Photo Tips

Article: Sharpening and printing.Look sharp...but not TOO sharp

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.

Article: Subtleties In The Shade.Harsh direct sun can ruin a shot

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.

Article: Fine grain with higher ISOs? Humbug!.Even finer grain at lower ISOs is better

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.

Article: Modify your your Digital Camera for Infrared Photography.Infrared photography is easier than ever, thanks to some clever, warranty-voiding customizations.

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.

Article: How to determine your camera's ISO tipping point.At what ISO does image quality really deteriorate? Depends on your camera!

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.

Article: How to photograph a birthday party.Hint: Treat it like an active group portrait

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.

Article: How to photograph a newborn baby.Yes, you can get great pictures at the hospital

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.

Article: How to create a Time Lapse Video.All you need is a digital camera, an intervalometer, Photoshop or QuickTime Pro, and a dream

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.

Article: Jumpin' Portraits!.Get your subjects' feet off the ground

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.)

Article: Does noise reduction work?.A close, thoughtful look at digital grain

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

Article: B&W Solarization in Photoshop Elements.Groovy "old school" darkroom effect goes digital

"Oooh, you know how to solarize?" In the early 70s, my friends were impressed that not only had I mastered solarization—the special effect that transforms photos into wild, other-worldly images by combining positive and negative renderings on the same photo--by the tender age of 13

Article: Classic window-light still lifes.Let the natural soft light in!

Like most photographers my greatest photographic joy is to travel to exotic locales where I can take pictures of llamas dashing through the ruins of Machu Pichu, surfers hanging five on the curls at Big Sur, or skyscrapers soaring in any big city.

Article: Make it Rain.A garden sprinkler and a little imagination goes a long way

You can make it rain! Well...actually, you can make it appear to be raining in your own backyard with simple gardening tools and a bit of planning.

Article: You are ready for a Digital SLR if....Time to step up?

Are you feeling that your creativity is being stifled by the limits of what you can do with your compact digital camera?

Article: Tonemapping your 32-bit File.HDRI under the hood

True 32-bit High Dynamic Range Images have too much information to be accurately displayed on traditional computer monitors, so it is necessary to downsample or "develop" the 32-bit information into 8- or 16-bit space—just like a traditional digital photo.

Article: Making a 32-bit High Dynamic Range Image.Demystifying HDRI

Each series of bracketed source images needs to be combined into a single 32-bit High Dynamic Range Image. This 32-bit image can contain much more information than any 8- or 16-bit file type.

Article: Lenses for HDR photography.Expand your range, both optically and otherwise

HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) has become a much-discussed way to get the produce images with a range of tones and colors similar to what the human eye sees. Here are some basic HDRI techniques and advice.

Article: Tripods are the HDRI Photographer's Friend.For better dynamic range, you need a steady friend

In the field, High Dynamic Range Photography begins with a series of images of the same scene captured at different exposures. A tripod helps to ensure that the multiple source images are aligned properly.

Article: Backwards take pictures should you.Like Yoda I write, so better photographs you will take.

What is it you photograph? When do you photograph? This week’s tips, which will usher out the old year and in the new, ask you to consider the very essence of your photography.

Article: Show the subject unclearly.Mystery and obscurity are good things

Sometimes, instead of showing a subject clearly, try deliberately photographing it vaguely, obscurely, or unclearly. Now, why on earth would you do that?

Article: Tilt your horizons.Shake up your compositions for dynamic images

Skill-wise, this is one of the easiest tips to execute. Attitude-wise, some of you may not find it so easy to do.

Article: Kick your bad picture-taking habits.Change is good.

By analyzing the photo conventions and biases—both personal and cultural—that influence your photography, you will be able to expand your creativity and refresh the joy of taking pictures.

Article: The magic of the mundane.Don't overlook tiny beauty

Expand your creativity and refresh the joy of taking pictures.

Article: Use fast lenses for low light.Wide aperture lenses can see more in the dark

Most lenses are designed to work under normal lighting conditions. In photographic terms, "normal" generally means outdoors. Normal lighting may work in overcast weather, shade of trees or buildings, or in brightly lit rooms with skylights and plenty windows, but the real world isn't always like that.

