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Photo Tips

We'll bet you can't read just one!

By Mason Resnick - February 16, 2010


Sometimes, the best way to learn photography is in small bites. In our Photo Tips section (formerly known as "100 in 100"—100 photo tips in 100 days), offers quick picture-taking or gear-using ideas. Most of them can be read in a minute or two, but the lessons learned can help you become a better photographer.


Subjects include lighting and composition, exposure tips, how to pose people, choosing a lens to fit the photo, and much more.

Nearly three million photographers have visited our Photo Tips since we started posting them in September 2007. There are over 200 articles, and more to come. Read 'em all--then go out and shoot, and put these tips into practice and watch your photography improve.

 

I'll bet you can't read just one!

 

Is there a tip you'd like to learn but don't see here? Do you have a tip of your own that you'd like to share? Email me! mresnick@adorama.com.

 

--Mason Resnick
Editor
Adorama Learning Center

 

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Sharpening and printing

Look sharp...but not TOO sharp

ArticleDigital Darkroom/Printing Techniques and How-Tos - by Derek Doeffinger, April 7, 2011

To show maximum detail, use a glossy or semi-gloss (satin) paper. Detail not important for this image? Then choose any high-quality paper whose surface reinforces the mood you are trying to create.

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TAGS: Printing,  photoshop,  tips,  sharpening,  unsharp mask,  Focus on Printing 

Subtleties In The Shade

Harsh direct sun can ruin a shot

ArticlePhoto Tips Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, July 13, 2010

I love sunlight. It adds backlit punch to portraits, and lets me shoot at superfast, stop-action shutter speeds. But sunlight can also take something away. Harsh direct sunlight can cast dark shadows that lack detail. When shooting nature, that can be a big minus.

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TAGS: photography,  light,  tips,  reflector,  Digital photography,  sun,  translucent,  foliage 

Fine grain with higher ISOs? Humbug!

Even finer grain at lower ISOs is better

ArticleComposition and Exposure Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, July 2, 2010

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Recently, Nikon and Canon introduced high-end DSLRs capable of reaching ISO 102,800. These pro cameras claim amazingly good image quality at ISO 6400 or even more. The Internet was abuzz. But I don't share the enthusiasm.

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TAGS: photography,  digital,  camera,  exposure,  sensor,  tip,  ISO 

Modify your your Digital Camera for Infrared Photography

Infrared photography is easier than ever, thanks to some clever, warranty-voiding customizations.

ArticlePhoto Tips Techniques and How-Tos - by Joe Farace, June 22, 2010

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Because the imaging sensors in digital camera are sensitive to more than visible light, some manufacturers place an infrared cut-off filter in front of the chip to block IR light from striking it and causing color balance problems.

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TAGS: photography,  special effects photography,  DSLR,  infrared,  digital SLR,  conversion 

How to determine your camera's ISO tipping point

At what ISO does image quality really deteriorate? Depends on your camera!

ArticlePhoto Tips Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, June 11, 2010

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In my informal tests of compact digital cameras, it appears that ISO 400 is the point at which overall image quality begins to suffer. Your mileage my differ. Here's how you can determine your camera's ISO tipping point.

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TAGS: test,  digital,  camera,  compact,  resolution,  image quality,  high ISO,  Focus on low light photography 

How to photograph a birthday party

Hint: Treat it like an active group portrait

ArticlePortraits and People Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, April 8, 2010

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If you want to rise above simple birthday party snapshots to show really great, professional-looking party pictures, here are some tips to try, and pitfalls to avoid.

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TAGS: flash,  portrait,  people,  flash diffuser,  photo technique,  children,  photo tips,  Flashpoint,  Polaroid,  focus on portraiture 

How to photograph a newborn baby

Yes, you can get great pictures at the hospital

ArticlePortraits and People Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, April 7, 2010

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Expecting a baby? With the right preparation, you can take home not just a bundle of joy, but a bundle of joyous photos of your newborn.

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TAGS: portrait,  baby,  people,  photo technique,  children,  photo tips 

How to create a Time Lapse Video

All you need is a digital camera, an intervalometer, Photoshop or QuickTime Pro, and a dream

ArticlePhoto Tips Techniques and How-Tos - by Diane Miller, March 10, 2010

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Many digital cameras can now shoot video, and quite a few can do true high definition.  But even if you don’t have video capability, you may be able to make time-lapse videos.

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TAGS: hd video,  time lapse,  Photoshop CS4 Extended,  timelapse,  QuickTime 

Jumpin' Portraits!

Get your subjects' feet off the ground

ArticlePortraits and People Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 3, 2009

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Want to add energy and something different to your portraits? Don't just let your subjects sit there--get them to jump! (Bonus: this is a great way to get restless children to channel their energy into great airborne poses.)

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TAGS: photography,  studio,  portrait,  photo,  people,  jump,  focus on portraiture 

Does noise reduction work?

A close, thoughtful look at digital grain

ArticleCompact Digital Cameras Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mason Resnick, September 1, 2009

How effective is noise reduction software built into compact digital cameras in improving image quality?

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TAGS: test,  digital,  camera,  compact,  resolution,  image quality,  noise reduction 

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