Popularity: 9%

Popularity: 9%

Since I stopped working I don’t really have access to Adobe Photoshop anymore. All the computers at work came equipped with it, but it obviously would have been stealing if I had taken it home with me. I cannot really afford to go out and buy Photoshop, but there is a FREE alternative: GIMP! When I actually get around to doing some serious photo editing again I want to learn how to use it. It’s easier to use Photoshop, but from what I understand, you can achieve a lot of the same effects using GIMP. I found a nifty article about it on Maximum PC. I’m glad I found this article because I have been meaning to do a post about this program for a little while now and when I came across it this evening it reminded me.

Popularity: 8%

Today I haven’t left the bed, but I have sort of gotten a lot of stuff done. My husband took my oldest to the zoo and the baby and I are relaxing in bed while I weed through my full 80 GB Harddrive. I’m getting rid of doubles of pictures, out of focus images, stuff that is just no good, etc. I am also trying to get my husbands Picasa site updated so my family can have access to the pictures that I do have of the kids. Also looking for some of my stuff from the portfolio to put on this site. I’ve only been meaning to sit down and do this every time I have a day that doesn’t seem like there is a lot going on. Only problem with that is even with not much going on, there is still a lot. I’m kind of taking a break from my Mom’s website, but I have pictures of her necklaces in my massive archive that I need to get onto her site. I’m also finding pictures of stuff that I’m like “Geez I need to send of a copy of this to So and so.” This project that I am working on today is probably more like a two week project that I am trying to accomplish in one day. I guess I will just have to keep hacking away at it… At least I will have some of my pictures up on this site soon!

Popularity: 8%

Check out this cool photography site, DIYPhotography.net. They have some neat tips and tricks on there and if you have any good ideas to share they like to hear it. Plus I try and post something related to photography every once in a while.

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Here are some good tips on how to compose a portrait from Digital Photography School.

6 Tips for Perfect Composition in Portrait Photography

Discover 6 secrets for great portrait composition!

by Christina N Dickson

Every on-location portraitist is faced with the challenge of paying attention to the details regarding his or her subject, such as posing, lighting, composition etc. Perhaps the greatest mistake made by amateur on-location portrait photographers is the lack of emphasis placed on a portrait’s background surroundings.

Photographers who do not closely examine the surroundings within the frame of their image are those who come away with images that have great distractions. No high school senior or bride will purchase a portrait in which a tree limb is sticking out of her head. Such distracting elements take emphasis off the subject, and are detrimental to the portraitist’s sales. There is nothing more painful for a portraitist than taking a portrait that is beautifully posed, gorgeously lit, and absolutely unusable … simply because no attention was given to background composition!

Posing and lighting both play enormous roles in the creation of a dynamic portrait. However, background composition is a forgotten component that requires an equal amount of time and thought.

Some things to consider when creating a perfectly composed portrait:

1. Fill the frame with your subject

A portrait is about the person, so don’t be afraid to zoom in close! Remember that zooming in does not mean capturing only face shots. You can also capture “tight”, close up shots of your subject sitting on a stool or leaning into a tree.

2. Keep eyes in the upper third

This is the most natural spacing for a portrait. Try not to divert from this rule unless you are deliberately creating tension. Another exception of this rule is when a subject is full-bodied in the bottom third of the frame.

3. Use framing to concentrate all attention on your subject

Rather than eliminate the environment, use it! Doorways, arches, windows, gazebos are all creative solutions that allow for maximum subject focus and heightened visual interest.

4. Create texture

Once again, if you can’t eliminate a distracting background, use it to your advantage! By pulling the subject away from the background and shooting on Aperture priority (f4.0), you will create a small depth of field to blur the backdrop and allow for artistic texture. Your subject will stand out of the background without completely removing all creative interest in the shot.

5. Use lines

Brick is the perfect background for a portrait! The lines add creative interest, but they also draw attention to your subject. Keep in mind that any “line” used in a portrait is strongest when it comes outside the frame and leads to the subject.

6. Change your angles

Sometimes eliminating a distraction is simply a matter of moving the camera to another position. To make the best use of perspective, work to change your camera-to-subject angle. Often by moving a little to the right or left, or getting higher or lower, you can completely abolish that distracting tree branch or telephone pole.

You will be guaranteed to sell your portrait creations when you concentrate on background details, make your subject stand out, and invest creative interest in the portrait’s composition.

Read more from our Portrait Photography Category

Christina N Dickson is a visionary artist and philanthropist in Portland Oregon. Her work includes wedding photography www.BrideInspired.com and leadership with www.RevMediaBlog.com.

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/6-tips-for-perfect-composition-in-portrait-photography#ixzz0RhUYtKSF

Popularity: 12%

Remove an element from a photo.

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So, something I am not looking forward to is having to relearn video. When I went to school in the Army to learn my job I had to study video in addition to still photography. While it was pretty interesting, I really like and prefer still a lot better. So I am not really looking forward to the changes that are happening in the photography world.

Everything happening in photography right now is combining those two worlds. Civilian photography is finally catching up with the Military photographers. If you like taking pictures and are really passionate about it, your competition and the work load is getting even worse. I don’t know if I want to continue to pursue this line of work if this is where it is going. I really need to weigh my options. Maybe I could continue as just an amateur photographer and turn it from being my profession to my hobby. Anyway, as my much as I enjoyed video in school, I don’t think it is something that I want to make a living out of. I know that thought process is suicide for a photographer, but I cannot help the way I feel.

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I am currently using a Nikon D100. I got it on Craigslist for a great deal last Summer. My husband also has a little coolpix that I find takes decent video, though not the best, in addition to the stills. I love Nikon, though to be fair that is what I was trained on. I really have no exposure to other cameras. While I was still a photographer for the Army I used a D1H, D1X, D2H and D2X. I kind of miss using the bigger cameras, but I’ve gotten very used to my 100. It can be a very versatile little camera which makes it easier hauling it around in addition to the five thousand pounds of kids gear that goes along with the kids.

Popularity: 10%