Today, digital photography is considered the most popular not only in the business industry but also for personal use. For all those who have shifted from film cameras, it is vital that you know the different terms related to it.

The first part of the digital photography tutorial will focus on the basic parts and terms you need to know before handling a digital camera. Below are the common terms used in digital photography:

1. Pixel- means the tiniest part of the digital photo. A photo image is composed of combined millions of pixel. 2. Resolution- the over all quantity of pixels in a photo. Increasing the resolution would make the image become sharper. Thus more pixels are needed to achieve a better photo image quality. 3. Mega pixel- a photo composed of three to four mega pixels will have a better quality that a photo with only one mega pixel.4. Dots Per Inch (DPI) – this term is used to describe quality of the computer monitor and printer. Specifically, laser printers have more dpi resolution than monitors. Hence, higher the dpi resolution means better quality.5. JPEG (joint photographic experts group) – it correspond to the format for saving images in the digital camera.6. Memory Card- this is where the digital files are stored. Memory cards consist of different sizes and capacity. A memory card with higher storage capacity would be more convenient to purchase.7. LCD (liquid crystal display) – almost all digital cameras have this specification. The purpose of LCD is for the photographer to be able to view the scene first before capturing the photo.

Now that you already understand the first part of the digital photography tutorial, the second part will discuss basically on correct handling of digital camera.

Proper handling of digital camera is the next important step in digital photography. This is because the success of a digital photographer depends on his output. And the key to achieve quality photos starts in the way you use and handle the digital camera.

Learning how a digital camera works, understanding the strategies in taking photos, and how to take indoor and outdoor pictures are all part of the things a beginner should learn.

Below is the second part of the digital photography tutorial. These are good ideas to help beginner master the secrets of taking photos.

1. Pay attention to the subject

One of the most fundamental digital photography tips. You should be able to compose carefully by working on the frame. Play with your camera, and explore the different shots. Avoid positioning your object at the center of the photo, as it may result to dead center image.

2. Capture Close Up Photos

Take great images by capturing them in extreme close up. Close up photos add a little creativity and excitement to the photos. In addition, this feature is only of the different ways to enhance you photo.

3. Use a tripod

Oftentimes digital cameras results to blurry photographs if your hands quiver a little. Getting a tripod will surely save your effort from taking low quality photos, and preserve otherwise great photos.

4. Be active

Try creative shots. Take photos from the top of a hill, or off the side of a yacht. Go outside and explore your environment. You’ll surely have fun taking those once in a lifetime photo shots.

5. Join a photography class

Your learning doesn’t only focus on the practical part. You must not only learn through your experience. Learning from an expert would also help to improve your skills as a photographer. Try to join a photography class in your community, or if there are online classes you can log on.

Becoming a professional digital photographer really takes time. You just have to be resourceful and keep on trying new techniques. Start by learning the digital photography tutorial because this will serve as a stepping stone for your future career growth.

A good way to organize yourpictures;is to categorize them. If you take a lookat pictures;of past vacationsyou’ll see an album of everything;you saw on thattrip.While thatis ok, you may findthatwhensomeone is looking;at themthatyou are sitting there explaining everypicture. After all,you wantothersto experiencesome of the flavorand excitementyou experienced;on yourtrip.

This is where some good organization comesin. It takesa bit of time but is well worth the effort.

Whenyou haveyourpictures;back,separatethemintocategories suchas, all yourpictures;of gardens and flowers, pictures;of family and friendsor yourfavorite sunsets or interesting;architecture you took. Buy albumsthatsuit the categories theyare in.

Make a little caption and date of each pictureand insert intothe correct album.Doingit thisway makes it easier to lookat and becomesself explanatory.Whetheryou havevisited a particularplace or several places, categories withcaptions make it a lot easier.

(How many times haveyou looked;at photographsof past vacationsand wondered for a secondwhere thispicturewas taken?)

