Better Photographs Blog

Digital Camera Batteries - Getting more life from them.

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:12:06 GMT

More tips on how to make your digital camera batteries last longer,

Whatever you use ...

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:16:15 GMT

... here are some fresh ideas to help build your skills.

Beyond the Image

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:05:51 GMT

"New Exhibition"

Free downloadable photographs, free Wallpaper and Facebook Timeline Covers for your collection.

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:12:31 GMT

At Better Photographs you can get free help from fellow photographers, learn from master photographers and receive free downloadable photographs as well.

Great Wildlife Pictures - How to take that Special Photo.

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:49:30 GMT

Wish you had taken those great wildlife pictures? Well here's how you can.

DON'T MISS OUT

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:28:56 GMT

"An Evening with David Noton"

Last Friday evening I was one of the lucky ones to attend an evening with David at his local pub where he entertained photographers and those who prefer to leave the picture taking to their partners.

Of course we were all enchanted by his superb images, but what was most captivating was the unique style with which he enabled us to comprehend the thinking behind his work.

Temples of Bagan - David Noton

It was because he chose not to discuss camera technique but to explain the planning and pre-visualising necessary for each image that we were treated to an insight which inspired us to get out there with our cameras.

Amongst the many observations he made, David encouraged us all to join him in embracing the many advantages of digital imaging but to "think film" at the taking stage. To get it right in the camera and to take far fewer shots.

As of last Friday, my new mantra for photography is -

PLAN MORE, TAKE LESS

- and reduce time at the computer as a result.

DON'T MISS OUT

If you have not had the opportunity to meet David or to attend one of his very popular workshops, his superb Books, DVDs and BLOGS are equally thought provoking and stimulating.

Full Frame - Photography Essentials

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:04:17 GMT

Full Frame - The second book in David Noton's Photography Essentials series.

Free Image of the Month by Ron Sutton

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:51:30 GMT

"Coniston Water"

This month we are fortunate to feature another of Ron Sutton's superb images.

Ron is a regular contributor to Better Photographs, particularly with his travel stories in the Stunning Locations section.

If you would like to have some of your images featured in the Gallery of Better Photographs then just contact me.

Photo Copyright - Credit where credit is due.

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:08:04 GMT

Photo copyright includes the thorny issues of moral rights, metadata, and more. Here are some suggested strategies that photographers can adopt to protect rights in their imagery in the ever changing digital arena.

Your Rights

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:46 GMT

"Photographer's Guide to Copyright"

Navigating copyright can be a daunting task and the key points on this subject are covered in our article labelled Your Rights.

There are differences on the legalities of copyright in different countries, especially in the U.S. The photography website provider, Photoshelter have recently partnered with the American Society of Media Photographers to break down this important subject and help you, the photographer, take the necessary steps to protect your work.

Discover your 6 exclusive rights under copyright law.
Learn how to secure your photos and avoid infringement.
Get tips to register your work through the U.S. Copyright Office.
Understand steps to take if you are infringed.

A free guide is now available to help you break down copyright law, understand your rights as a photographer, and take steps to protect your work from infringement. It’s a go-to resource for photographers who want to be proactive and keep their images safe.

Photography Exposure - What it means and why it is so important to get it right

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:32:43 GMT

Do your photographs always turn out just right or are they sometimes too light or too dark? Discover what photography exposure means and why it is so important to get it right.

An evening with David Noton.

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:24:45 GMT

"World Travel and Photography"

For anyone within striking distance of Sherborne on the Dorset/Somerset border in England, you may like to consider joining David Noton in the convivial atmosphere of his favourite local pub for an evening of World Travel Photography and Food on Friday 12th April. It will be a small, informal gathering and a relaxed evening, if you're free you can book here.

The evening focuses on the stories from behind the lens, so come fly with us without luggage restrictions and enjoy our 'East meets West' nibbles on the journey. Tickets only £15 per head (payable in advance) to include food from around the world.

If you are not able to attend this particular evening, you can still join David on one of his workshops or learn from his superb DVDs and Books.

Spring and beyond ...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:33:01 GMT

"For All Seasons"

As well as following our tutorial about better spring landscape photographs, here is a superb book which will inspire you to follow your hobby throughout the year.

Packed with "how to" advice and projects to keep you snapping throughout the year, Digital Photography Month by Month is an inspiring and practical guide to taking beautiful photos in every season.

Refreshed Landscapes

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:45:50 GMT

"Spring is Approaching"

With spring approaching, here are some tips worth bearing in mind as we hope to remove our winter overcoats and capture the freshness of the new season.

Creative Night Shoot Photography Workshop

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 04:22:43 GMT

Explore the wonders of night time photography during this creative, hands on and revealing evening photography workshop. You will learn various creative techniques for working in low light conditions and painting with light. Your tutor (who will accompany you throughout the evening) will not only be there to support you but will ensure that you have a fun and truly informative experience.

Spotted ...

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 11:40:47 GMT

"Arabian Leopard"

Outstanding footage of one of the world's rarest big cats.

See the full program on BBC iPlayer.