Article: Know your camera’s limits.Match the tool to the picture-taking task

Do you know your digital camera’s strengths and weaknesses? They can vary so let’s look at a few critical areas to make sure you aren’t losing image quality because you aren’t compensating for your camera’s weaknesses.

Article: Make your camera sing.Lalalalalala

Although I can't sing, my camera has a wonderful voice. When it's been fine-tuned, its voice results in expressive photos.

Article: Activate the camera-Photoshop partnership.Think like your digital camera. What does that mean? Read on!

Photographers from the darkroom ages learned to take pictures in a way to facilitate further improvements in the darkroom. They would "expose for shadows and develop for highlights."

Article: Why your camera acts like a teenager.Think like your digital camera. What does that mean? Read on!

If you can get past the "No Trespassing" and "Private-Stay out" signs posted on your teenager's door, you'll see the same thing your cameras sees every day—a mess.

Article: Think like the camera.Understand its creative and technical potential

"But you don't understand me." That could be your digital camera talking as you look over your pictures and wonder how you can raise your game to the next level. Your camera is who it is and can't change. The camera-you relationship is truly one-sided. All responsibility for a better relationship lies with you.

Article: How do metering patterns work?.Unlocking exposure secrets

These days most digital SLRs offer multiple methods for metering the light in a scene. The most common method includes Multi-segment, sometimes called “matrix” or multi-zone metering.

Article: Do You Have The Blinkies?.How your camera lets you know your exposure is wrong

A very useful exposure tool found on some digital cameras is the highlight alert feature that my pal Barry Staver (www.barrystaver.com) calls the “blinkies” or “marching ants.”

Article: Film vs. Digital exposure, and Histograms.The ultimate tool for determining proper exposure

Correct exposure is critical, maybe even more so for digital capture than film, especially color negative film. That because the latitude (the ability to over or underexpose an image) is greatest with color negative film than for any other capture media.

Article: Understanding contrast in exposure.Unlocking an exposure mystery

Contrast is the difference in brightness between light and dark areas in a scene and can be a function of the subject matter, lighting conditions, or a little of each. Controlling contrast in camera can be a challenge.

Article: Understanding Shadows and Highlights.More exposure basics

Light has three major qualities: quality, quantity, and direction. As photographers seeking to master the art of exposure, seeing that light is the key to mastering the art of exposure.

Article: It's an imperfect world. Accept it.A cure for Photoshop addiction? Letting go

Organic and natural. Foods that grow without the artificial interference of inorganic chemicals. That's the trend in food. The reason? Because natural is, well, natural. Therefore, it must be wholesome and healthful. It's what nature has given us for thousands of years.

Article: Sharpen to show--not to kill.Finding a realistic middle ground, by the numbers

Sharpening photos is easy to overdo—especially for web display. Oversharpened photos seem filled with razor-sharped edges and internal details that look as prickly as a bed of nails. And tiny halos appear on contrasty edges. An oversharpened photo looks unnatural.

Article: Should grandma's face be as smooth as a baby's?.Cure Photoshop addiction!

Today, we wrestle with the question: Is it OK to retouch wrinkles or should you leave them alone? Imagine making Grandma look like a Hollywood starlet. Don't you think there's something wrong with that?

Article: Cornering Curves and leveling Levels.Curing a common Photoshop addiction

Curves and Levels are the perhaps the most basic Photoshop adjustments because they address image fundamentals: brightness, contrast, and color.

Article: Too much color saturation? Not a good thing..Don't be a super soaker saturater

Congress should pass legislation against those who super saturate. Photoshop's saturation control is like the volume control for color, and pictures are being pumped up like everybody is deaf.

Article: Push Processing ISO 100 in RAW.Here's a really useful digital photography exposure trick.

You're shooting your son's soccer game and it's dark and dreary. At ISO 100, the fastest shutter speed you get is 1/125 second at f/4. Not fast enough. What to do?

Article: Freezing Action at ISO 100, 200 & 400.A sensitive look at light and speed

If you could end up with a razor-sharp, action-stopping image by using ISO 100, would you stay away from higher ISOs?

Article: The Myth of ISO Exposed.High speed to capture action? Naaah!

