Nikon D90 Fisheye Lens - Have Fun With Pictures

In digital photography, there are plenty of lenses to choose from and one can be mounted on your digital SLR, all of them has their own area of expertise that one would not attain. One of them are the fisheye lens, it is a wide-angle lens that takes in an extraordinarily wide and hemispherical photos. Basically, the above mentioned lens is mainly developed for astronomy and known as the whole-sky lenses, then it quickly became famous in general photography. It is best suited in full frame DSLR, like the Nikon D90. Nikon D90 fisheye lens lets you capture some great landscapes and seascapes because you will be able to emphasize to curve of the Earth.

Its focal lengths depends on the cameras formats. For the popular 35mm format, commonly focal lengths of the fisheye lenses are between 8mm and 10mm for circular lenses and 15-16mm for full frame lenses like the Nikon D90. Often ultra-wide angle lenses agonize from some amount of distortion. While this can be conveniently fix for moderately wide angles of views, rectilinear ultra-wide angle lenses with angles of view bigger than ninety degrees are hard to design.

Using a Nikon D90 fisheye lens commonly capture an image in a circular curves. But it is true that fisheye lens is not a lens to use all the time, it is certainly not a good idea to keep attached to one's camera while walking around unless you are a photographer who cover all of your photos in fisheye and when sometimes the right picture does not come along, a fisheye lens can sometimes creates a stunning photos.

Popular use of fisheye lens is in the sport of skateboarding; photographers used fisheye lenses so they can get the camera as close as possible to their subject and still absorb a clear full view of their subject. It is a one good lens that can be mounted on your digital cameras to acquire unique photographs.

Digitalize Your Pictures With Canon Canoscan 8800F

Those who always wished to have their photos digitalized, take action now with the revolutionary scanner from Cannon - Canoscan 8800F be it 35mm photos or normal photos. With a 48 bit color depth, user-friendly setup, and also the ability to scan up to 12 frames of film, this scanner means business. Canon 8800F comes with a price tag of just $200, which makes it the best choice for anyone. The only disadvantage is that, power consumption is a little high and will not go well with medium formats. Otherwise, the Canon 8800F is a sweet unit for bringing the past back to life.
If you take a look at it, it is possible to notice the dedicated copy button which makes it possible for copying without using any special program. Though it's normal for every scanner, the objective is to make usage simpler for computer illiterates. Canon 8800F comes with a USB port, which eliminates the necessity for power outlet. Needless to say about scanning photographs or pictures published in magazines. Scanning negatives? Just use the filmstrip holder and scan up to 12 photographs or 4 slides at the same time.
If you are looking at picture clarity, Canon 8800F is the best option. You not only get rich and colorful photos, and also up to 281 trillion colors to back that up. With this scanner you get an incredible 4800*9600 dpi resolution, for both paper or films that you copy. Also, scanning is extremely fast to help people copy their photo albums and rolls of film within a day (or more if there's that many). Irrespective of the time the photo was taken, it's now possible to change the photographs with it's advanced auto-fix and retouching features that are built-in.
For those who want to edit their scanned photographs further, the Canon 8800F also comes with full versions and trail of editing software. The most versatile program included is Adobe Photoshop Elements, which can use photographs for websites, logos, and even T-shirt designs. Even though it takes some time to learn to use it, it's worth the pain. If you aren't that comfortable with the set-up, there are more alternatives for you to browse through. You can also use your own if not one of the ones included do what you need.
For those looking to convert the photos as digital ones, CanoScan 8800F is is the most effective option. Apart from the truth that it's simple and easy make use of, it comes with features that can be found only in costly scanners. The most engaging feature is it's price tag, that is $200 or less in any web based or conventional store . Though it's a good scanner, it's suggested for home usage only and not for professionals. Having that said, it's the best scanner you can get for this price tag. Dig up your old pictures and scan them with Canon 8800F.

