Composition and Exposure

Article: Find a Fresh Photographic Perspective And Wow Your Audience.You Keep Shooting with Brian Peterson—AdoramaTV

Join Bryan as he visits Jackson Square in the New Orleans French Quarter. Here he will show you a new approach to your photography.

Article: 9 Awful Real Estate Listing Photos—And How To Avoid Taking Them.Do you really want to sell that property? Don't post crappy photos of it!

The worst sound a real estate listing agent can hear in his or her office is crickets chirping. This advice is for them (the agents, not the crickets).

Article: "It Looks Like Trash!" Use Macro and Find The Fine Art Photos Everyday Scenes.Exploring Photography with Mark Wallace—AdoramaTV

Can you find photographic ambrosia in a nondescript alley or refuse? Mark Wallace turns trash into photographic art! The secret? Visual Pushups!

Article: Get Closer To Your Subject For A Strong Photo Composition.You Keep Shooting — AdoramaTV

Join Bryan Peterson in Burano, Italy where he shares an effective and simple composition technique.

Article: Take Dramatic Photos of Buildings using the Apple iPhone 5.Weekly Inspirations Using The Apple iPhone 5

Here's our second weekly dose of inspiration for anyone who uses an iPhone (or any smart phone camera, really) for fantastic photography.

Article: Shoot Low With A Wide-Angle Lens To Transform Your Landscape Photography.You Keep Shooting: AdoramaTV

Join Bryan Peterson at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia where he shows how to turn an eight-inch puddle into a lake.

Article: Punch Up The Drama in Front-Lit Landscape Photography with a Graduated Neutral Density Filter.Do it in camera so you can keep shooting!

Here's a technique that adds drama to skies in landscape photography. Yes it's old school, but it lets you spend more time taking pictures!

Article: Use Your Wide Angle Lens's Closest Focus For More Dramatic Travel Photography.A PPSOP special presentation

Many photographers don't know how close they can focus with their wide angle lens. In this video PPSOP founder Bryan Peterson shows you what opportunities await when you focus as close as you can with your wide angle lens!

Article: Underwater Photography Composition Basics, Part 1.What works on land also works in the water

Underwater photography is not just about getting the right camera, underwater housing and lights. You need to know the basics of composition to tie it all together.

Article: 6 Principles of Gestalt Psychology That Can Improve Your Photography.Psych yourself into stronger photographs

Want to give your photography skills an upgrade? Wouldn't it be great if you could get people to spend more time looking at and appreciating your photos? Learn and understand these principles of Gestalt Psychology, developed over 90 years ago!

Article: FAQ: What is the Rule of Thirds?.The Golden Section explained

Learn this classical composition technique and you'll find your photographs will be more organized. You can thank Pythagoras and Fibonacci's Rabbits for this.

Article: FAQ: How do you control shutter speed to minimize camera shake?.The "one-over-the-focal-length" rule for handheld photography, explained

Here's a modern modification of a rule of thumb for shake-free handheld photos.

Article: Call for submissions: PhotoZAP.Our panel of critics praises and pans your photos

Think you’ve got the photographic chops? Ready to take some constructive criticism from a trio of photo experts who will pull no punches? Jump into the fire and send us your near-perfect shots!

Article: Compelling and Creative Images—AdoramaTV.You Keep Shooting

In this episode, Bryan Peterson goes to a Canadian junkyard and produces three great images.

Article: Five Creative Ways to Shoot The Tree.Decorated a tree? Get some great pictures of your work!

During the month of December, millions of people across the country have an evergreen tree sitting in their living rooms, bedecked with colorful lights and ornaments befitting the holiday season.

Article: How to Photograph Flat Artwork.It's all about camera and light placement

With the right equipment, photographing paintings, lithographs, or other fine-art is fairly straightforward—or is it? Here's a look at how to use studio lights and a tripod to make a successful reproduction.

