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5 Tips for Successful Bird Watching
Can you name the number one spectator sport in North America? It’s not baseball, figure skating or racing. It’s bird watching. That’s right, more people are watching birds than football and hockey combined. With so many people hoping to see...

Camping in Lead King Basin
The first Summer that I lived in Colorado provided me with an opportunity to spend six weeks camping in the western Rocky Mountains, during June and July. In preparation for a summer in the outdoors, I acquired an eleven-year-old1985 Dodge...

Camping With Man's Best Friend
Man's Best Friend Man's best friend your dog , and you, can go camping and have lots of fun. Look at it as a walk that doesn't end, during which he gets to spend all his time with you. For us campers, it can give us another means of...

Sailing With Wind Orientation In Mind
On the sloops where I got my basic keelboat lessons, my neck developed a crick from constantly craning back to see what the Windex on top of the mast was doing. When I straightened out my neck, my eyes would fasten on the digital readouts of the...

Thinking About Buying Redwing Boots?
Redwing boots have been a favourite choice of workmen for years. They come in a variety of styles, including motorcycle boots, and cowboy boots. They're tough and durable and, with proper care, should last you a lifetime. Before...

 
Quick Guide to Taking Better Photos

In my business I see a lot of snapshots taken by ordinary people. They aren't professional photographers. The "Average Joe" is usually just trying to record a moment or subject, not win a prize in a photo contest for technical excellence. However, here is something very important to remember before taking that spare-of-the-moment picture. You won't be able to take that exact image again. That moment in time will be gone. So, it's best if you record that image the best you can at the time you hear the click of the shutter. Call it an insurance policy. Better to do it correct when taking the photo now than years later saying ..."what if" or "I wish I had..."

These tips are very simple things to do and to make a habit of when taking pictures. If you are already doing them...great. You probably will have fewer "second thoughts" years from now. However, if you think your photos are lacking "something", these tips could be the key to saying "wow" today and tomorrow. I guarantee you will see major improvement in your photography, if you follow these steps.

---Move in as close to the subject(s) as possible. Unless you're taking a scenic shot, a lot of background in the picture is not important. (more about that later) We want to see the person/subject, not the trees or grass in the background. When looking at the printed photo later, we want the eyes to be drawn to the subject(s). The subject should be the focus of the picture. Also, unless what the person is wearing is important, it it not necessary to include the subject from head to toe in the picture. You'll be able to get much closer if you take the picture with the subject(s) shown, at most, from the waist-up.

---How you hold the camera, vertical (up & down) or horizontal (left to right), will help in framing the subject. This will also help you to get as close as possible. Can you get the subjects in the camera's viewfinder when holding it vertically. If so, that's how you should take the photo. If not, switch to horizontal. Usually, in general, 1 or 2 people should be taken vertically. Three or more people should probably be taken horizontally. This is probably the most common, but easily correctable, problem with snapshots that I see. If there is one person in the photo, rarely should the picture be taken horizontally. Yet, I see it a lot. It's understandable if the person is standing in the Grand Canyon. That's a wide scenic view and one that you want to include in the image. But, that is rare. Here is another important tip concerning positioning of the camera. Move the camera before you move yourself. If you are the photographer, stand 5-10 feet from the subject(s) and position the camera in the vertical or horizontal position following the guidelines stated above. If you can't fit everyone in the frame, then take a step(s) backward. Remember, we're trying to be as close as possible to the subject(s). Experiment with repositioning the camera before repositioning yourself!

---Too much needless background in a photo is a common problem with snapshots. Moving in closer and positioning the camera correctly can eliminate needless background. But, how do you decide when to curb it and when to expand it? Ask yourself these questions. Is the background unique or interesting? Does the background help in telling a story about the subject or what was happening at the time the picture was taken? If you are taking a picture of a clown in front of a building or in front of trees and bushes, the background is not unique, nor is it telling a story about the clown. So, move in close and take the picture vertically. However, if the clown is standing in the middle of the midway of a carnival or circus, that is very appropriate to show in the background. It helps to tell a story about the clown and it's interesting. It also tells a story about the photographer. It lets us know that the photographer was at a carnival or circus. This would be an ideal situation to step back and allow more of the background to be seen in the


viewfinder. Use this tip when considering where to take your picture and how to position the camera.

---By following the tips above, you will not only see more appealing photos but it will also be a major benefit if you should decide you want any of your photos enlarged in the future. You might even find it more cost effective. Here's how. A top reason why a lot of people have a photo enlarged, is because they want to see the subject(s) bigger and have needless background eliminated. An issue that wouldn't be an issue if the steps outlined above were followed. If when taking your photos you move in closer and position the camera correctly, vertical vs horizontal, (A) The image/subjects will be closer and easier to see, therefore enlarging may not be necessary. (B) If you want a photo enlarged, you probably will find it will not have to be enlarged as much to get the size of image/subject you desire.

