originally became a best shot to find its way to promote a beautiful landscape photography to get a better picture BetterPholio Basic ™. Now it is better to have a photo director, editor and assistant, and an integral part of BP personnel. Kerry has often joked with us that we need to get his t-shirt that says "I wanted to Gallery members ..." Ah, the poor guy has no idea: we will never let go!

Tony Sweet

Tony Sweet is a true artist, and photography became his career in an interesting way. A relatively short period of time, Tony has developed his own process of nature photography, and is now one of the most famous flower photographers working today.

Vik Orenstein

Vik Orenstein is the next series of our best interviews, photographers, professional photography. Vik has a number of studies Portrait of family and shares with us his experience of how he became a successful portrait photographer.

Brenda Tharp

Brenda teaches photography online, in person, and write books and articles in popular photography magazines. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on how she became a nature photographer and successful trip.

George Schaub

Featured next step in our series of interviews with professional photographers is BetterPhoto George Schaub. George is the editorial director of Shutterbug magazine, teaches photography online, and written books and articles. In this interview he shares his thoughts on the road with a lot of hard work, became a successful writer and photographer.

Jim Zuckerman

Like many of our best photos online photography class instructor, Jim Zuckerman is self-taught. Jim is a writer of books, photography teacher, photography workshop leader, and world traveler. Jim images are incredibly beautiful, filled with color and life. In this interview, he talks of becoming a successful photographer.

Ibarionex Perello

Ibarionex Perello is an online photography instructor, author and associate editor and advisor of course here at BetterPhoto.com. In this interview, Ibarionex explains not only how he got into photography, but how he became a successful portrait photographer.

William Neill

William Neill is a prolific writer of articles and books, in addition to being an award-winning nature photographer. He is also the long-standing "on the landscape" columnist for Outdoor Photographer magazine. In his writings, and online photo courses, teacher guides William and others who want to learn to become better photographers.

Lewis Kemper

Lewis Kemper specializes in nature photography and wildlife, and working with images in the digital darkroom. It is also a contributing editor to Outdoor Photographer and PC Photo magazines. Lewis was honored to be included on the agenda of Canon Explorers of Light, which recognizes the 60 most influential photographers of the country.

 

Water in Motion: Going with the Flow

Flower Photography in Good Light

flowers is that the lighting is better when it's cloudy. Contrary to what most people think flowers look best when they are photographed in diffuse light. Cloud cover acts as a giant softbox studio, softbox and white umbrellas or studio photographers use are actually made to simulate an overcast sky.

In the photo with the direct sunlight, note the very dark shadows throughout the image. They interfere with the graphic design of flowers and almost rivals for attention. In the image of the shadow, there are still shadows, but they are softened and they add dimension without being intrusive.

There was a slight wind and I had to wait until the air is still, as I shot them. Wind is an enemy of macro photographers.

Nature Photography: How to Shoot Waterfalls

Lighting: Like shooting trees in autumn, the best lighting is overcast, especially in between rain storms. In the Upper Peninsula, it rains almost every day in the fall. You want that dark diffused lighting in order to slow down your shutter speed. 
Shutter Speed: In order to get that blurred-smooth-flow look to your waterfall scene, you need to shoot at a shutter speed of 1 to 1.6 seconds.  
Tripod and Remote Shutter Release: At shutter speeds of 1 to 1.6 seconds, use of a tripod, a good tripod is a must. 

Your Camera's Self-Timer: Using your cameras self-timer feature will accomplish the same effect as using a remote shutter release. When this feature is set, you press the shutter, and the camera doesn’t expose your film or image sensor for a pre-set number of seconds. Setting your self timer to 5 seconds will allow for any vibrations to cease when pressing the shutter button. 

Nature Photography

Nature photography, regardless of the quality of search results is always a 'soul-inspiring experience - to breathe fresh air, hear the birds singing, feel the wind on your face ... But both have a lot of experience of being outdoors, and to increase the number of high-quality images for

Picturing a Frame Within a Picture Frame

One of the most striking field techniques around is foreground framing. Used effectively, it helps direct the viewer's eye right to the photo's star attraction.

