Photography Tips and Tricks

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Archive for the 'The Basics of Photography' Category

03.06.2008

Digital cameras can be tricky when it comes to cleaning them. All of the electronic parts tend to make most people nervous. The outside of a digital camera can be cleaned, though, quite easily and safely.

The Lens

The lens is one of the easiest things to get dirty on a digital camera. Dust and fingerprints collect there, making photos less than perfect.

Since the lens has small nooks and crannies, the best thing to clean it with is a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in window cleaner. Dab almost all of the window cleaner off of the swab with a paper towel. You want the swab almost dry so the cleaner doesn’t drip into the camera’s electronic parts. Then, run the swab around the inside rim of the lens. Use a fresh swab to clean the glass of the lens.

LCD

Another gathering spot for dust and prints is the digital camera’s LCD screen. This can seem impossible to clean because of the delicate nature of LCD, but it can be cleaned easily with the right tools.

For everyday cleaning, keep a shammy used to clean eye glasses handy. These shammies will get rid of light accumulations of dust and fingerprints without harming the screen.

For tougher grime, spray the shammy lightly with window cleaner and gently rub the screen in light circles. Never spray the screen, or any part of the camera, with cleaner.

Remember to use a light touch when cleaning LCD screens. Pressure can damage them.

Buttons

After a while, oils from fingertips will collect on the camera’s buttons, making them dull, dust magnets. Clean the buttons the same way you cleaned the lens. Dip a cotton swab in window cleaner, blot most of the cleanser off the swab, and rub the buttons with the swab while the camera is off.

Do not use harsh cleansers on your camera and make sure never to let moisture drip into the camera and your digital camera will benefit from your extra loving care.


27.05.2008

Model releases are important for any photographer who wants to make money from their photography.

A model release is a contract with a person you take photographs of saying that you own all rights to their image in the photograph and that you can publish and sell the photograph however you see fit.

Why do you need a model release?

If you do not have a contract with a person releasing their likeness to be used in a photograph you intend to sell, they can sue you for exploiting their image for commercial use, distorting their image, or invasion of privacy.

So what does a model release look like? The one below is a simple version of an adult model release form. You can also find other versions to use, online.

Note: It is important to get legal counsel before using any type of contract.

Sample Adult Model Release Form

I, ___________________________________, hereby give (photographer’s name) ____________________________________________ and those acting on his/her behalf (heirs, legal representation, etc.) permission to copyright, sell, distribute, use, re-use, publish, and republish the photo(s) described below that contain my image:

(Put a description of the pictures, date of photo shoot, etc.)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

These photos may be used intact or in part, distorted, with or without my name, with a fictitious name.

These photos may be known as hereafter and used as art, illustrations, graphic media, promotional material, advertising material, or as any material that the photographer sees fit, printed or otherwise.

I have read the terms above and understand them. By signing this agreement, I relinquish all rights to the photos and agree to the terms above. I also agree that I am or am over the legal age to sign legal contracts. This agreement is legal and binding.

Dated: ________________Signed:_____________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

City:_____________________________________________________________

State/Zip:__________________________________________________________

Phone:____________________________________________________________

Witness:___________________________________________________________


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