---Let's debunk a myth! The best pictures are those taken in bright sunlight. Right? That's WRONG! The best lighting conditions in which to snap an outdoor photo is...overcast skies. Bright sunlight, especially from an afternoon summer sun, washes out color on the subject and causes upheaval with your camera's eye or lens. For more appealing skin tone and color saturation, take your outdoor photos on an overcast day or in the shade. A trick that professional photographers use when shooting in these conditions is to use flash on a low setting. The flash adds a little light to brighten the scene (highlights) and add "catch lights" (those little white dots) to the eyes. A yellow filter can be attached to the front of the flash to add a bit of yellow light, mimicking the sun. The flash will also be very beneficial if the subject is wearing a hat or cap with a brim. The hat can overshadow the eyes and top of the face. By using flash, you'll reduce the shadow by throwing light under the brim.

Speaking of the sun...don't pose your subject(s) facing the sun (causes eye squinting and wrinkles) or with their back to the sun (causes lighting issues) . Position the subject with the sun to their side.

A GOOD sun in which to photograph outdoor pictures, is a late afternoon autumn sun. The deeper yellow lighting adds warmth to a photo. Done correctly, the lighting alone can make a photo extraordinary.

---Want to eliminate "red eye"? The scary, glowing "red eye" affect is caused when the flash is reflected in the eye and bounces back to the camera's lens. I won't bore you with a physics lesson, but that reflection bounces back in an almost straight and level line from the eyes. So, if your flash is attached to the camera, do not take the picture on the same level as your subject's eyes. (A) Have the person look towards the camera but not directly at it. (B) The photographer should move the camera slightly above or below the subject's eye level.

If your camera has a detachable flash, hold the flash above or to the side of the camera when snapping the shutter.

Photographing animals without "red eye" is more difficult because you can't control where they look and usually have to snap it quick. Suggestions include...photographing them in action and not in a posed position, therefore their eyes more than likely won't be directed towards the camera. Secondly, you can try quickly moving away from the animal's eye level a split second before snapping the shutter. But, that is dangerous because you may have "camera shake" when clicking the shutter, which will lead to a fuzzy image.


About the Author

Marilyn Lyons is an awarding winning photographer with a Photographic Technology degree from the Ohio Institute of Photography & Technology. She has worked with a variety of photographers and owned her own studio. She currently is a veteran of the photo sculpture industry, working with photographers and the general public to produce stand-up 3-d statues of their photography. You can check-out a gallery of her creations at http://www.funfotos.com

 

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  • 10 benefits you get from using trekking poles for hiking

  • 10 reasons to buy silk flowers and plants over real ones

  • 10 things to consider before getting a dog

  • 10 tips for great flower photography

  • 10 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 11 hints to pick your next camping tent

  • 3 easy steps to becoming a backcountry hero

  • 4 steps to an enjoyable hike

  • 5 easy steps to giving the perfect backcountry gift

  • 5 tips for successful bird watching

  • 5 tips to get out there and smell the roses

  • 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear

  • 6 things you must do if you want to havethe secret to catching more trout

  • 6 things you must do if you want to have the secret to catching more trout

  • 7 magic trick tips using invisible thread

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • 7 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 9 tips for taking great digital photos

  • alabaster antique lamps

  • all about golf

  • art career success with local businesses

  • attract birds to your yard with bird feeders

  • avoiding snowmobile crashes safety tips and avoiding injuries

  • awesome ways to get outdoors

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a great day of cat skiing

  • a kayaking community at your fingertips

  • a look at the intriguing history of snowboarding

  • a look at wet suits for kids

  • a new outdoor craft idea artificial rock boulders

  • a sport the world loves

  • backcountry skiing for intermediate skiers

  • bean bag chairs guide

  • best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain

  • black bear chasing kid style

  • blind skiers see the light

  • boarding your dog

  • bungee trampolines discover new heights

  • camping equipment essentials

  • camping in lead king basin

  • camping makes the weekend perfect

  • camping tents what the tent ratings mean

  • camping tent making sure you get the right size tent

  • camping with mans best friend

  • caribbean national parks explore the outdoors

  • carnival and madi gras masks

  • caught in the camera eye

  • check out the teva mountain games

  • choose the perfect fishing trip destination

  • choosing a wrought iron sword

  • choosing project wood

  • climbing and fear

  • cloudy day photography taking advantage of natures diffused lighting

  • code of conduct for outdoor enthusiasts

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • creative scrapbooking albums for your pet

  • cymbidiums orchid plants what you need to grow successfully

  • did you ever try selling your images

  • dirt hole set ticket to canine success

  • dog training tips

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do you have a healthy brain the secret to mental agility

