Photography Tips and Tricks

You probably spent a lot of money on your digital camera, so you probably want to protect it, right? Here are some simple tips for keeping  your digital camera running well.

Basics

To avoid basic wear and tear, you should get into the habit of doing some preventative steps every time you use your camera.

• Always use the lens cap when your digital camera is not in use. This protects the lens from scratches.
• Store the camera in a cool, dry place, in its storage case.
• Buy a LCD cover for your camera. EFilm makes a very good LCD cover. They attach with adhesive and pop open, creating a glare shield for the screen.
• Always use a lens cloth and lens cleaner to clean the lens.
• Keep the digital camera’s strap around your neck to protect it from falling to its death if you drop it.

Elements

The elements can be the harshest things to contend with when keeping your camera safe. Moisture, dust, and dirt can all interfere with the delicate mechanics of a camera.

Always, always, keep your camera covered while you shoot in the rain. Even if it is just sprinkling, keep your camera under wraps. Here’s a few way to do that:

• Wear a poncho and keep the edges over the tops of your hands and camera while you take photos.
• Shoot with only one hand and hold an umbrella with the other.
• Buy a clear cover made for your digital camera or make one from a gallon sized freezer bag. Make sure to wipe it off if water accumulates over the lens, though.

A plastic cover will also come in handy to avoid dirt or dust blown by the wind during a shoot. In-between shoots, make sure that your camera is stored away in its camera bag.

Travel

Every photographer, whether professional or hobbyist, will have to travel with their digital camera at one time or another. This can be extremely rough on a camera. To protect it, choose a camera bag with stiff sides and a soft interior, such as the ones produced by Samsonite. On planes, always take your camera as a carry on to avoid the rough treatment that checked bags are subjected to.

If you follow these tips, you and your camera should enjoy many happy years together.

Candlelight is one of the most flattering of light sources that can be used in a photograph, if used properly. These tips will help you to capture dazzling images using candlelight.

Set-up

First, you must set up the area for a good photo.

To prepare your camera, turn off the flash. Flash will wash out the image and destroy the pretty light from the candle.

Then, set your camera to a low ISO setting. ISO mode is indicated by an ‘I’ or ‘ISO’ on the camera. To keep the light warm, keep your camera set to auto ISO.

Warm Tones by Alina Bradford 

If you want cooler tones in your photos, adjust the white balance. This may take some practice shots to get just the right effect.

Cool Tones by Alina Bradford 

Secure your camera to a tripod to avoid camera shake because of the low light settings.

Taking the Shot

Once you have your camera ready and your settings perfect, all you need to do is to start shooting. Set your timer, focus your digital camera by pressing the shutter button half-way down, and then depress the shutter button all the way. Stand back and let your camera do its job, making sure not to jiggle the tripod.

Getting the Best Results

To get the best results you will need a few tricks:

• Use as many candles as possible to get the most light.
• Spread the candles out for a diffused light, or bunch them all in one place for dramatic shadows. No matter what, make sure the candles are in a pleasing composition.
• A small, white room will bounce the light back at the subject, making brighter, clearer pictures. Powder rooms and bathrooms are ideal.
• The closer the object is to the candles the better lit it will be.

• Smaller candles will do better with smaller objects, while large candles are better with larger objects.
• Get as close to your subjects as possible. Fill your frame with light.
• Reflect the candlelight in a mirror. Remember to keep your camera at an angle so that you don’t take a picture of yourself.

Mirror Reflection by Alina Bradford