 Frames come in all shapes and sizes. Some background around a subject entirely, while other frames are partially between them, ie, the side, top or bottom. Examples of design features include branches, arches, windows, doors, sculptures, fences, menacing rock formations, fountains, flowers, architectural elements, the outstretched arm of a companion, or a hot air balloon race in a close color.

Although the cross in the foreground is often spotlight your center of interest, an extra-special frame is sometimes the main subject in itself. Frame can also display the topic in relation to its environment and can also produce three-dimensional effect, which wipe out the scene from front to back.

Using Your Digital Camera

A major advantage of digital photography is that you can see the picture immediately after you press the shutter button. This allows you to shoot again if necessary or delete photos you will save space on your memory card. Some cameras have live preview, a programmable amount of time that keeps the image on the LCD 2 to 10 seconds. Others require that you press the screen to see the image, or to switch to playback mode to review images.

Use the Instant Review to verify the image quality. If you find there is a problem, it is easy to get on the field. After a series of images, you can review them one by one, like a grid of images or use a slide show format. To do this, you turn the camera recording in reading and enable opportunities renewed.

Remember that LCDs are not always a reliable picture of how the image actually looks like. For example, if you take a picture of a situation of low light, it can look quite dark on the LCD. When you open the image on your computer later, but brightness and contrast setting reveals a very detailed picture.

REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS for Better Photo

It 'easy to change the white balance, ISO, etc., the camera settings, all on the same photo session. But it is not always so easy to remember to change these settings back - especially when the heat of the fun! We deal with this problem is the head of a piece of colored tape, a movement in an area that can easily be seen as a reminder that we have made changes to the original settings.

REDUCING YOUR FLASH OUTPUT for Better Photo

If you have problems with flash on your compact digital camera becomes too strong, here's a solution. First, if you can set your flash to output less (by setting it to -1 or -2, etc.) to do so. But if you think it is too much to light, hold your index finger in part on the flash head when he makes the picture.

It seems illogical, but the power of the flash is so powerful that it does the trick. Not only that has been very successful in breaking down the light output for me, has also warmed the flash. The flash through your fingers will be softer, more moderate and very hot.

AVOID CONTRASTY SITUATIONS for BetterPhoto

The extremes, however, are a problem for film and digital photography, but is especially a problem when shooting digital. When the lights and shadows are too extreme, the details of the areas are in danger of being lost. Even if it is "average" exposure, a compromise between light and dark areas, shadows tend to go black and the highlights are washed.

With digital photography, even a subtle difference, however: the complete loss of detail in the highlights. A clear zone on the bridge of the nose, for example, it would see the details of a negative, can easily be blown on a chip.

Photographing Children

Make the photo session something the child wants to do (i.e. have fun and play), and you'll have a much better chance of accomplishing your own objective - making fabulous portraits that you can be proud of.
The good news is that it's easy to find the joy in photographing kids. In fact, I have the best job in the world!

Wildlife Photography According to Jim Zuckerman

There are five types of lighting that you have available to you when photographing outdoors. Light can illuminate a subject from:

1. the front,
2. the side,
3. the back,
4. a three-quarter angle, or
5. within, where a translucent object seems to glow from within.

Natural Light for Beautiful Wildlife Portraits

Most wildlife photography I do when I travel, however, is done with the available light. I prefer the natural look, as the ambient light, as I can choose the type of lighting. I try to avoid direct sunlight during midday, for example. The shadow is so much more attractive for outdoor portraits because it preserves the subtle light and dark relationship with the subject. Flash even fill flash, it tends to eliminate or reduce these subtle details.

How to Shoot Wildlife Photography the Right Way

In addition to making your nature photography in the best light, I am confident that you use a tripod when possible. When shooting with a tripod is not possible, use one medium or another ottoman stable.

