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Taking Pictures

Taking pictures is what photography is all about. Here we have gathered together an introduction to photography, detailed information on taking better pictures, avoiding common mistakes like blurry images, and a glossary of photographic terms.
Color In Photography
The world around us is in color. Our photographs reflect the world around us and the colors of the world (and the light) greatly affect the outcome of our photographs.
Color Selection in Photography
Example and discussion of what the color wheel is and how it affects photography.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Photographs
Free photography lesson on the benefits of horizontal and vertical photographs and when to use each in your photography for maximum visual impact.
Photography Myth #1 - Subject Must Look At Camera
Information on the myth that portrait subjects must always be looking at the camera.
Introduction to Photography
Starting out in photography is a wonderful time full of creativity and discovery. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of wrecked nerves, confusing advice from friends, and frustration as you learn a new camera and try to capture on film or digital media what you saw with your eye. There are some basic concepts you can keep in mind that can make your first attempts at photography much more rewa…
New Year Resolutions for Photographers
New Year resolutions are an age old tradition. There are things that many photographers should always be mindful of no matter what time of year it is. However, this time of year is a great time to take stock of where we are as photographers and resolve to fix some of the gaps in our knowledge and break bad habits.
How Do I Start Taking Photographs
How do I start taking photographs is one of the first questions many new photographers ask. There is no right or wrong answer to that question but there is some basic information that can set you on the right path to quickly taking good quality photographs.
Back to Basics
Cameras may come in a lot of different shapes and sizes but the basic function of all cameras are the same. Shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field are universal concepts of photography. Even one time use cameras work on these three ideas. The only difference in these three concepts between types of cameras is the degree to which you can control these functions.
Getting the Most Out of Your Point and Shoot Camera
You don't have to have a fancy camera to take great photographs. Are there some limitations as to what a point and shoot camera can do? Sure, but that doesn't mean it can't take great images. You simply have to know your camera's capabilities and apply solid photography techniques. Here are some great tips on how to get the most out of your point and shoot camera.
Point and Shoot Camera Tips Illustrations
A gallery of images illustrating common point and shoot camera problems and solutions
Stopping Blurry Photos
Blurry photographs are an extremely common problem among photographers of all skill levels. However, there is no one cause for all of these blurry images. Rather, blurry images are caused by several different common errors and situations.
Avoiding Blurry Images Due to Focus
How to avoid blurry photographs due to focus problems.
Camera Shake
Information on what camera shake is and how to avoid it.
A photo gallery showing examples of blurry images and how to …
A photo gallery showing examples of blurry images and how to correct them
Review of Understanding Shutter Speed by Bryan Peterson
Review of the book, Understanding Shutter Speed by Bryan Peterson.
Photography Lighting
Photography is all about light. Our photographs are recorded light. How we control the available light and add additional light when needed is basis for all photography. There are numerous controls and methods for controlling light available to today's photographer.
Color Temperature
A photography lesson on color temperature and how it affects photography
White Balance
A photography lesson on what white balance is and how it affects your photographs.
Understanding Photography Exposure
A photography lesson on understanding photography exposure and how to use shutter speed, aperture, and film speed in conjunction with your camera's light meter.
Preventing Dark (underexposed) Photos
Photography lesson on preventing dark, or underexposed, photos.
Centering Your Photographic Subjects
Free photography lesson on when you should and shouldn't center your subjects in photography.
Rule of Thirds in Photography
A photography lesson on how to use the rule of thirds in photography.
Rule of Thirds
Examples and discussion of the rule of thirds
Depth of Field
A primer on depth of field in photography. Details on what depth of field is and how to manipulate it.
Surviving Cold Weather Photography
A photography lesson on how photography in cold weather. How to protect your camera and yourself from adverse conditions.
Geologic Photography Tips
A nice photo gallery from Andrew Alden, the About.com Guide to Geology, with tips on taking photos of mineral samples.
Inroduction to Photography
A crash course into the world of photography that gives you an introducion into the areas needed to take not only good photographs, but great ones.
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