Article: Garbage In, Art Out.Mining the Mundane for Great Photos

Just like mining for real gold, mining 'gold' images seems to be a goal shared by most photographers, yet some of the finest gold to be mined is often overlooked. These images remain 'buried', hidden in some truly mundane locations...and sometimes, in a heap of garbage!

Article: Taking Pictures Through Glass.Reflections on a compositional element

Glass is both a joy and a nuisance to photograph. It has three wonderful properties that captivate the imagination and have the potential to transform the mundane into the magical. These same properties, however, can also be frustrating aspects of the material.

Article: Some Things Blue.Cool color, practical advice

Blue is arguably the most popular of colors and evokes a vast range of meaning culturally and personally. Blue moon, the blues, blue morning, blue sky, blue jeans, bluebells, blue bonnet, perhaps Picasso's Azul Period (1901-1904) best characterizes the melancholy and poetic power of blue.

Article: f/8 And Be There.It's not just a photographic technique: It's a philosophy for documentary, street, and travel photographers

When asked how he was capable of getting such amazing images on a consistent basis, Arthur “Weegee” Fellig replied “Simple. f/8 and be there.” Since that time this simple statement has become the mantra of Documentary Photography, held as scripture, writ in stone.

Article: Using Aperture and Shutter Speed Creatively.Use Motion and Depth Of Field In Your Photos

While digital cameras offer the potential to bring back better pictures more easily, I find many aspiring photographers are overwhelmed and confused by the technology and abundant options for shooting. It's time to focus on the essentials, and then take advantage of the technological enhancements.

Article: Shooting At Dusk .Dynamic scenes after sunset

When it comes to shooting cityscapes, the time to do it is after sunset or before sunrise. Too many photographers pack up their gear at sunset and head home, but the most dramatic shots are still waiting for you. The trick is to shoot at the right time.

Article: Perfect Beach Exposures Every Time.No more grey sand!

The problem with beaches (or snowy landscapes, or any scene where there’s a lot of white or light colors) is that they mislead camera meters.

Article: FAQ: What is the “Sunny 16” rule?.More than a fair weather friend for photographers

Here's a simple trick to help you get perfect exposures on bright, sunny days...without a meter!

Article: The 60 Minute Photo Challenge—AdoramaTV .Digital Photography 1 on 1

How to spend an hour practicing your photography skills with the 60-minute challenge.

Article: FAQ: What is Noise in a Digital Photograph? .In-depth answer to a basic digital photography question

You’ve probably read or heard about unacceptable noise in digital photos. What does that mean and how does it occur?

Article: All About Anti-Shake Technology.Another low-light photography advantage

Anti-shake technology has improved since it was introduced over ten years ago and has helped to reduce shaky photos. What, exactly, is it?

Article: Calculating Hyperfocal Distance—AdoramaTV .Digital Photography 1 on 1

Adorama Photography TV presents: How to calculate hyperfocal distance for maximum depth of field.

Article: FAQ: What is Ambient Light?.A basic guide to the light around us

A reader writes: “I’ve heard the term “Ambient Light” used by photographers and know it’s important, but I only have a vague notion about what really it means. Can you give me a clear explanation.”

Article: Snow Exposure Tips.Don’t let gray snow give you the winter blues

Is it snowing where you are? Grab a camera and start shooting so you can show how snow transforms everyday scenes into winter wonderlands. But first, learn how to avoid a classic winter photography gotcha.

Article: Camera Settings—AdoramaTV.Digitial Photography 1 on 1

What camera settings should you use? Mark Wallace walks you through an exercize that helps you to find the right settings to use on your camera for the correct exposure.

Article: Metering Part 4: Advanced Light Meter.Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 28

AdoramaTV presents Digital Photography One on One. This is the fourth episode of a four part series on metering. In this episode Mark demonstrates the advance techniques of using a light meter. Mark covers reflective metering as well as incident metering.