Better Pictures With SLR Cameras

The digital cameras are now getting more popular and more people want to buy the digital cameras especially the SLR digital camera. The improvements in the camera offers more people flexibility in their pictures so that they will be able to control the end result.

There are many benefits of buying and using a digital camera but making yourself knowledgeable about it may make you a better user of the technology. Once you know the features of the camera, then you will be able to use it better and make the best of the camera that you now have.

One of the main differences of a digital camera over a film camera is the chance to take more pictures without an additional fee. Digital cameras don't need films. This way, you may take more pictures and enjoy it since you don't need to pay for an extra film.

Also, more digital cameras are user-friendly. The manuals are now easier to understand and you can simply click more pictures. This option can be done since there is a delete button in digital cameras. With the delete button, you may be able to erase the picture that you may not like or those low quality pictures like over or under exposed images. Thus, you don't need to use the memory of you r camera wasted on images that may not be beautiful or interesting enough.

When a professional photographer may want to better control the images, he may do so with the use of SLR digital cameras. These cameras are like the traditional camera wherein the photographer may tweak the settings of the image that he wants to achieve. With SLR digital cameras, you can change the ISO, aperture, or shutter speed of your camera. These settings and more can be manipulated so that there will be more people who can be more creative with their pictures. If you don't want to change the extra features of the camera the automatic setting may still be selected.

Having an SLR camera be it a digital or film allows you to change the lens that you use. Using the proper lens for different subjects will help you achieve a better image. The clarity of the image and other effects may be better once you have the right lens. The conditions wherein you use may affect the image sharpness so you must really be able to use the right lens at right settings and conditions.

With all of these benefits that can be experienced through digital SLR cameras, one may definitely want to jump to buy the camera right away. But before doing so, you must first be able to learn more about the digital world and how to use the camera. When you are more knowledgeable on how to control the settings, then better pictures may be taken. Having an SLR digital camera is a good investment only if you know how to maximize its use and really make the best out of this gadget.

Pictures of Fireworks - 9 Tips on How to Get Great Fireworks Photos

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Celebrate!

Now that digital photography has arrived and thrived, you can have a blast taking photos and actually getting great pictures while you're at it. Now that we can see our photos on our digital camera LCD screen, we can make adjustments as we shoot.

I used to try to shoot fireworks when I was first learning photography. It was difficult because of the challenge of getting the right exposure. Without being able to see what the photos were going to look like until a week later when we went to our local printing lab to pick up the prints.

It is true, that by hit or miss, I managed to get a few shots that were okay for each 36 exposure roll of 35mm film I paid for. Of course, I also paid for all of the prints that were no good too.

Now that technological advances in photography have give us the better tools, here is the updated information to go along with your digital camera to get fireworks photos that are worth printing.

Nine tips for Great Fireworks Photos:

Know How to Use Your Camera Settings This is the boring tip, but extremely important. After you read the other tips you'll see why you have to know how to set your camera BEFORE you go on your photography shoot.

Bring a Small Flashlight You may need to see your camera dials or settings in a very dark environment. Make sure your light is small and won't disturb any other spectators. Perhaps your cell phone will provide enough light in the dark.

Pack the Tripod Your exposures will be several seconds long. You'll get blurry photos if your camera moves at all during the exposure.

Do you have a Shutter Cord? Even if the camera is on a tripod, pushing the shutter button on the camera can cause movement while the shutter is open and cause some unsharpness to your pictures.

Use Manual Focus If you can, turn off your autofocus. Cameras "struggle" to focus on anything if it's dark. Focus on far distance or "infinity."

Use Manual Exposure Bright, thin, colorful streaks of light against a dark sky can really fool the camera's light meter. Try a few shots as soon as the show begins. Quickly use the playback feature to judge your photos and adjust your exposure. You want the sky to appear dark and the colors to be saturated and not over-expose. Try starting with an aperture in the middle of the range of f-stops. Start your exposure just before the "explosion" and keep it open until the colors start to fade.

