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I
have been doing photography for over 10 years now. I really enjoy
it because it helps me to be more observant and notice things
around me whether it's carved gargoyles on buildings in my neighborhood
or intriguing people I meet during my travels. Check out my images in my online photo gallery, Global Mosaics or my blog.
Here are a few tools and tips for taking better photos, editing them and sharing them online. I hope you can also share some tips in the Comments section below.
> TAKING PHOTOS
Composition
When you are taking photos, try to take photos from different angles. You never know which one is going to be the best one! Also keep in mind what is in the background. If it is too cluttered, it can take away from the point of interest. This is why I love taking close-up and macro shots. There is no background to worry about. Fodor has a great guide on composition.
Light
The color of light is also something that can make or break an image. Like many photographers, I love the color of light around sunrise and sunset. Around this time of day, the sunlight gives everything a warm golden glow.
When you are taking photos, try to take photos from different angles. You never know which one is going to be the best one! Also keep in mind what is in the background. If it is too cluttered, it can take away from the point of interest. This is why I love taking close-up and macro shots. There is no background to worry about. Fodor has a great guide on composition.
Light
The color of light is also something that can make or break an image. Like many photographers, I love the color of light around sunrise and sunset. Around this time of day, the sunlight gives everything a warm golden glow.
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> EDITING PHOTOS
I
have been using Irfan View for years. It is such a simple, but
powerful tool for editing images, adding text to images and more. |
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> SHARING PHOTOS
Flickr, Share Your Photos
This is a great way to share your images and get feedback on them. It's easier to upload to Flickr, then my own
website. You can search for groups that fit the type of photography that interests you. Some people prefer
black and white photography, some like street photography and others like nature photography. Photographers are a diverse bunch!
Before I tell you what kind of camera I use, I want to let you know that the type of camera doesn't guarantee that you will take great photos. Great photos are about how you see the world "your eye" and being in the right place at the right time! The more you shoot the better "your eye" gets!
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> CAMERAS
Okay, so everyone always asks me what kind of camera do I use? Do I use a film camera or a digital camera? |
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Before I tell you what kind of camera I use, I want to let you know that the type of camera doesn't guarantee that you will take great photos. Great photos are about how you see the world "your eye" and being in the right place at the right time! The more you shoot the better "your eye" gets!
Having
said that the best camera for you depends on the type of photography
that interests you. If you like sports photography, you may want to get a camera with a fast shutter speed. If you want to do close-ups, a camera with a macro lens may be good for you.
I
started with an automatic point and shoot camera and a manual
camera, then I upgraded to a Nikon N80, which does both manual and
automatic. I shot both print film and slides.
I was hesitant to try digital, but now I only shoot digital. It's convenience outweights its disadvantages for me. It is small and easy to carry around unlike my Nikon. I can take as many shots of one thing and delete the ones I don't like. I use a HP Photosmart R507 (4 megapixel). It has a zoom lens with a macro feature. It uses a rechargeable Lithium ion battery, which lasts a lot longer then double AA batteries. If you buy a digital camera, go ahead and buy the kit with the case and memory card, it's usually less expensive. Of course my camera is now outdated. Now HP offer HP Photosmart R707, 5 megapixel camera. In fact, there are probably better cameras out there now, so check out CNET's digital camera section to get an overview of the best digital cameras in your price range. If you get a digital camera, it is also helpful to get a portable external hard drive to save your images while you are traveling. I use a QMemory 40GB external hard drive.
> ONLINE PHOTO SEARCH
Don't have the images you need? No worries. In addition to Flickr, you can find free images for non-commercial and educational use on these websites. Do you know of any others? Share them in the Comments section.
- Creative Commons
I was hesitant to try digital, but now I only shoot digital. It's convenience outweights its disadvantages for me. It is small and easy to carry around unlike my Nikon. I can take as many shots of one thing and delete the ones I don't like. I use a HP Photosmart R507 (4 megapixel). It has a zoom lens with a macro feature. It uses a rechargeable Lithium ion battery, which lasts a lot longer then double AA batteries. If you buy a digital camera, go ahead and buy the kit with the case and memory card, it's usually less expensive. Of course my camera is now outdated. Now HP offer HP Photosmart R707, 5 megapixel camera. In fact, there are probably better cameras out there now, so check out CNET's digital camera section to get an overview of the best digital cameras in your price range. If you get a digital camera, it is also helpful to get a portable external hard drive to save your images while you are traveling. I use a QMemory 40GB external hard drive.
> ONLINE PHOTO SEARCH
Don't have the images you need? No worries. In addition to Flickr, you can find free images for non-commercial and educational use on these websites. Do you know of any others? Share them in the Comments section.
- Creative Commons
- Photoshare
- Stock.XCHNG Free Stock Photos
- USAID Africa Bureau Photo Library
- Stock.XCHNG Free Stock Photos
- USAID Africa Bureau Photo Library
Do you have tools, tips or questions about photography?
Feel free to post them in the Comments section below.
Roshani