tips are a record of entries from the Daily Photo Tips RSS feed, beginning November 20, 2007.  The most recent entries are listed first.  If you're feeling lucky, try out the Random Photo Tip tool!  Contact Me to add your own tip ideas, or to comment on an existing tip.

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Any flat lens filter is more prone to flare than the elements in the lens itself. In direct light, the flare will cause reduced contrast in your photographs. (Sep 7, 2008)

Especially with dense subjects, being able to move your camera freely while composing is important. Leave your camera off the tripod while you find the composition, and then attach it again to make the photograph. (Sep 6, 2008)

Studio strobes can emit a very bright light for the exposure and a dimmer light for setting up the photograph. Sometimes this is to save power; other times the strobes cannot maintain the 'flash' output. (Sep 5, 2008)

A lens with more aperture blades will usually produces a rounder aperture when stopped down. Very high end lenses have many aperture blades and can produce a nearly circular aperture. (Sep 4, 2008)

Whenever you're shooting into a bright light, be sure to check for lens flare. Partly shade the lens with your hand. If the photo becomes more contrasty, your lens is flaring. (Sep 3, 2008)

Many cameras beep when the autofocus locks onto a subject. Though it can be useful (when you can't give the viewfinder your full attention) be sure you can turn the beep off when you need to be quiet. (Sep 2, 2008)

Most quick release style tripod heads have a safety latch to prevent accidental release. Engage the safety latch anytime detachment of your camera could result in damage to your equipment. (Sep 1, 2008)

'Step-up' filter adapters are available for most lens sizes. This enables the photographer to use a larger filter with a smaller lens. The solution is fiddly, but can save a lot of money and bulk from multiple filters. (Aug 31, 2008)

The primary subtractive colours are cyan, magenta, and yellow. When cyan, magenta, and yellow inks are mixed in varying degrees, as in a colour printer, any colour of the spectrum can be produced. (Aug 30, 2008)

Not every moment translates well into the flat medium of photography. Despite our best efforts, photographers must realize that some instants are best enjoyed in person. (Aug 29, 2008)

When photographing in extreme heat, be aware that some mechanical components in your camera can break or malfunction. In particular, aperture blades can expand, causing them to bind and stick. (Aug 28, 2008)

Film can be 'cross-processed', or developed using a different process than the manufacturer recommends to achieve different effects. For example, E-6 film can be cross-processed as C-41 and vice versa. (Aug 27, 2008)

If it's raining or snowing, point the camera towards the ground and cover the eyepiece with your thumb when you're not shooting. This keeps the eyepiece and front lens element drier. (Aug 26, 2008)

To reduce the red eye effect in portraits, try bouncing the flash off a nearby object. By not aiming the flash directly at your subject, the red eye effect is reduced or eliminated. (Aug 25, 2008)

If it fits the camera, there is no disadvantage to using a lens manufactured for a film body with a digital. Though the focal length may be extended, the lens will perform just as well. (Aug 24, 2008)

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