Turn off the Flash It won't help with exposure and it won't help the focus. It will only annoy your fellow spectators.

Shot lots of variety Try zooming in and out. Shoot some vertical and some horizontal. If possible, move to a different vantage point and you will get a different perspective.

Bring Memory and Power It would be a shame if you ran out of camera memory or your batteries died in the middle of your shoot

Have a Blast Remember to say your "ooooohs" and "aaaaaaahs" and enjoy the show while you are taking your photos. You're there to have a good time. Follow these tips and you'll know you have great photos too.

How to Take Pictures of Flowers

Image : http://www.flickr.com

There are tons of books on how to take pictures of flowers.  You've probably heard many of the basic rules about lighting, camera settings, and proper equipment.  Here is something you may not have considered.  Set your mind to what you are looking for before you head out the door.  Don't forget to take your camera with you too, of course.

What does mind set have to do with taking flower pictures? 

I'm glad you asked that question.

Lighting is important.  And so is using a tri-pod or at least something to steady your camera.  Using the right camera adjustments can also come in handy.  But with today's new digital camera's most of the work is done for you.  Set them to automatic and they take care of the rest.

Now if you want to take the time to learn the manual settings on your camera, you can come up with some really nifty effects.  There is one thing that no amount of equipment on earth can give you.  And that is your enthusiasm.

Cameras can take the pictures of flowers but they won't find the flowers for you.  Nor will they see the perfect background, position, or combination of colors.  Put any camera in the hand of a photographer with the right mind set and you have an unbeatable team.

What do I mean by mind set?

Your mind set is your frame of mind.  You know just what you want your pictures of flowers to look like.  It's your thoughts, feelings and emotions that will attract the perfect flower to you and your camera.  For instance, if you start your nature walk with the idea that you want to find some unusual shapes and sizes, that is exactly what you will see on your walk.

It has been proven scientifically that we can only hold our attention on one thing at a time.  So if your attention is on beautiful flowers, they seem to pop out from under leaves with every step you take.  You'll wonder later how you ever found such an abundance of color in one trip to the park.

Did you find them?  Or did they respond to your wondering eye because of your attention? 

I remember once when I was looking for butterflies on flowers to take pictures of.  I had not seen one yet that summer. Just before we ventured to the park I thought to myself, "I wonder if I'll see a butterfly today?"

That afternoon the gardens were full of butterflies on almost every flower.

Everything Else in Your Bag is a Prop

I have to admit that having the right equipment and good lighting does come in handy.  You might consider adding these few props to your bag of tricks:

Tri-pods - Sometimes your camera will show a little hand when you are ready to shoot a picture.  That means either you are shaking or the settings are very sensitive to movement.  This is when a tripod comes in handy.  Or use a part of your body to steady your camera on those occasions when you left with only your camera.

Good Lighting - Okay, this isn't actually a piece of equipment I know.  But there are a few great times for taking pictures of flowers.  Early morning and evening can give you lighting that photographers call the "sweet spot".  Overcast days are also good for bringing out the best flower colors.  And my favorite time to capture flowers with my camera is right after a rain shower.

Filters - It has been said that sunshine can be your worst enemy when it comes to flower picture taking.  That's where inexpensive filters come in handy. 

Batteries - It's always good to carry a few extra batteries with you.  It's no fun when you see that message "replace batteries" as your camera shuts down and you don't have new ones with you.

Memory Card - And finally make sure you have enough memory to take all the pictures of flowers that will present themselves to you.

Just remember; if you leave the house with nothing but your camera and your love of flowers, you will be sure to find the perfect pictures of flowers waiting for you.  

Digital Photography Boom - Why Taking Pictures Using a Digital Camera is So Appealing?

Anyone that has had anything to do with taking pictures or photography in the past and has switched to DSLR Photography (Digital Single Lens Reflex) will be more than aware of some of the many benefits and bonuses of taking pictures in this way. The people that have not yet tried their hand at using a digital camera for whatever reason are possibly missing out on an opportunity to get in touch with their artistic side by using digital technology...