Article: Metering, Part III: Using a light meter—AdoramaTV.Digital Photography 1 on 1

This is the third episode of a four part series on metering. In this episode Mark demonstrates the basics of using a light meter. Mark covers ambient exposure as well as metering strobes.

Article: Metering Part 2: Exposure Compensation: AdoramaTV .Digital Photography 1 on 1

This week is the second episode in a four-part series about metering. In this episode, Mark will explain exposure compensation. He will also demonstrate this and show us how to use it correctly.

Article: Understanding Stops: Adorama TV.Digital Photography 1 on 1

In this episode, Mark explains what stops are and how they are used to adjust exposure settings on your camera.

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: Photographing People In The Sun: Outdoor Portrait Photography Part 1.What gear you need to get great outdoor pictures, and how to fight harsh outdoor sunlight...and win!

Whether you're traveling, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or recording your graduate's moment of glory, everyone ends up shooting outdoor portraits. And most are less than satisfied with the results. But a few simple picture-taking tips can soften and flatter those harshly-lit, squinty-eyed faces.

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: PhotoZAP 43: Whatever Floats Your Boat.Our critics praise and pan your pictures

"I’m enjoying the visual game that’s being played here, with the boats seeming to float slightly above the horizon line."—Mason Resnick

Article: Depth of Field - AdoramaTV.Digital Photography One on One

AdoramaTV presents Digital Photography One on One with Mark Wallace. In this episode Mark talks about Depth of Field and how aperture, focal length and distance from subject impact your depth of field.

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: Do you know your DSLR’s exposure modes?.Take full control over your camera

When it comes to knowing the difference between program, auto, Tv, Av, and manual, do you feel a bit green? After this in-depth look at DSLR modes, you’ll be an expert!

Article: How to read a histogram.The key to understanding exposure

Low key? High key? Learn how to read histograms and you’ll understand how to manipulate them until you get the kind of digital image you want.

Article: Five things I’ve learned about photography.40 years of picture-taking experience, boiled down

I’ve been doing photography since the late 60s, when I was 10 years old. I’ve learned a few things and they have little to do with f/stops, shutter speeds, or the latest gizmo. Here are five things to think about and discuss.

Article: ISO Lies: When ISO 100 is really 72.Your camera's ISO settings may not be accurate

My suspicions began a few years ago, after I had purchased a Canon 20D. My pictures were coming out just a tad dark, even when I used manual metering and went with the “sunny 16” exposure rule (shutter speed is the same as the ISO at f/16 on a sunny day).

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: Bracketing a series of exposures for HDR photography.Photograph how the eye sees

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Ultimate Image Quality, Part II.Ultimate image quality picture taking techniques

Let's look at the techniques you should use to continue on the path of ultimate image quality while taking pictures. We're going to use those techniques to keep that image delivered by the lens to the sensor as sharp as possible while maximizing dynamic range of the image (which is just another way of saying getting a good exposure).

Article: Ultimate Image Quality.Getting serious about image quality

Are your photos as good as they can possibly be? Almost certainly not. Not if you aren’t practicing the principles of ultimate image quality. Would you like at least some of your pictures, say those once-in-a-lifetime shots, to reveal ultimate image quality? Well, then, let’s get started.

Article: Use Spot Focusing.100 photography tips in 100 days: Day 98

As digital cameras have evolved, so have their autofocus features. This is great news if you want to place your subject somewhere other than the center of the frame.

Article: Shoot Your Food.A delicious subject!

As photographers we're always hungry for interesting subjects. Often, some of the best photo opportunities are right there under our noses—on the dinner plate. Food evokes visceral responses from us all, and special events are often tied to certain special meals.

Article: Selective Focus.A clear look at a compositional element

A viewer's eye is always drawn to the subject that's in sharpest focus. If everything except your main subject is considerably out of focus, you've created what many think is the most beautiful effect in photography– that of "selective focus." In selective focus, the main subject is sharp, and everything in front and in back of it is blurred.

Article: Revealing Reflections.Mirrors, windows and shiny surfaces can add a new dimension.

