These photography tips are a record of new entries to the Daily Photo Tips RSS feed since November 2007. There are currently 1469 tips in the database! Contact Me to comment or add tips.
Daily Photo Tip
2013
Most digital sensors are designed to capture a maximal bit depth at a 'daylight' white balance. Capturing photographs at around 5000-6000K will make full use of the sensor's capabilities; shifting the white balance dramatically will slightly impair the bit depth of the resulting photograph. (First published Feb 21, 2011)
16.Apr.08When converting a colour image to black and white in photo software, a very high level of control is achieved using colour curves adjustments. This method is extremely sensitive and difficult.
15.Apr.08Try making objects floating in water seem to 'fly'. By superimposing them over their reflected background without any other depth cues, the photograph can become strange and surreal.
14.Apr.08Try analyzing photos (and other art) that you like from an artistic perspective. Ask yourself why you like it, how it makes you feel, and how you might be able to use similar ideas in your own work.
13.Apr.08If your photo really does include fog, mist, or other low contrast subjects, be sure not to accidentally eliminate it digitally by increasing the photo's contrast or clipping its histogram.
12.Apr.08Despite modern battery technologies, many rechargeable batteries will still develop a 'memory'. To avoid this, fully charge and discharge your camera batteries with every use.
11.Apr.08If your autofocus system is having trouble focusing in bright light on a detailed subject, try tilting the camera slightly to the side. This can help the system find a line to focus on.
10.Apr.08The Av setting on modern cameras stands for Aperture Value, or aperture priority. Using this setting, the photographer sets the aperture, and the camera guesses the best shutter speed.
09.Apr.08A histogram is a chart analyzing the grey values of every pixel in a particular photograph. By looking at a histogram, you can tell how many pixels are white, black, and various shades of grey.
08.Apr.08Artistic interests can be specific or vague. You may find yourself interested in specifics, like ice or aspen trees, or more vague concepts, like selective focus or open space.
07.Apr.08The colour 'bit depth' refers to the number of shades of grey possible for each colour channel. 8 bit colour provides 256 shades, while 16 bit colour provides 65536 shades.
06.Apr.08The 'hyperfocal' distance is the focus distance at which the maximum range of your photograph will stay sharp at a given aperture. The hyperfocal distance range is marked on some prime lens's focus rings.
05.Apr.08'Image circle' is a term used to describe the circle of light that a lens produces. The photographic image usually only takes advantage of a small part of this circle.
04.Apr.08If you use one particular filter very often, consider just leaving it attached to your lens. This is a low-bulk way of storing a filter, and makes sure that it is always handy when you need it.
03.Apr.08Long (telephoto) lenses 'stack' elements together, compressing perspective. They can be used to isolate an element or blend it with its surroundings, depending on the depth of field used.
02.Apr.08Whenever you will invest time and money into a project, be sure to draw up a contract outlining the agreement. This protects you from losing income should the deal fall through.