Digital cameras and mega-pixel power have really come of age and seems to be sweeping across the entire globe, in some cases manufacturers are having trouble keeping up with demands and even selling out of some models before they have even been released.

So what is it that is causing this massive digital photography frenzy? With cameras and evolution there have been many different types of camera with as many different formats for storing images on them. Prior to the digital evolution the most common type was called a 35mm. The photographer could take up to 36 pictures with a variation of different exposures.

This meant carrying around plenty of film and had several disabilities. The film had to be loaded manually, which involved opening the back of the camera and scrolling it across the back of the lens, on top of that was the actual taking of the pictures. You could take a picture, but until arriving at a chemist to collect your developed pictures had no idea what they would look like or even if they had come out at all.

There are many other factors that make 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) photography more of a hobby for the dedicated photographer while on the other hand digital photography is more enjoyable and a type of recreation that appeals to a much wider audience.

A digital camera has no film, simply a memory card that can be removed and plugged straight into a computer or a USB lead that offers the same facility. Some of these cards can store thousands of pictures, which does away with the carry film around aspect.

The majority of digital cameras have an LCD screen on the back so you can see exactly what the picture that you have just taken will look like, if you do not like the look of it you can simply delete it there and then.

Once the memory card is installed in your computer or patch lead connected you can view the pictures instantly on screen, import and save to a file or print off to enable you to show the pictures to others.

Another way of sharing the pictures is by installing them onto a memory stick. Most people tend to have a computer or lap top these days so when visiting simply plug your memory stick into their device and view at leisure.

Alternatively you can even use additional patch leads from the camera and plug straight into a digitally compatible television and see your pictures on the big screen.

All these things go together to make up a really attractive package for ease of taking pictures and displaying them, but on top of all that is the automatic settings on a majority of DSLR cameras that allow users to take amazing pictures simply by pointing and pushing a button. All you have to do is zoom in and zoom out the focus and other settings are all fully adjusted automatically. The quality of picture is achieved by means of what is called Mega-Pixels and most digital cameras have millions of them, which produce amazing quality shots.

Having said how easy to use a DSLR camera is this makes it the ideal partner to pick up and take with you when going virtually anywhere. It is one of those things that are hard to put down once you get started. DSLR Photography turns any novice into a true professional in minutes.

So I guess when you look at the comparisons it is easy to see why Digital Photography and Cameras have gone through the roof and become so popular with almost everyone becoming involved or knowing someone that now has the bug...

Digital Photography Bringing You Great Pictures? How About a 20-Foot Print?

When compared to convenience that digital cameras offer, even the most advanced compact film-based cameras should now appear to most persons a bit like those substantial boxes with a film plates about the rear and bellows in the front. But even now, as far as technologies has helped us come from the way we carry our images, it seems to possess left us additional or less specifically exactly where we applied to be inside way we shop and share them. Obviously we now performing stuff all our photos and albums or shoeboxes, we stuff them on photo sharing companies on difficult drives instead. But we are even now weighed down by a surfeit of photos that we just have no real way of managing. For trigger-happy photographers, there nonetheless is nothing short of self-restraint that will aid. But if photography is something that seriously gets you, digital methods exist that do make the your weakness a lot more pleasurable.

Photo printing was once a thoroughly professional sort of expertise. The only way that technologies created it just a little friendlier was to build substantial (somewhat cost-effective) machines that could reside in any small photo shop or supermarket exactly where you could get copies created. The big machines behind the glass that you'd get to search at coming and going had been pretty cool, but you however had to live using the thought that the folks who worked in the processing place got to appear at your photographs. But that was as far as it went. In the event you wanted specialist printing accomplished for you, you had been just plain out of luck. All that has changed nowadays with photo printing providers that do a lot more than print postcard-sized glossy or matte photos. They have providers that will carry your jpg's and turn them into a wallpaper-sized mural, into decals or something else. You finally get to see how much detail your 14 megapixel camera in fact captures. Let's search at some from the much more innovative companies you can find out there.