Image Stabilizer lens, can afford them, out of animals to help photographers get sharper images even in low light conditions. They minimize camera shake, and to keep them, which in turn provides more flexibility in shooting. However, I still recommend a tripod when possible.

Finding Wildlife Subjects to Photograph

There are several options for the location of wildlife - even if you live in the city. One technique is to try the Internet. For example:

One of my favorite subjects are macro frogs and poison dart frogs specific. They are colorful frogs are poisonous in nature, but is not dangerous when they are kept in captivity (because their diet is changed). I was particularly interested in the blue frogs, because they are so unique.

How to Shoot Wildlife Photography From a Vehicle

In many cases, a vehicle more closely approach a wild animal that a person can walk. For example, most wildlife in national parks are accustomed to vehicles, and they know that there is no threat.

Shooting from a vehicle can use a stable platform that adheres firmly to the driver's door when the window is open. (The media is available through several sources.) You can also use a jute bag or cloth filled with uncooked rice, beans or gravel. This is actually my favorite choice for the filming of a vehicle. I travel with it empty, but when you reach your target shooting I will fill.

How to Shoot Wildlife Photography: Close-up vs. Environmental

It is not necessarily desirable for every full-frame shots to the head of wild animals - you can always take head shots of the zoo. In addition, environmental and animal gives a sense of place, and if the position seems to be impressive, it will be an integral part of the composition. Yet, the topic is important enough picture to make a statement.

Be Bold

Not afford to be paralyzed by fear using the wrong settings or a policy of non-politically correct society.

If you are afraid of upsetting someone taking a picture, just go and ask if it is correct. Sign a waiver and provide a copy in return.

With wildlife, adopt a soft approach when you go places where few photographers have gone before. For the above photos, I put my camera and telephoto lens in a sealed bag and kayak on Monterey Bay. (Talk lawyer: This can be dangerous - so be careful.)

Be wise ... but be bold.

Keep Your Camera Settings Simple

While you may wish to have "all the bells and whistles" available in case you'll probably have better results if you do not try to use them all the time and instead of learning a simple configuration that works best for you most situations.

This does not necessarily mean keeping the camera set to "program" - but in this state of being perfect in its simplicity, it can be frustrating for its tyrannical control.

Instead of relying on a fully automatic program, choose a simple, semi-automatic program

Watch the Weather, Too

Watch out and decide you're going to want the images in the sky.

If it's cloudy, just do not like the images from the sky as possible. This is usually the best way to avoid, and muted tones of the subject and the background of the sky washed out. You can also find black and white photo of a cloudy day more pleasant color.

When the day is fine, go ahead and make the most of it.

If the camera allows the use of filters, buy a polarizer. This will help you make a blue sky with white clouds against a bright, rich colors, and other wonderful effects on a simple twist of the wrist.

Look at the Light

This is not to study the sun - No, it does not. But it's nice to see what kind of light you are working. In which direction are the shadows belong to? If you do not want to make silhouettes, in which the subject is black against a background interesting, it is usually best to turn the sun behind you.
How is the light affecting your subject? Is the subject squinting?
Is the light blazing directly and brightly upon your whole subject? This works well if you are in love with the bold colors of your subject.
Side lighting, on the other hand, can add drama but can also cause extreme, hard-to-print contrasts.

Experiment with Shutter Speed

One of the most basic, rare, and the fun of photography is that you have the power to stop time or see a fraction of a second.

A picture is going so slowly that we never have seen both happen so easily in real time that we never noticed. Playing with shutter speed!

Use a slow shutter speed and a tripod to make a nice picture of a creek or stream. On the other hand, you can use a fast shutter speed (1 / 500 and up) to catch a moving object.

Focus on Your Subject

Practice shooting with different apertures and monitor the results after seeing the depth of field affects your photo.

You will find that a smaller depth of field (and smaller f-stop #) all the attention focused on the topic. This is a good idea to take pictures of your child, your dog or your husband - subjects stand out background ambiguous.