Most of those fleeting moments you want to photograph can be captured at shutter speeds that are well within your reach--even when you use ISO 100.

Article: Understanding the Effect of ISO on Exposure.All about the ISO birds and bees

Think of ISO as a worker bee. If my camera is set for ISO 100, I have 100 worker bees; if your camera is set for ISO 200, you have 200 worker bees.

Article: The substitution metering method.A useful exposure tweak

When using the substitution method, you replace an object within the scene with an object of known reflectance, such as a Kodak Gray Card and take a reflected-light meter reading from this object.

Article: Metering for the Brightest Object.Compensate for a misled reading

When taking a light meter reading from the highlight area within a scene, keep in mind that meters used thusly can produce the equivalent of medium gray and underexpose the image in areas of the scene that reflect less light.

Article: Metering for the Darkest Object In A Photo.Coax details out of the shadows without blowing out the rest of the shot

If the shadow areas of the scene are most important, you might be tempted just take a meter reading only from that area. If you do this, you could overexpose the image and cause total lack of detail in some of the highlight areas.

Article: Metering for Brightness Range.Tweak your reading at the time of capture

Even with today's sophisticated DSLRs and many compact digital cameras, the ability to tweak the exposure at the moment of capture--and recognizing what tweaks you need to apply--can make or break your image's quality and content.

Article: Metering for the "correct" exposure.Sometimes it's more of a judgement call

Even with today's sophisticated cameras, the ability to tweak the exposure at the moment of capture--and recognizing what tweaks you need to apply--can make or break your image's quality and content.

Article: Mud in the fast lane.Three compact digital cameras were tested at high ISOs. They all failed.

We've established that you'll get your best overall image quality with a compact digital camera at its lowest settings, but what happens at their highest ISO speeds?

Article: Slow down for sharpness.For compact camera image quality, the proof is in the blow-ups

A lot has been written recently about the adverse effect of shooting at ISO 400 or higher with a compact camera, but there's relatively little about what happens to image quality when you deliberately choose the camera's lowest ISO setting.

Article: Selenium Prints in Photoshop Elements.Emulate an alternative print process

To prolong print life, darkroom technicians often toned their prints in Selenium, which preserved the prints. As an extra benefit, Selenium prints had a distinctive warm-golden tone overall plus rich, full blacks that enhanced the look of the print.

Article: Color Solarization in Photoshop Elements.A groovy "Old School" darkroom special effect

One of the reasons I loved my black-and-white darkroom as a kid was that it was fairly easy to set up and use.

Article: Bas Relief in Photoshop Elements.An old-school darkroom special effect technique, digitized up

Bas Relief (pronounced bar relief) is one of those funky, esoteric darkroom techniques that I rarely used because, frankly, it was too much of a bother.

Article: High-Contrast B&W in Photoshop Elements.Hw to create a groovy "Old School" darkroom special effect without smelling like fixer.

I loved high-contrast printing using Agfa #6 high-contrast paper. This legendary paper’s characteristics were that it produced practically no midtones. It reduced images to blacks and whites and little else.

Article: Beach Mode (or Snow Mode or Beach/Snow Mode).Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Summer's here, and you're probably going to want to hit the beach. Here's a scene mode that is bound to come in handy: Beach Mode!

Article: Pets/Kids mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Pets and kids have several things in common, at least as far as cameras are concerned,. Top begin with, they’re both very popular photographic subjects. It’s nearly impossible to find a photo album that doesn’t contain at least a few pictures of kids and pets.

Article: Sports/Action mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Sports happen fast. Good shots appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. Even if every scene during a sporting event is a great shot, it can still be difficult capture great images because the participants are usually moving so fast that it’s hard to freeze the action.

Article: How to Publish an “on demand” photo book.Self-publishing books, thanks to the Internet and computer technology, has never been easier.

The geek term for printing one or more books only when you want them is “print on demand” and Blurb.com is one of the websites that lets you produce your own books in quantities as few as one.

Article: Self-Publishing A Photo Book as a Marketing Tool.When your publisher doesn't understand...do it yourself!

Self-publishing books, thanks to the Internet and computer technology, has never been easier. But this is no vanity press: If you have professional aspirations, self-publishing is a solid marketing tool.