Think about the service that Wizardprints.com provides. Do you would like your girlfriend's likeness plastered more than the ceiling or perhaps turned into a giant plastic sticker to roll about the floor? You're in luck. Do you need your babiy's picture turned into fabric wallpaper? Simpler completed than said. They deliver you complete Photoshopping, airbrushing and photo stretching, and a six-foot tall mural won't set you back over $150. Do you remember how inside 70s persons suddenly discovered that wallpaper could have photographs on them? Persons would put excellent pics from the Swiss Alps or a waterfall on their the living room walls, and it would end up searching nice but somehow tacky. You could carry that idea out of cold-storage again and make it far better with Designyourwall.com. You are able to turn your images into wallpaper to cover awhole 20-foot wall or bigger. You are able to have your option of material too - something from Mylar to fabric or canvas, and it wouldn't set you back a lot more than $10 a square foot.

How about turning a favorite picture of yours into a sort of painting on canvas? Using the digital photography printing tactics readily available with Canvaspop.com, you've art from the jiffy. The distinctive specialization this organization works with is that they carry poorly-shot camera phone images, and turn them into excellent images which are worthy of canvas. Since canvas does tend to dry out paint and cause it to crack, the cover it more than with plastic veneer, and guarantee against any sort of damage. A six-foot canvas would set you back about $500, and you'll be able to pick to possess it gilded and framed too.

The effects of some of these methods could be slightly above the top, tacky even. It depends upon the choices you make in images to print. These are approaches like any other; it all depends upon the artistry you bring to it. When it all comes together in specifically the proper way, the effects might be magical.

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Photography Tips - How to Take Better Pictures of People and Pets

People and pets are among the most challenging subjects to photograph, and yet these photographs command the most interest. No matter what your level of skill, there is always something new to learn about taking better pictures, especially when it comes to people and pets. We hope this article provides tips that help you better photograph the personalities of the people and pets in your life!

Taking Better People Pictures

The best pictures of people portray their personalities. While a snapshot captures a true likeness, often times the picture doesn't portray the person's usual expressions and people end us saying that the " picture doesn't look like me." The solution to this problem is simple: After setting up your photo shoot, spend a little time chatting with the subject, camera ready. When you see that smile or look that has their name written all over it, start clicking.

A few technical tips:

Keep in mind that Portrait mode tends to distort, making the subject look wider or younger. Depending on the age of the subject, the latter might be appreciated, but normally you would avoid this distortion by zooming. Stand close enough that the subject fills the frame of your viewfinder, take one step back, zoom to fill your frame again and shoot.

Use natural light when possible. If using indoor lighting, opt for lamps with full spectrum bulbs. Low ceiling light usually creates pretty bad shadows.

Shoot in high resolution so that you can make nice, large prints of the best, then display them in picture frames to hang on your walls and give as gifts.

Taking Better Pet Pictures

The first rule of thumb for taking pet pictures is: Set your camera to Sports mode or a high shutter speed!

If your camera has a Burst mode this can be very helpful with pets in hyper motion because it will give you lots of pictures from which to choose.

Sometimes instead of using the higher shutter speed to freeze the action, you might want to blur to emphasize a crazy movement, like your dog chasing its tail. In this case, use Portrait mode for a slower shutter speed.

As with people, and even more so, natural light is best, not just because the photos will come out better, but because flash can upset animals. If you must use flash, protect your pets' eyes from injury by referring to your camera's safe distance recommendations (usually four or more feet).

If your pet has a light colored coat, a bright overcast sky will highlight it best; conversely if your pet has a dark coat, direct sunlight will bring out the richness of color. If photographing in bright sunlight, use the same times of day you would with people, when the sun is lower rather than higher in the sky.