Be Selective

 Distinguish what you are really interested and center your efforts to get the best view of this topic, be it a still life, your cat funny puppy with a friend, a family business, a mood, a place where the culture.

So make sure to keep anything that might divert out of the picture.

• Focus in on a close-up that tells the whole story;
• Move around until you arrange the telephone lines into a neat pattern that leads to the subject; or
• Take a panning shot that makes the cable car remain in focus while the background goes blurry.

Be Quick

f at all possible that your subject can move, bolt, fly, stop smiling, or just tired of waiting for you to shoot, shoot again immediately.

Practice gets faster and faster to draw.

Compose Your Picture with Care

Even if you don't plan on selling your photo to the Smithsonian, make every effort to keep it balanced and beautiful. On one level or another, everyone responds better to a picture that has all elements in balance.
Strive to lead the eye along an interesting path through the photo, with the use of strong lines or patterns.

• Keep the horizon level;
• Crop out extra elements that you are not interested in

Move in Closer

Each time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then move in closer for a better shot. Having your subject almost fill the frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate your photo.

Experimentation

 

With the advent of digital photography, we no longer have to worry about film processing costs, or short shots. . As a result, try our photos composition 'has become a real possibility, we are able to shoot tons of shots and delete their reactions following, at no extra cost advantage of this fact and experiment with the composition - you never know if' idea works until you try

 

Cropping

 

Often, the photo lacks impact, since the topic is so small, is lost among the clutter of their surroundings. To strictly limit around the subject you need to remove the "noise" background, ensuring that the subject receives full attention of the viewer.

 

Framing

The world is full of objects which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways and holes. By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest.

Depth

 

 Because photography is a medium to two dimensions, we have to choose our mix thoroughly to give a feeling of depth that was present in thea actual scene. You can create depth in a picture by including objects in the foreground, midplane and background. Another composition useful techniques overlap, when you deliberately partially obscure an object with another. The human eye naturally recognize these layers and mentally separate them, creating an image with more depth.

Background

How many times have you taken what you thought would be a great shot, only to discover that the final image has no impact because the good subject in a busy background? The human eye is excellent at distinguishing between different elements in a scene, while a camera tends to flatten out in the foreground and background, and it can often ruin a photo otherwise good condition. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to overcome at the time of registration - looking for a simple background and discreet and compose your photo so as not to distract or divert the topic

Viewpoint

Before photographing your subject, take time to think about where you want it to shoot. Our view has a huge influence on the composition of our photos, and therefore can greatly affect the message they had shot through. Instead of just shoot from eye level, consider taking pictures from above, down to earth on the side, rear, by far, very closely, and so on

Symmetry and Patterns

 

We are surrounded by the symmetry and patterns, both natural and artificial. They can do very captivating compositions, especially in situations where they are not provided. Another good way to use them to break the symmetry or pattern in some way, to introduce the excitement and the focal point of the scene.

 

Leading Lines

 

When we look at a picture of our eye is naturally drawn lines. From Think about how you put the lines in the composition, can influence the way they see the big picture, pulls us into the image, toward the subject, or a journey "through" the scene. There are many different types of lines - straight, diagonal, curved, zig-zag pattern, radial, etc. - and each can be improved with our photographic composition.

 

Balancing Elements

Setting the main subject off center, as the rule of thirds, creating a more interesting picture, but can leave the scene of a void which may seem empty. It should be a balance, "weight" of the subject, including another object fills the space of less importance.

Rule of Thirds

Imagine that the image is divided into nine equal segments by two vertical and two horizontal lines. Try setting the most important elements of the scene with these lines, or points where they intersect. This can be added to the balance and the interest in the photo. Some cameras also offer the possibility of the rule of thirds grid on top of the LCD screen, making it even easier to use.

Flash Bouncers

The Fring – a DIY Flash Ring

It uses the light from your camera’s flash to light your subject using fibre optics arranged around your lens to give a more even light.