Hereis an example of a fascinatingcategory;

My husband usedto work for a phone companythatinstalled phonesin jails. He took a pictureof everyjail up and downthe east coast. This made for some of the most fascinatingalbumswe have. The architecture of some of thesebuildingswas spectacular ranging from verymodernto castle like in nature. It neverfails to create interestand conversation and it’sall in the same album,there is no questionabout whatkind of buildingstheyare.

Whetheryou are a seasoned traveler or not and lovesunrisesand sunsets, you can create an album just for that. Labelsand dates completethe picture.

The beauty of theme;albumsis you can continueto add to themover the years. They are beautifuland easilyunderstoodby all.

Thereare so many categories you can think of. The only limit is yourimagination.

Digital cameras make it easy to upload photos onto a web site. It is important that you are aware that content verses graphics or images is more effective for promotion. Again, the size of graphics and images matter, since if you put up huge files it will take longer to download the images. This is not only a problem for those impatient souls; it is a problem for those using dial-up connections. Most times huge images will freeze up or shutdown their Internet connection.

To optimize your web pages you want to add more content and keep a single page filled with images around 50K max. The pixels should be around 72 or at most 96 for web pages. The resolution should be low as well. You can employ your photo-editing software to downsize or upsize your photos accordingly. It s important while exploiting your JPEG files that you compress the files on a high setting for the best effects, otherwise you may run into problems. JPEG is one of the wider used formats for web sites. JPEG like GIFF enables you to compress at higher levels, still JPEG is the most highly viewed formatting on the Internet.

The value is what determines the size. In your photo-editing program, you may see size in the dialogue box believing this determines the size, however the value is what you want to consider when resizing images. You can view image file size by selecting the Files option then Open and clicking on the file name.

While putting your files on the Internet avoid saving the files in any other format other than GIF or else JPEG. These are the common file names that web sites recognize. It is important that your images match the description of your web site. Putting up graphics or images irrelevant to the site will only discourage visitors. That is if the person is looking for something from the web site, some picture like pictures and will spend wasted hours on in checking out the photos. There is only a handful of these people existing, therefore keep it relevant.

You want to employ text links in the images, especially if the images are downloadable. The text links will prevent downloading of unwanted images. It also links you page to other web pages within the same site, or else text links will link your site to other sites which increases traffic. You can add the text links to hyperlinks respectively.

You should add navigational links through text links on the web pages, which gives the visitors the option of selecting the images for downloading. One thing that will steer visitors away from a site is web sites that automatically download to a computer without authorization. You do this to my computer and I will tell everyone to stay clear of your site.

The size of the images should remain consistent with the pixels provided on your computer. If you try to make the images larger that, your computer pixels prepare to meet trouble. The file size is based on the pixel count.

The photographer can control the lighting, the type of camera to be used on the photo shoot and the kind of film that will be great developed. The model has to show up for the event and a with a little magic from the assistant transform the face with makeup.

Cosmetic products can really make a person standout. The same beauty products that can be bought at the supermarket are also used by people during a photo shoot. The difference is that the model has two or three assistants putting this all on him or her.

There are a few things that the model needs to look good in front of the camera.

The first is the concealer. Everyone has a few dark spots and applying just a little can cover these areas until the photo shoot is over.

Next is the foundation. This should be applied all over the face. This will make the skin look smooth and hide those pimples and freckles that no one wants to see.

Powder is another essential part of putting on make-up. This should be focused on the forehead, cheeks and chin, mainly because light captures these areas very well especially when model looks into camera and smiles.

The eyebrows can be enhanced using a pencil or a brush. This will make the person look sexy as if the model is looking deep into the reader’s eyes.

Eye shadows are also another important part. The right color will depend on the facial skin of the model. The assistant should be careful not to put too much or too little since this could ruin the shot.

Photo shoots are long and if the model is very popular, the fatigue of going from one location to the next can be covered by using some eyeliner. This should be placed under the eye and on the edges to prevent eye bags from appearing on the images.

The most important thing for makeup which is usually the finishing touch is the lipstick. The assistants can also do this using a pencil and some lip gloss.