To get really good candid shots of your pet, plan your photo shoot for when you have lots of time to follow your pet around, camera ready. Using zoom will allow you to get good shots without being so close your pet is more interested in the camera then just being itself giving. So if you can, keep your distance and use the zoom (optical zoom is best).

Finally as with people, focus on the eyes. Get down to your pet's level to do this.

By using these tips for how to take better people and pet pictures you'll have what you need to capture some fantastic photos. Have fun shooting and don't forget to frame your favorite photos!

Taking Sharp Digital Pictures

Many people who transition from 35mm film to a smaller digital camera are surprised to find that many of their digital images are blurry.

The underlying cause is a slow shutter speed, which allows the camera to move during the exposure. The effect seems to be more troublesome for those using small, lightweight automatic digital cameras because:

- The cameras are smaller and lighter than the photographer is used to. While a lightweight camera is much easier to take along in a pocket or purse, the small size is harder to hold steady than an old fashioned, heavy 35mm SLR camera.

- Auto exposure settings may use a slower shutter speed than you would otherwise select. The slower the shutter speed, the greater the chance of moving the camera when shooting.

- We tend to take less time composing a shot with a small, auto-everything camera. Shooting from a moving car or trying to capture a fleeting moment is easier when you don't have to focus and set the aperture and shutter speed manually, but this ease comes at a cost. Remember to steady the camera when you press the shutter release.

- Smaller cameras are more susceptible to being shaken if the shutter release is 'jabbed' instead of pressed smoothly.

You can take wonderfully sharp, clear pictures with your small digital, but universal rules that have been followed for years still apply. Here are some hints that will help you get the sharpest pictures possible and reduce or eliminate camera shake when using your small digital camera:

1. Remember that the camera needs to be held as steady as possible. If you are shooting in any light other than bright direct sunlight, steady the camera by any means possible. A tripod or monopod will provide the steadiest camera support, but using any stationary object (wall, chair, etc.) will be a big help. If there is nothing available to use as a support, place your elbows against your body and hold your breath as you press the shutter release.

2. Practice pressing the shutter release gently. Many people tend to jab at the button, which can shake the camera. Gradually increase the pressure on the shutter release until the picture is taken.

3. Increase the ISO. Many digital cameras allow you to set the 'film speed' (ISO). Use 400, or even 1000 to get the fastest shutter speed possible. Remember that the faster the shutter speed, the grainier the picture.

4. Use a shutter speed at least as fast as the focal length of the lens. Generally speaking, you'll want to use a shutter speed at least as fast as the focal length of the lens on your camera. If you're using a focal length of 55mm, be sure the shutter speed is at least 1/60 second.

You'll see an improvement in the sharpness of your digital pictures if you are aware that small lightweight cameras are especially prone to camera shake. Follow the simple suggestions above and shoot away!

When Pictures Paint a Thousand Words

Portrait photography is probably the best kind of photography that defines human interest. Although it is considered as the easiest area of photography compared to others, portrait photography appeals to many people and photographers alike because it is quite interesting and challenging.

Since it's all about taking people's photos, a portrait photographer should possess a genuine interest in people that would eventually become their subjects. They should care about people and are natural conversationalists to break the ice.

Above all else, portrait photographers should also possess the skill to observe their subjects' characteristic gestures and expressions and can easily identify a person's best side and angle.

GETTING STARTED

If you think you have what it takes to be a portrait photographer, then you should familiarize yourself with the different areas of portraiture. Basically, there are different types of portrait depending on the usage or purpose.

Some of the common categories in which portrait photography falls into include amateur portraits of friends and family, photos of people in a social gathering, editorial portraiture where pictures are taken by photographers for newspapers, magazines and other publications' use, fine art portraiture where photos are taken specifically for display in museums and galleries, formal portraits where subjects pose for the purpose of a photograph and informal portraits or 'action shots' where the subjects do not intentionally pose for the camera.

