Photo Tips: Taking pictures

[Mikey_]

Let's start a thread with Photography tips... I don't have time to write any yet, but let me start by offering some links.

If you have a Canon EOS Digital SLR camera, the following links may be useful (Thanks, Eddy):

- http://photoworkshop.com/canon/dpp/index.html (Great QuickTime video tutorials!)
- http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html
- http://www.photoworkshop.com/ (Other tips, including Photoshop)

[Mikey_]

TIP: Aquarium Picture Taking

To take pictures of an aquarium, I suggest to crank up the ISO setting as high as possible. This makes the "film" more sensitive to light, but adds noise to the picture. Cranking up the ISO setting will allow you to use a faster shutter speed, thus enabling you to freeze the action of the fishes.

I'd rather get some noise in the picture than have blurry images of moving fishes.

Also, absolutely don't use flash.

Now, I didn't do this myself, but turn off the lights in the room and turn on the lights in the tank.

There may be a better way to photograph aquariums, but those are the settings I have found to work pretty well.

[Mikey_]

TIP: Digital Fireworks Photography

Edited from: malektips.com

#1: Use a Tripod
A tripod can make your fireworks photos crisper and more pleasing to the eye.

#2: Keep the Shutter Held Down
Remove 'camera shake' by not releasing the shutter button too early.

#3: Exposure Time
Shutter speed recommendations for digital fireworks photos: between 1/2 sec - 4 sec. The longer the exposure time, the more of the "burst" that would be recorded. Longer exposure times compensate for the lack of available light as well.

#4: Flash Won't Help
Flash will not help your fireworks photography.

#5: Focus to Infinity
Keep everything in focus when taking fireworks photos.

#6: Capture a Landmark
A landmark can fill the void of the night sky in your photo.

#7: Increase ISO Slightly
Increased ISO sensitivity may allow shorter exposure times.

#8: Consider Tilting Your Camera
Add variety to your fireworks photos by tilting your digital camera.

#9: Use Double Exposure For Impressive Photos
Use double exposure tricks to take even more incredible fireworks photos with your digital camera. [Comment: This currently isn't possible with Digital Cameras. Instead, use a tripod and take multiple pictures. Then layer them together with an image editor. - Mike]

[Mikey_]

TIP: Photographing Babies

Use a fast shutter speed to match the baby's fast-moving pace. Try not to use flash as it may startle the baby.

Dress the baby in clothing that's currently too large for him/her. Examples: parents' shoes, larger sunglasses, etc. This helps increase the "cuteness" factor. (Tip from: malektips.com)

Place the subject further away from the wall to add a more intriguing shadow.

[Mikey_]

TIP: Photographing Sunsets/Sunrises, the Sun, or the Moon

Be very careful when pointing your lens towards or at the sun! The sun can damage your camera lens, so after taking your photographs, immediately place a lens cap on your digital camera. Try focusing slightly away from the sun.

Never, ever look through the camera's Optical Viewfinder when pointing at the sun/moon. This can damage your eyes. Instead, use the LCD Viewfinder, if it has one.

Use a tripod and a lower shutter speed to capture more of the light's elegance.