By Christina VanGinkel
When taking photographs, the average, non-professional photographer is usually very object-oriented. We zoom in on a particular subject, such as a person, or take a panoramic shot of some event that is taking place, say a parade, or a soccer game, and we shoot the complete scene. What many of us never do though, is to take a close-up shot of an object, or grouping of objects. Why we would want to, you might be wondering, when we already have tons of personal photos we do not know what to do with. Why would we want to take even more photos that might look interesting, but that do not have a true usefulness? Well, actually there are numerous reasons we might want to get some up close and personal shots of some otherwise everyday objects, with some very interesting ways to use them.
If you are looking for artwork to hang on the wall, something a bit beyond the average, or are a scrapbook artist that would like to use more of your own personal photography in your layouts, think of all those times you needed the perfect background paper and just could not seem to find the perfect paper. These are the ideal opportunities to use shots such as these. Background paper is one of the most interesting pieces of a layout, yet finding the perfect paper is not always easy to accomplish, even when there are literally hundreds of manufacturers. So personalized do many of us get with our scrapbook layouts, that finding the background we envision is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. So why not use the digital wonders we already own to shoot our own personal supply of background papers.
If you are sitting there saying that you are not any good at close-up photography, then look at some of the pictures you already have. Is there an element in one of them that captures what would have been the perfect close-up if you had thought of it when you took the original, for example, how about those sweet baby feet in the snapshot of your newborn? Just crop away the rest of the photo in your favorite photo editing software, and voila, the perfect close-up. This technique is simple, and can be applied to both old and new photos.
If you still are not finding the perfect picture for your needs, and your camera is capable, try what is referred to as macro photography, where the lens captures the texture of an item you have zoomed in to as close as you could. The texture of an item like leather, or the threads of a cotton or silk fabric in a color that is fab, will result in a picture that once framed, will be just as fab hanging on the wall. Experimentation is as much fun as the results.
So grab your camera and instruction book and teach yourself the basics of close up photography, or dig through your existing photographs for those, out in the open elements, which would be ideal for your needs, and dust off that editing software that you just had to have but rarely use. The results can be fun, and even more fun to discover.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Give a Kid a Camera This Holiday Season
By Christina VanGinkel
With the cost of digital cameras dropping fast, get a child in your life one for the upcoming holiday season, and be prepared to get back a great big thank you and some amazing photos too! While any camera, film or otherwise, is a nice gift, a digital just makes it so much easier and fun. No costs for developing film that did not turn out, as they can choose to only print those they want, or to just view them on the computer, and no hassle of dropping off and picking up film, as long as they have a computer and printer at home.
A kid with a digital camera is fun no matter which way you examine it. They are not intimidated by all the buttons; they just seem to be naturals. Surprisingly, most kids I know would be even more prone to reading the instructions than any adult I have ever met. Toss in a case and a cleaning kit, and you will be teaching them pride in ownership too, as once they see the amazing things they can do with their new possession, they will want to be sure to keep it in tiptop shape.
If you happen to have a child that is a bit on the shy, quiet side, a camera is a great way to get them to open up. It gives them a secure feeling to be behind the lens, and then when they share with you what they have taken photographs of; it will give you both stepping-stones to use for conversation building.
If you have a child that is more of an extrovert, a camera can also have a good influence. It will provide them with the opportunity to slow down, and if not, then you can be assured of some of the best action shots you will ever see, by a photographer you can say you know personally.
If the camera comes with the option of short bursts of video, as many of the digital cameras on the market today do, even lesser priced models, this will also provide them with an additional form of enjoyment. Though be warned that a child with the ability to take video will most likely use their closest relatives, including siblings and parents, as studies in the art of movie making.
An advantage of giving a child a digital camera as a gift this holiday season is the built in choices for gifts for upcoming holidays and birthdays. They will be in need of photo albums for many holidays to come, a camera gear bag, extra memory, photo-editing software, maybe a tripod. AS they grow with their camera, and mature, they may even be ready for their own photo printer, and eventually a more sophisticated camera if the hobby turns into a passion, as photography is apt to do when introduced to child young enough to take the time to enjoy it. Make this holiday season special for a child on your list, and surprise them with their very own digital camera, they will never forget it!
With the cost of digital cameras dropping fast, get a child in your life one for the upcoming holiday season, and be prepared to get back a great big thank you and some amazing photos too! While any camera, film or otherwise, is a nice gift, a digital just makes it so much easier and fun. No costs for developing film that did not turn out, as they can choose to only print those they want, or to just view them on the computer, and no hassle of dropping off and picking up film, as long as they have a computer and printer at home.
A kid with a digital camera is fun no matter which way you examine it. They are not intimidated by all the buttons; they just seem to be naturals. Surprisingly, most kids I know would be even more prone to reading the instructions than any adult I have ever met. Toss in a case and a cleaning kit, and you will be teaching them pride in ownership too, as once they see the amazing things they can do with their new possession, they will want to be sure to keep it in tiptop shape.
If you happen to have a child that is a bit on the shy, quiet side, a camera is a great way to get them to open up. It gives them a secure feeling to be behind the lens, and then when they share with you what they have taken photographs of; it will give you both stepping-stones to use for conversation building.