The majority of camera enthusiasts nowadays have a digital camera and are very impressed with what they can do and the quality of the photographs that they can take with them. There are however, a few people who believe that film will always have the advantage over digital but there are so many reasons why we have seen the demise of film, here are just a few; Cost: It has to be said that digital cameras aren’t the cheapest of things to buy, at an average of around £80 for a decent digital camera compared to just £6.99 for a single use camera, it’s no wonder that some people don’t want to splash out. The thing is that it is actually cheaper to invest in a digital camera. This is because the cost of getting your photographs developed at the local pharmacy really mounts up in the end, not to mention spending out on new single use cameras or film. It is much more cost effective to take your photos with a digital camera and then you have the option of whether you want to print them at home, keep them on your computer or even show them off on a digital photo frame. Instant Viewing Pleasure: Another benefit of digital cameras is that they enable you to see the photo you have taken instantly and if you are not happy with it (who is?) then you can rectify any photography related mistakes made there and then. In the industry, glancing at the screen after each shot is known as ‘chimping’ and there are some people who hate this practice. However, there are others who believe that this enables people to learn photography skills and practices a lot quicker as they are learning from their mistakes instantly. When shopping for a new digital camera, it is well-worth keeping in mind that different shops offer different deals, meaning that, for example, the same Canon digital camera can significantly vary in price depending on what shop you go in.

A huge benefit of digital cameras is that you can view the image you have just taken instantly thanks to the LCD screen that’s on the camera. Make sure that when you are shopping for a new digital camera that you compare the prices in different shops, because for example, the same Canon digital camera can vary in cost depending on which shop you go in.

Maybe you have heard something like this before: “The better the cameras, the better the photos.” In this effect, you might have thought of digital cameras. Many believe that these models are just a one-click away for great photos. Do you also believe on this?

Ponder on the following article and the appropriate answer will be revealed to you.

The rivalry between film cameras and digital cameras is relatively fresh. How come? Three mega pixels digital cameras have an array of choices for consumers, which is already comparable to a high quality point and shoot models. Nowadays, the same thing goes with five mega pixels digital models for excellent quality photographs. The thing is, quality photographs can be taken with ease using digital cameras. 

Some of the main advantages to digital photography are:

• pictures can be previewed immediately on the built-in LCD screen• costs of installing films are replaced with memory sticks or cards that are primarily reusable and can store thousands of pictures• the stored photographs can easily be shared by copying off the images and/or sharing the memory stick or card• images can easily be transformed into black and white and/or sepia and can also be cropped after the picture has been taken

However, photos under low light and taken using film and digital models are both susceptible to artifacts or granularity. Images taken by both cameras appear to be very similar can be further improved with the advent of software that can improve and manipulate the quality and details of images.

Furthermore, you can take lousy shots with the most expensive Nikon models and make great photos with the passé point and shoot cameras. It suffices to say that it is not the camera that solely makes great and even picture-perfect images. The man behind the camera can squeeze or miss a big time out of the gadget that he has. 

The following presents a ten-point aid that will enable you to take photos like a pro using your digital cameras. Practice on these tips so you can maximize the expense of your gadget.

1. Those Tones Should Warm Up

Change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy when shooting sunny landscapes and outdoor portraits. This increases the yellow and red tones, thus resulting in warmer and richer pictures.

2.  Use a [Sunglass] Polarizer

A polarizer should always come in handy when taking those general outdoor shooting. Polarized shots have more saturated and richer colors because unwanted reflections and glare are minimized or even removed.

If your digital camera can not accommodate a polarizer, simply place a sunglass as close to the camera lens as possible making sure that the rims of the glass will not be taken along with the image. The effect of a polarizer can be maximized when the light source is perpendicular to the object.

3. Shining Outdoor Portraits

One of the most useful and amazing features of digital cameras is the flash on or fill flash mode. This feature allows you to take control when to use the flash. It simply goes on whenever you want it available. This helps in capturing great outdoor photographs.