  • dreaming winter photography

  • dried flowers for decorating

  • dutch oven cooking basics

  • easy navigation in the woods or on the water with the garmin etrex gps handheld

  • enjoy the view use a binocular

  • experience the adventure of a lifetime with river rafting trips

  • explore a whole new world on the water

  • exploring new trails

  • favorite hobbies camping

  • favorite hobbies yard games

  • feeding cattle

  • finding and catching fish has never been easier with the garmin 250 fish finder

  • finding snowmobile rentals in idaho fun and adventure awaits

  • find and catch those pesky fish with a garmin 240 fish finder

  • find the sunglasses that are right for you

  • fishing as family activity

  • fishing by moon phase increase your catch

  • fishing through the cracks

  • fishing vacation 101

  • five key factors that affect your pot plants in winter

  • five life skills for backcountry enjoyment

  • flower pictures a mild obsession 2

  • foot gear for a winter enthusiast

  • for fast paced fun nothing beats a pocketbike

  • funky fun garden plants

  • gearing up for an outdoor winter activity

  • geocaching a great way to get outdoors

  • getting ready for your backcountry adventure

  • get another hobby

  • get a hobby

  • get the most out of your hike

  • guitar performance make the most of it

  • hiking from your own home

  • history of kokeshi japanese wooden dolls

  • history of the adirondack chair

  • hobby ideas

  • hobby psychology

  • how much draw weight do i need for crossbow hunting

  • how to build a campfire

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to buy the right binoculars for you

  • how to choose a right backpack

  • how to choose the right motor scooter for you

  • how to choose your dome tent

  • how to get the most out of your trekking poles

  • how to get your kids along on your next hike

  • how to pick your next camping tent

  • how to select the ideal home weather station

  • hunting by moon phase your best season ever

  • index

  • indoor trampolines and mini trampolines

  • introducing new horses to your herd

  • introducing the fascinating hobby of birdwatching

  • is backcountry snowmobiling for you

  • is first aid different in the backcountry

  • it was a christmas miracle

  • i hope it rains in heaven

  • keys to responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • kids croquet

  • landscape painting tips for beginners

  • landscape painting tips for oil painters

  • let there be light part 1 the camping lantern

  • log work bench plan

  • make it tonight glowing glass jar party lights

  • mike kelsey steward of the trail

  • mini bike madness

  • mission impossible construction of a backcountry ski lodge

  • mississippi outdoor adventures

  • my perfect campsite

  • natural stress relief without a doctor

  • navigating on the mountain in water or in woods there is an etrex unit for you

  • new years resolutions for the backcountry

  • night vision devices the ultimate in backcountry toys

  • north face tents

  • oil painting supplies guide for beginners

  • oil painting tips for beginners

  • outdoor design with old ladders

  • outdoor getting out of ones shell

  • outdoor navigation tips

  • paintball explained

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • popular play tents

  • quick guide to taking better photos

  • rainbow trout and trout flies

  • raising the bar for anglers who want quality equipment at a reasonable price the garmin 160 fish finder

  • real beauty comes from within

  • responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • rock climbing preserve your experiences

  • rock speakers and planters

  • rotator

  • sailing with wind orientation in mind

  • scrapbooking think about your theme

  • scrapbooking your christmas memories

  • setting up portraiture

  • set out a feast for your feathered friends

  • sewing with polar fleece

  • shih tzu history and legends cross breeding with pekingese and lhasa terrier shih tzu management

  • ski vacations how to end up in the right place at the right time

  • so you want to climb a colorado fourteener

  • stitching memories

  • summer fun with baby great scrapbooking ideas

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • teddy bears aren t all cute cuddly toys

  • the best parts of camping gear

  • the great wide wonderland of snow and skiing

  • the journal of a gardener in tuscany june 2004

  • the many uses of the functional wetland

  • things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • things you should know about tents

  • thinking about buying redwing boots

  • thoughts about digital snap shot

  • tips on buying your first gps unit

  • tip better outdoor portraits

  • top 10 ultracompact digital cameras

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  • understanding white balance

  • unique tin can candle holders

  • using film speed effectively

  • utilizing the tools we are given

  • weather vanes brief history and different types

  • wedding craft ideas that save you money

  • welding processes explained

  • whats in your hiking pack

  • what to know when buying a gps

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  • why go gold panning

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  • why rangefinders are perfect for the backcountry

  • why range finders are perfect for the backcountry

  • winter safety in the mountains

  • winter snowmobiling vacations getting the best deal

  • women and fishing not just a mans sport

  • your craft show booth how it can make you more money

  • you too can ski down mount everest

  • you to can ski down mount everest