Article: Why You Should Self-Publish Your Photo Book.Self-publishing books, thanks to the Internet and computer technology, has never been easier.

Most photographers dream of accomplishing two things in the publishing world: Having their work appear in National Geographic or other magazines and showcasing their photography in a coffee table book. I can’t help you with the first one but can with the second.

Article: Which Working Space Profiles Work Best?.A guide to embedded profiles

One of the most common questions asked by photographers is, “Which working space profile should I choose when converting RAW files, when scanning, or whensetting up my digital camera?”

Article: Calibrating vs. profiling.Get it right the first time

Calibrating a device, such as a monitor or printer, is different from profiling a device. Here’s how they’re different.

Article: Explore a subject.Another "staycation" photography idea!

Let's do something that's environmentally friendly: Photograph a tree—and learn an object lesson about taking time to study the subject.

Article: How to photograph wildlife in your backyard.Your next subject may be hiding under your deck

Whether you live in the city or the ‘burbs, critters are plentiful. During your staycation, you can hone your wildlife photography skills by capturing winged and pawed creatures in your yard or in the ‘hood. (What--you've never seen a pidgeon before?)

Article: Rainy day indoor picture-taking ideas.Three photography projects you can do indoors while it's raining

The price of gas is high, so you’re spending vacation at home. And now, it’s raining. Could it get any worse? Or...could it get any better?

Article: “Staycation” photos in your backyard.You can find plenty of perfect pictures within your property line

My backyard isn’t much to look at. It’s a bit overgrown, the grass consists of thick clumps surrounded by clay-like dirt, the fence is aging but not gracefully, and there’s this huge maple tree throwing the entire yard into deep shade. And yet, it is quite photogenic.

Article: A day at the races.How to photograph the horses

Photographing horse racing--The Sport of Kings--can be challenging, because you are photographing a fast subject, and not always from as close as you might like.

Article: How to photograph joggers and runners.Keep close and keep track

Today, let's take a run at photographing fleet-footed subjects, and see how it jogs your creativity.

Article: Serving winning tennis shots.Shoot sports like a pro

Whether you’re covering the U.S. Open or snapping a friendly match at the local court, Tennis is a sport that offers plenty of opportunities to capture exciting action while fine-tuning your picture-taking timing. It’s all about knowing the game—and keeping your eyes on the ball.

Article: Against the wind.Make your close-ups a breeze when the wind is blowing

When you’re shooting flowers up close and personal, wind—even a gentle breeze—is Photographic Enemy Number One.

Article: Backlight mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

A strong light behind the main subject usually fools the camera’s built-in automatic light meter—and the results can be awful. The subject’s face is often too dark because the camera, in its attempt to achieve correct overall exposure, can be over-influenced by the background.

Article: Borders (in-camera processing).Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Digital cameras are learning new tricks...and adding borders to images in camera is one of them!

Article: How to dress for a family photo.Matching colors help unify the image

If you’re going out for a family photo, doing it yourself, or are photographing other families, there’s one visual element that will tie the photo together in a nice, neat bow: clothing.

Article: Baby mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Kids are fantastic photographic subjects. But babies and toddlers can be challenging to photograph for many, many reasons.

Article: What's an aspect ratio?.Why some print sizes cut off parts of your picture

Aspect ratio is the numerical relationship between the height of the image and its width, and is usually expressed with two numbers.

Article: Matrix Panoramas.Panoramic stitching taken to a new level

Have you have ever climbed a mountain and thought, “wow I’ve got to take a picture of this” but you noticed your camera’s field of view is way too small to capture the entire view?

Article: Driven to abstraction.Look for patterns and colors everywhere.

If you are driven, visually, to abstraction, you’ve got plenty of material. Just look around you.

Article: Look sharp with Unsharp Mask.Unblur your photos

"What is Unsharp Mask, and how do you use it to sharpen pictures?" is a question that we get often from readers. This tip provides the answer.

Article: How to work with Adjustment Layers.A look at Photoshop Layers, Part II

Layers is one of the most powerful features of Photoshop and I use them in every image. Here's one reason why.