The camera exposes for the background first then adds enough flash to illuminate the subject when you are using the flash on option. Wedding photographers have been using this technique for many years to create professional looking portraits where everything in the composition is simply excellent. To come up with a more relaxed photograph, try putting the subject under the shade and use the flash to add illumination.

You can also practice on using rim lighting where the sun illuminates the hair of the subject from the side or the back.

However, you should not stand that far away when using the fill flash since most built-in models have a range of 10 feet or even less.

4. Macro Mode Frenzy

I am quite sure that you would want to look at the fine details of your surroundings but would not be willing to crouch down and lie on the ground with your belly.

In that case, you just have to look for the macro made or close up symbol, usually a flower icon, and get as close to an object as possible. Once the confirmation light signals you to shoot, just press the shutter down to record the portrait. However, using the close up mode allows you to have a shallow depth so you can concentrate on the part of the subject that you want to emphasize and let the rest go soft.

5. Chaos of the Horizon Line

There are still photographers who become disoriented when lining up their shoots. In other words, once they look at their cameras monitor, images that are erect seem to be a little tilted or bowed inward.

The most appropriate way to take care of this matter is to take your best shot at a straight picture, then take another picture after repositioning the camera. Afterwards, you can delete the others once you feel you captured a perfectly aligned image.

Also, just practice level framing your shots until you become acquainted with the process.

6. Massive Media Card

You have to have an extra memory card especially when you want more moments to preserve. The following suggestions should be considered before buying a memory card:a. for 3 mega pixels – a 256 MB memory cardb. for 4 mega pixels – a 512 MB memory cardc. for 6 mega pixels – 1 gigabyte memory card

Then you do not have to miss another shot because your card is full.

7. Not High Resolution All the Time

It is more advisable to squeeze more images by shooting a low quality and resolution settings than taking shots with a high resolution all the time. This way you can reserve a space and a 2272 x 1704 resolution on the next great image of the century and enough for the portrait to be printed on a 8” x 10” inch paper suitable for framing.

However, if you have enough memory (and you should), there is no reason to shoot at a lower resolution and risk missing the chance to display your work the big way.

8. Tolerate that Tripod

Tripods are “unnecessarily bulky” for some so seldom do people like to bring them around.

Nowadays, there is an ingenious way to settle the dilemma whether to bring a tripod around or to do without it. The UltraPod II™ developed by Pedco fits in your back pocket and holds your camera steady in various situations. You can use the Velcro™ strap to attach your camera on a tree limb or an available pole. Its legs can be opened on any flat surface or even on a boulder.

Now, you can be a real photographer without carrying a heavy burden.

9. The Fun with Self Timer

Another under-used feature on almost every digital camera is the self timer. This function can be used to save the photographer for missing the picture by delaying the firing of the shutter up to 10 seconds.

You can attach your UltraPod™ to ensure that your camera will not be taken away that easily by some strangers.  Of course, you need to aim at the subject and not at a distant background before setting up the timer. Also the depth of the subject should be checked too.

By using self timers, you can also avoid accidentally jarring the camera when you are interested in making long exposures of cars driving at dusk as you initiate the focus.

10. Slow Motions

Normally, you will use an exposure of one second or a bit longer to create the flowing effect of water. In this case, you have to look for waterfalls or streams that are under the shade.

One trick is to use a polarizer or your sunglasses to darken the scene and create a longer exposure. More so, this technique can also eliminate distractions from your portrait.

For a really good photographer, which implies using creativity and ingenuity, viewers often get curious and ask, “What sort of camera model do you have there?”

Would it be more humbling for them to hear that you are using a normal aim and shoot model?

Or you can simply say, “Model ME.”

The following are the steps to take those amazing picture-perfect shots.

The technical

First things first, it is best that the camera being used has a plate for imaging that is large. Also, a lens that is considered fast should also be used. “Fast” in photography language means a lens that has an aperture that is larger than f2.8.

When the aperture of a camera is large, the image or picture that will be produced has a depth of field that is shallow. In photography language, this basically means that the area that is behind as well as front of the subject being taken is a blur.