Here's a technique for you to use whether you have a simple compact digital camera or a sophisticated digital SLR. Add an element of surprise, color, and abstraction to your photographs with reflections!

Article: Boost ISO for Sharpness.Reduce shake, increase depth of field

Some compact digital cameras set a higher ISO automatically as part of their anti-shake program, but many do not.

Article: RAW or JPEG?.One way to decide

If you own a DSLR you choose to shoot photos in either RAW or JPEG format. (Most compact digital camerass only offer JPEG, although a few high-end models have RAW capability). What are each format's advantages and disadvantages?

Let's find out....

Article: Focus With Precision.Assure accurate sharpness

Many pictures are quite sharp, but not as sharp as they should be in the right places.

Article: The Vanishing Point.Show depth and perspective

Let me give you my perspective on perspective.

Specifically I want to tell you about how single-point perspective, also known and vanishing point perspective, works in photographs.

Article: Add A Splash of Color.A composition tip to help you spice up your pictures

Colors draw our attention, and certain colors do so more than others.

Article: Cluttered Shots? Simplify!.Pay attention to the background

Here's one thing that separates snapshots from great shots: Clutter. It could be a distracting background, a tree seeming to grow out of Aunt Doris's head, or irrelevant elements distracting the viewer from what you want to emphasize.

Article: Boost ISO to Increase Depth.The benefits of high speed, continued

Most people think of high ISO settings on a digital camera as something to use when shooting in low light, but there are other situations in which a higher ISO setting can beuseful.

Article: Diffusing your Flash.Learn how to bounce

If you've ever seen lighting in a pro studio, you'll have noticed that thelight sources are large, with either the flash being bounced from an umbrella or inside alarge softbox. The reason for this is that the larger the light source, the softer yourshadows will be.

Article: Mellow Yellow.Tame this strong color and soup-up your shots

Yellow is a tricky color with a split personality. It can be warm, evokes springtime, and is a sign of happiness and optimism. But it can also indicate tension, danger (why do you think hazard signs are yellow?) and cowardice. (Ya yellow-bellied varmint!)

Article: Horizons: High or Low?.Beyond the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds--that a time-tested compositional tool--says that in a scenic, you should place the horizon either a third or two-thirds up in the image. Well, sometimes, that's neither high nor low enough.

Article: Foreground is Key When Shooting Scenics.What's up front counts

Nothing says “boring” in a scenic more than just showing the scene. No matter how dramatic the vista in front of you, making sure there’s an interesting element in the foreground will almost always transform it into a more interesting photo.

Article: Show off your subject!.Eight great tricks to point viewers to the most important part of your photos

You’ve focused your camera on an adorable child . . . or a glorious autumn tree . . .or a vase of flowers, and now you want to be sure you compose the photograph so that subject is emphasized.

Article: What is Bracketing?.Exposure basics quick tip

Whether shooting with a film or digital camera, one factor remains important: Correct exposure is critical and may be even more so for digital than film.

Article: When To Use Extreme Apertures.The f stops here

There are few, if any, interchangeable lenses that give the highest resolution when used wide open or when fully stopped fully, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use those apertures.

Article: The Rule of Thirds.A basic composition concept

It is often tempting to put the subject in the center of a shot, but in many cases moving it off-center can produce a more interesting image.

Article: Seeing Red.How to work with an intense color

Red evokes power and energy, and is full of symbolism for many cultures. As an element in a photograph, it attracts the viewer’s attention.

Article: The Picture Within the Picture.Think you got a great shot? Maybe so--but you're not done.

Within many photographic situations there are other not-so-obvious photos hiding and waiting to be discovered by you.

Article: Composition Basics: That's Deep.Create the illusion of depth in landscape photography

One of the creative problems inherent in all photographs is that they're flat.

Article: The key to comedy and action photography? Timing!.Forget burst rates and motor drives and work on getting that one shot

What's the key to successful comedy?