Article: Reader mail grab-bag.What's on your mind? Here are some Q's and A's

Every so often, Helen Oster, Adorama Camera's Customer Advocate, gets a question about stuff we sell--and passes it along to me. I’ve saved up some of the more interesting questions and answers. Enjoy today's customer email grab-bag!

Article: Scan Black And White In Color.Digitize film thoughtfully

There are two big myths about making great scans: The first is that the process is so difficult that it’s beyond the capabilities of the average person. The second is that it is really easy to make a great scan.

Article: Use shadows to your photographic advantage.Lighten up your photographic sensibilities

When the sun shines, shadows come out to play, giving you a chance to create some unconventional photographs. So pick up your camera and catch a few before they flee at the approach of clouds.

Article: Food Mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Use a window seat—and a scene mode—to shine a light on edible delectibles. Here's a brief, er, digest.

Article: Chase the shadows away.Tame unruly backlight

One of the most common problems that snapshooters (and, occasionally, forgetful advanced photographers) have is when the people in their pictures are in deep shadow—unwanted silhouettes. This usually occurs indoors where there’s light streaming through a window that’s in the shot.

Article: How to photograph a silhouette at the window.A way to simplify a composition

Silhouettes are a great way to simplify a photo: They reduce an image to dramatic areas of light and dark, lines, and not much color. One of the best places to shoot a silhouette is against a window.There are several ways to expose a silhouette; here are two:

Article: Flood Insurance.Keep your camera dry when it's pouring out.

Raining again? There’s no reason to ever leave your camera exposed to the elements. There are plenty of protective coverings available and they’re surprisingly affordable.

Article: April showers bring great photos.When the rain comes, don't run and hide your camera

There are wonderful photo opportunities when it rains that you won’t find any other time.

Article: Make a fake lake.Faux fun in Photoshop

One way to increase an image’s drama is to add environmental elements such as water.

Article: How raindrops can transform a scene.Shoot through a window on a rainy day? The secret is the focus.

I’m sitting in my office, typing away, when something outside catches my eye: dark, menacing rain clouds! Sure enough, within minutes it’s pouring rain, and the wind is whipping it around. Drops are landing on the window.

Article: Digital infrared...in color?.Can you really fake color infrared digitally? Do you really have a choice any more?

Kodak Professional High Speed Infrared (HIE) film was a high-speed color slide film with moderately high contrast and was sensitive to light and radiant energy to 900 nanometers (nm) in wavelength. But it's gone now.

Article: Faux Infrared in Photoshop.Give conventional images the infrared look

Here’s a few tips, tricks and techniques that will let you convert conventional images into faux infrared photographs using various software tools.

Article: Infrared filter guide.Your digital camera may already be IR-ready. All you need is the right filter.

Is your digital camera capable of infrared (IR) capture? Point a TV remote control at the lens, push a button, and take a picture or look at the image on the LCD panel.

Article: Proofing and reviewing prints.How to make sure it's picture-perfect

When making a proof print, I often use 5 x 7 paper to save costs and time.

Article: Fine-tune images in Photoshop.Prepare to print!

You’ve made major changes to your RAW image file; now it’s time to open it in Photoshop CS or Elements and fine-tune it.

Article: Adjust in RAW.Preparing for a picture-perfect print

You've chosen your image. Now it will need to be adjusted for the best possible print.

Article: Shooting to sell? Get closer!.eBay product photography tip

The three biggest mistakes sellers make when photographing eBay products are using the on-camera flash, having a cluttered background, and not getting close enough the product.

Article: Vivid and Neutral Color Modes.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Generally, your camera does a very good job of recording the world in accurate, genuine colors—unless you tell it otherwise.

Article: Sepia Mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

To give photos an old-fashioned appearance, use the Sepia Mode. All of the colors will be replaced with varying shades of sepia (sort of a dark brownish-yellow) that’s commonly found in some antique photos.

Article: Coupling (or Composite or Paste) Mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Ever wish you could combine more than one picture into a single image? Like when you and a friend are at the Grand Canyon and there’s no one around to take a picture of the two of you together?

Article: Shootin’ amateur hoops like a pro.Low light? No flash? Get creative!

Here I am again, courtside in Madison Square Garden. I’ve got a remote-controlled camera gaffer-taped to the top of each backboard...