As much as possible, the shoulder and the head of the subject should fill the whole frame. Also, if the subject is a person, don’t forget to focus on the subject’s eyes.

The technique

Practice really does make perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect job done only once. It takes perseverance as well as patience. When shooting pictures, try to take a series of shots using a lens that has a wide opening and a stop on at least one or two.

Focus on various areas such as the ear, nose, hair using varying apertures for such. When the pictures come out, you then have many different options to choose from.

To be able to create a depth of field that is shallow, the best thing you should do is use a long lens – preferably a telephoto – and have it set on the zoom that at its maximum. Then, try to stand as close to the subject as possible.

However, for subjects that are in motion, for example a car. The camera must then be moved the same way the subject is moving. Or simply put, the subject must be followed. The best film to be used for such a shot are ISO 400 films. Also, don’t forget to set the camera at an ISO setting that is similarly fast.

The body of the camera, especially when taking such moving picture shots, must be steady. Make sure to focus on the subject as you see it through the lens of the viewfinder. Using such a technique ensures that the subject being focused on is clear and crisp while the background is a beautiful blur. Such a picture helps highlight the movement being done by the subject therefore making it seemingly jump from the picture.

Photo effects

Believe it or not, there is also an easy and stress free way to create a similar photo effect without doing the techniques mentioned. This has become possible through the magic of software. Photoshop has a “blur” function, which blurs the picture’s background in a uniform manner independently as well as authentically the way an actual photograph may be done by a technically-savvy photographer. The software blur is and looks artificial while the real blur is more organic in feel.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the technology of software is advancing so that there is a CS2 version of Photoshop that enables anyone to create a blur that is considered as “smart.” This function takes into consideration the picture’s depth of field. This basically means that the function applies a lot of blurring effects to the pixels that appears more distant and applies a lot less blurring to the pixels that appear nearer. Believe it or not, such a function is adjustable that anyone could achieve any effect desired.

Here is a guide in achieving the wedding photography of a couple’s dreams:

1. Choosing the right photographer

In order to select a wedding photographer, a couple must first decide on the picture style that they want.

Portrait photographers are perfectly capable to take both formal and casual pictures, but he will most likely concentrate on the formal ones.

Photojournalists take shots that are candid and not planned. This kind of photographer usually has experience in journalism photography.

Hobbyist photographers are those who are often a friend or a relative of the couple, and would likely offer his services for free or a very low price. It is hard to tell the kind of pictures that they will produce, and there is a risk that the pictures may not be as good as a professional’s.

2. Getting the perfect camera

Wedding photographers usually use two basic camera types: the 35mm and the medium format. The 35mm has the tendency to produce pictures that are a little grainy, but the only person who may notice the difference are the photographers themselves.

3. Color or black and white?

Color is usually used in wedding photos, but those who want a more artistic feel may go for the black and white film. Black and white photos lasts longer than color ones, though color films capture the details of the event more appropriately. One option would be to take the pictures in color first, then have copies made in black and white.

4, Personality of the photographer

Most couples want a photographer who can take great pictures but who is also friendly and sociable. Set an interview with the prospective photographer, and make sure to ask effective questions. Also, make sure to ask for references, and take a look at his previous work.

With so many different types of digital cameras available to buy these days, it can be difficult for anyone to make a decision. This confusion can increase when confronted with the ranks upon ranks of different camera models and brands which are available. To help solve this dilemma you should try and do a comparison on what types of features are available for the prices of cameras brands can offer.
These different price ranges vary, because each of these digital cameras are packed with features which are said to make life easier for the ordinary photographer. For this reason when you are looking at the models have, you should ask for assistance in understanding the different features that are found with the digital camera that you are looking at.
Some of the digital cameras combine camcorder features with that of a high speed d.c. Other cameras will be improvements on earlier versions and have more capabilities for the users. For these reasons it is also good to find the current prices for your selected digital camera.
You can find the best prices digital camera brands like Canon and Nikon have on offer, from the internet consumer price reviews. These reviews will let you know the price range that was found for the different digital cameras. You will also be given information that will help you decide if you want to buy this digital camera.
Another way to look for what the best prices best prices digital camera brands have to offer is to look through the expert’s reviews. Through these you can find out what the actual prices are for the different digi cams, and you can also see if you are getting value for money.
These various methods of finding out the best prices digital camera brands have to offer for you, along with the different features they have, will let you find the camera that best suits your needs.
And with the help of the internet you can also find retail stores where you can get great deals for your digital cameras. You should be able to hunt out the best prices digital camera brands and models are being sold for, at these establishments.
Once you have found the best prices digital camera models can cost you, you can make a decision about the type of digi cam you need. These comparisons are the best way for you to select the type of digital camera that will give you many design features as well as an affordable price.