If you have a child that is more of an extrovert, a camera can also have a good influence. It will provide them with the opportunity to slow down, and if not, then you can be assured of some of the best action shots you will ever see, by a photographer you can say you know personally.
If the camera comes with the option of short bursts of video, as many of the digital cameras on the market today do, even lesser priced models, this will also provide them with an additional form of enjoyment. Though be warned that a child with the ability to take video will most likely use their closest relatives, including siblings and parents, as studies in the art of movie making.
An advantage of giving a child a digital camera as a gift this holiday season is the built in choices for gifts for upcoming holidays and birthdays. They will be in need of photo albums for many holidays to come, a camera gear bag, extra memory, photo-editing software, maybe a tripod. AS they grow with their camera, and mature, they may even be ready for their own photo printer, and eventually a more sophisticated camera if the hobby turns into a passion, as photography is apt to do when introduced to child young enough to take the time to enjoy it. Make this holiday season special for a child on your list, and surprise them with their very own digital camera, they will never forget it!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Disposable Cameras Can Save the Day
One of the best parts of going on vacation or spending a special day out with family or friends is taking photos that will preserve the great memories of the occasion for years and years to come. Many years ago, you were basically out of luck if you forgot to bring your camera along for the trip. These days, however, that's not the case at all. All you have to do is purchase a disposable camera and you'll be able to snap as many photos as the camera can hold.
Many major camera manufacturers currently have disposable cameras on the market. That means you can buy one from Kodak, Fujifilm, Konica, and Beverly Clark, just to name a few. The quality of one disposable camera to the next across these different brands is pretty uniform. The only noticeable differences show up when it comes time to choose between a few options, such as flash, film speed, and number of exposures. So instead of just grabbing the first disposable camera that you see on the shelves, you should take a moment to consider the general lighting conditions that you will experience and read the labels so that you can select an appropriate model.
The actual prints from disposable cameras are of reasonable quality. They are more or less what you would expect from a camera that doesn't have a zoom lens. For the most parts, the pictures turn out well, but let's face it: You're not going to get great contrast, vivid colors, or sharp focus from a disposable camera. The point here is that disposables are a convenient short-term replacement for your regular camera.
Even though the pictures aren't of excellent quality, that doesn't mean you should steer clear of these products altogether. In fact, because the print quality of disposable cameras is so reasonable, it is now popular to give these products away as party favors at occasions where you would definitely want to take pictures. For example, if you go to a wedding reception these days, chances are you will find a disposable camera at each place setting, or at the very least, at each table. This is also a common practice at proms and other formal events. Disposable cameras make wonderful goody-bag items for more informal parties as well.
Disposable cameras are widely available at convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, grocery stores, and pretty much anywhere else that you would be able to purchase rolls of film. They are also available at the gift shops of nearly every tourist attraction, theme park, zoo, or museum that you are likely to visit. If you are planning on having a get-together and would like to include disposable cameras as party favors for your guests, you can also purchase them in multi-packs. In fact, we offer several different types of multi-packs right here at CamerasAndCameras.com. You can view them by clicking the "Disposable Cameras" link at the top of the page.
So the next time you forget to bring along your regular camera, there's no need to panic. A disposable will get the job done for the day!
Many major camera manufacturers currently have disposable cameras on the market. That means you can buy one from Kodak, Fujifilm, Konica, and Beverly Clark, just to name a few. The quality of one disposable camera to the next across these different brands is pretty uniform. The only noticeable differences show up when it comes time to choose between a few options, such as flash, film speed, and number of exposures. So instead of just grabbing the first disposable camera that you see on the shelves, you should take a moment to consider the general lighting conditions that you will experience and read the labels so that you can select an appropriate model.
The actual prints from disposable cameras are of reasonable quality. They are more or less what you would expect from a camera that doesn't have a zoom lens. For the most parts, the pictures turn out well, but let's face it: You're not going to get great contrast, vivid colors, or sharp focus from a disposable camera. The point here is that disposables are a convenient short-term replacement for your regular camera.
Even though the pictures aren't of excellent quality, that doesn't mean you should steer clear of these products altogether. In fact, because the print quality of disposable cameras is so reasonable, it is now popular to give these products away as party favors at occasions where you would definitely want to take pictures. For example, if you go to a wedding reception these days, chances are you will find a disposable camera at each place setting, or at the very least, at each table. This is also a common practice at proms and other formal events. Disposable cameras make wonderful goody-bag items for more informal parties as well.
Disposable cameras are widely available at convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, grocery stores, and pretty much anywhere else that you would be able to purchase rolls of film. They are also available at the gift shops of nearly every tourist attraction, theme park, zoo, or museum that you are likely to visit. If you are planning on having a get-together and would like to include disposable cameras as party favors for your guests, you can also purchase them in multi-packs. In fact, we offer several different types of multi-packs right here at CamerasAndCameras.com. You can view them by clicking the "Disposable Cameras" link at the top of the page.
So the next time you forget to bring along your regular camera, there's no need to panic. A disposable will get the job done for the day!
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