by Jim Miotke
In this article, we have collected some beginning photography tips and tricks from three great photographers. These tips on lighting contrast, flash output, and camera settings will point you in the right direction and help you make your own masterful photographs.
by Jim Zuckerman
Extremes in contrast are a problem for both film and digital photography, but it is especially a problem when shooting digital. When the highlights and shadows are too extreme, the detail in both areas are in jeopardy of being lost. Even when you try to "average" the exposure, going for a compromise between the light and dark areas, the shadows tend to go black and the highlights tend to be washed out.
Even a subtle difference in contrast can mean the complete loss in detail in the highlights. A light area on the bridge of the nose, for example, that would show detail if exposed properly, can easily be blown out.
Therefore, try your best to avoid contrasty situations. Avoid patchy lighting. I have even seen overcast light causes problems at times. One time, on a bright overcast day, I got results that showed a loss of detail in skin tone because the contrast was just a little too much for the camera to handle.
by Brenda Tharp
If you have problems with the flash on your compact digital camera being too strong, here's a solution. First, if you can program your flash to output less (by setting it to -1, or -2, etc.) do that. But if you find that it's still putting out too much light, hold your index finger partly over the flash head when it makes the picture.
It would seem illogical, but flash output is so powerful that this actually does the trick. Not only has this been very successful in knocking down the light output for me, it has also warmed up the light of the flash. The light of the flash going through your finger will be softer, more subdued, and much warmer.
[Editor's Note: if you're already feeling hungry for more digital photography tips, click here.
by Susan and Neil Silverman
It's easy to change white balance, ISO, etc., in your camera settings, all within the same photography session. But it's not always so easy to remember to change those settings back - especially while in the heat of the excitement! We take care of this problem with a piece of colored gaffer tape, which we move into an area that can be seen easily as a reminder that we have made a change to the original settings.
This is critically important when using exposure compensation. After returning your setting(s) back to normal, then we place the tape in a spot where it does not get much attention. This tape can be reused in this manner many times and will still adhere well and does not leave any residue.
Neil and Susan Silverman's Photo Gallery
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