Remember the good old days, when buying a digital camera meant choosing between two or three models? That was the year 1995, and there were literally only three digital cameras which had been introduced for the consumer level market-the Apple Quicktake 100, the Kodak DC40, and the Casio QV-11. Back then, it was easy to get information about each camera and decide which would work best for you. Well, those days are definitely gone. Now, if you want a new digital camera you’ll have to sort through hundreds of different models and make countless decisions, like how many megapixels you’d like your camera to have, what type of media you want your camera to store your images on, and what levels of digital and optical zoom you’ll need…not easy tasks, especially if like me you’re not sure what a megapixel is.
I recently decided that my old film camera needed an update and made the momentous decision to buy my first digital camera. Though I’ve always been one of those people who shies away from new technology, friends and family had been telling me for years that it was time to go digital. According to them, the benefits of having a digital camera far outweighed my fear of high-tech gadgets. They told me that I could save a fortune on film and developing costs, that I could view my pictures instantly, edit them on my own computer, and print only the ones I wanted. So, I decided it was time to jump on the technology bandwagon and find myself a simple little digital camera.
Easier said than done.
Several disappointing trips to the electronics stores in my area left me confused and camera-less. I’ve never been intimidated by salespeople, but the electronics stores were completely overwhelming. I had no idea there were so many digital cameras on the market today and had trouble even understanding what the salespeople were talking about when they pitched their products! Megapixels, CF, CCD, dpi, MMC…does anyone know what these terms mean? Finally I decided to try my luck on the Internet, where I could at least conduct the search on my terms, without hovering salespeople, in the comfort of my own home.
I tried the big online shopping sites first, but found most of them even more overwhelming and confusing than the stores. I’ve been using the Internet for years, but I had difficulty finding my way around most of these sites. Not only that, but there were even more digital cameras to choose from than in the stores! I hadn’t thought it possible. I needed guidance…unbiased guidance in language I could understand.
Finally, I came across a new website called www.techselector.com. The site promised to help me find the right product every time-in four simple steps. After my previous experiences I had my doubts about this, but decided to give it a shot. I was instructed first to choose the category of product I was looking for – digital cameras – and then to complete a short multiple choice questionnaire. I expected the questionnaire to be tedious, full of terms I wouldn’t understand, but it wasn’t. It was simple, and any technical terms were explained to me in everyday language. After I completed the questionnaire, the site generated my own personal Product Report, which listed the best products for me based on my questionnaire answers. The Report was easy to understand – I could see pictures of the products, view detailed specifications sheets, and compare different products. After a few minutes of reading through my Product Report, I made a decision and with the click of a button, I purchased my first digital camera.
Sure it’s not 1995 anymore and there are considerably more than three digital cameras to choose from, but the cameras today have amazing features we couldn’t have even imagined back then. Don’t let the overwhelming selection of available models and the confusing technical jargon deter you from getting a great new camera-or any other new high-tech gadget. Techselector.com features a number of different product categories, tech guides, and glossaries which can help you understand all the terms and features. Best of all, the site can help you to sort through the different products and find the ones that will suit you best – quickly and easily. My new digital camera arrived a few weeks ago, and already I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to buy film. Had I known it would be so easy to find the perfect digital camera for me, I’d have done it a long time ago.