THINGS TO CONSIDER AND RECONSIDER

Many photographers would agree that the intention of the photographer is what sets a photograph apart from a portrait. If you would want to try portrait photography, here are some of the things you might want to consider:

1. Camera. In portraiture, any 35mm SLR (single-lens-reflex) are fine. If you can afford a Digital SLR, it's better because you can save on film and processing. Never opt for a zoom point and shoot because it can't provide sharp outline and accurate results.

2. Lenses. There will be times that you need to emphasize or de-emphasize a specific feature of your subject at a certain distance. These are what the different kinds of lenses are for-to highlight or conceal any good or bad feature of the subject.

Many professional photographers suggest 300mm or 600mm lenses but for starters, typical portrait lenses that are between 90 and 135 millimeters long for 35mm cameras are okay. Nikon 105/1.8 (MF only), Canon 100/2 USM, and Canon 135/2 USM are some of the recommended portrait lenses available in the market.

3. Film. Since digital cameras no longer require the use of rolls of film, this should not be a big trouble for you. All you need is to look for a good compact flash that has high memory to produce high-resolution photos. But if you have a manual or SLR camera, purchase black and white and color films to provide choices to your clients.

4. Location. An ideal location for any portrait photography shoot is a studio. Aside from providing enough working space to work at, having a photo studio also ensures the safety of your equipment. But if you can't set up a studio yet, it is advisable to find a space that can provide you a working area.

In setting up a studio, consider the rental cost, size, accessibility to target market and the facilities offered. If you take environmental portraits, you wouldn't need a studio that much because your shoots will depend on the surroundings that create great impacts on your subject.

5. Lighting. If you have a portrait studio, consider the sources of light that would flatter your subjects. If your shoot is outdoors, it is advisable to choose an overcast day to avoid shadows in your photos.

The Pictures You Take Stink? Here's Why

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Why can't your pictures be as dramatic as the ones you see in the National Geographic magazine?

You've got the gear. You've gone to an expensive 5 days short course in photography. You've followed the rules you read online. But for some reasons, something is missing. Yes, the pictures are sharp. Yes, the color looks good. But they lack magic.

Watching a dozen of your photos moves your relatives to tears of boredom. They would rather be watching the re-run of Seinfeld for the 97th time rather than looking at your vacation photos.

And they cry even harder when you spouse tell them that your camera costs more than your car.

So what's wrong? Why can't your pictures be as good as the one you see in the newspaper or magazines?

Here's the Answer

You're actually on your way to become a good photographer. Yes, you are. All you need is time. And deliberate practice.

Those photographers who work for the National Geographic take thousands of photos in each assignments. And from that, only two or three are picked. Yes, they are professional with better techniques than yours. But their secret is in numbers.

Jay Dickman, a Pulitzer prize-winning National Geographic photographer said, ".. while on assignment for a publication such as National Geographic, photographers tend to overshoot, sometimes using two to three rolls [of film] on the same image to make sure they've got it.."

Wait. 2 to 3 rolls on the same image? That's equivalent to around 100 shots.

For one article, they shoot far more than you did on your brother's wedding day.

Take a National Geographic photojournalist, Joe McNally as an example. Jay said ".. he shot about 7500 [digital] images.." for his Aviation article. But normally, "Joe would have shot about 500 to 700 rolls of film on a shoot like this."

That's more than 15,000 shoots - just for a single article.

So that's the secret. They take tons of pictures. But the editor sift through the garbage and show you only the exceptional ones. They don't show you all the throw-aways or the blurry shots. For every pic in the article, a thousand others didn't make the cut.

So, don't worry. Continue shooting. And fix your techniques until they are a part of you.

If you have studied photography, the only thing that separates you and the pros is practice, and time. In fact, if you take a few hours a day just to practice your craft, one day you'll be as good as the pros.

If you have the passion to work your craft, you'll get to the stage you've always wanted. Remember, great pictures has nothing to do with talent. It's practice, practice, practice --- by the truckload.