GET YOUR WORK NOTICED

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:23:33 GMT

"Light Painting Photography"

Following his excellent masterclass on painting with light, Ken Lee has generously donated his image "Winter Stone and Tree" as this month's free downloadable photograph for your wallpaper collection.

GET YOUR WORK NOTICED - If you have an image which you would be happy to share with your fellow photographers then please drop me a line or post it on our Facebook Page.

PROTECTING YOUR WORK

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:26:05 GMT

Petition to Fight Big-Business Advertising on Sites That Steal Photographs

For anyone who values his or her copyright, please read this notice from the Copyright Alliance...

Many major brands are advertising on websites that are dedicated to distributing creative works illegally. An online petition has been launched to tell these brands that they should stop advertising on these sites.

RPS Digital Imaging Group - at the forefront of Photography and Imaging

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:12:24 GMT

The RPS Digital Imaging Group is the fastest growing special interest group and is at the forefront of Photography and Imaging.

Learning Photography - One Step at a Time.

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:40:42 GMT

The best place to start when you are learning photography.

Video Software - Editing your Video Footage.

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 07:12:35 GMT

What to do when free video software is not enough.

Your Requests for Better Photographs

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:18:14 GMT

This is the place for you to make your requests for Better Photographs - how to take them ... make them ... share them.

Suffolk Exhibition

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:07:24 GMT

"Topsy Turvy"

Back in the UK

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:05:34 GMT

My trip to Kenya was terrific though 35 in the shade down to zero back here came as a bit of a shock. As if that wasn't enough, some selfish idiot sneezed in my face at Heathrow airport transferring germs which have given me a sore throat and swollen glands. Unfortunately the bug has developed into a cold and painful limbs which kept me awake all last night and I can now talk with a bass voice that causes glasses to rattle in the cupboards!! Hope to be on-line again very soon.

Out of the Office

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:43:04 GMT

"Taking a Break"

Assuming the Heathrow runways are open, I'm off to Kenya tomorrow for a holiday and hoping for more scenes like this one.

Do keep asking questions and leaving your comments on the website and on the Facebook Page. I'll look forward to seeing them and responding when I return next month.

Cheerio for now,

John

Snow Photography - How to take better photographs of snow.

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:48:29 GMT

Here are some snow photography tips to help make sure snow stays white and bright.

Photography Tutorials - Video Tutorials for All Photographers.

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:04:29 GMT

Learn how to take better photos with these photography tutorials.

Light Painting Photography Masterclass

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:09:28 GMT

"Creating your own Supernatural"

Find out how to use simple equipment and techniques to create stunning photographs with a difference.

Light Painting is a creative, active, experimental sort of photography. And a lot of fun.

Ken Lee is an award winning master of Light Painting Photography. His technical knowledge, combined with his artistic eye and his passion for the subjects he finds, produces images of great beauty and vividness. It's always a joy to see his most recent work and he is delighted to share his knowledge and skill with you.

January 2013 Exhibitions at Beyond the Image

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:53:52 GMT

'Caught in Time' - images 'caught' by six gallery photographers (to Jan 27) 'Seventh' - photographs by participants of all ages who attended the gallery's 2012 photo-shoot days (Jan 5 - 27) 'Caught in Time' photo-shoot - photography by Lucien Hughes plus..... 'Photography Exhibition'- by 2012 Norwich University College of the Arts graduate Simon Jacobs (Jan 5 - Feb 24)

Thought for the day -

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:01:09 GMT

'When shooting Digital, think Film.'

In case you hadn't heard ...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:22:32 GMT

"Special New Year Offers"

New Year Offers are available at WEX Photographic
until 31st January 2013.

10% Off Bags - W10B0113

10% Off Lens Filters - W10LF0113

15% Off Memory Cards! - W15MC0113

Improving Your Landscape Photography

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:05:31 GMT

"Better Landscape Photographs"

New Landscape Photography Workshops for 2013 in London and Aylesford.

This is a basic Landscape Course/Photo Walk in Greenwich Park and Greenwich. This time of year the Daffodils are in full bloom and the flowerbeds are full of annuals and biennials that are breath-taking to photograph. The park also offers deer and wild parrots.

The day will finish in the centre of Greenwich looking at the architecture of the National Maritime buildings including the Painted Hall and the Chapel and then a short walk to the newly refurbished Cutty Sark.

Find out about this Royal Photographic Society
Spring Landscape Photography Workshop

Olympus E-M5 - The Beginning of the New

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:12:28 GMT

Olympus E-M5 - The digital OM-D System featuring a new concept in digital photography.

Best Camera of the Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:58:28 GMT

"Camera of the Year 2012"

... and the winner is ...

Images in Email - How to make them a suitable size.

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 04:29:31 GMT

Images in Email often need to be reduced in size so as not to slow transmission down.

To all my Friends ...

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 17:01:32 GMT

Photographing a Painting - Easy when you know how.

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:04:56 GMT

Photographing a painting can prove disappointing but there are some straightforward techniques that improve results.

Cleaning a Camera - Essential for Better Photographs.

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:59:36 GMT

Cleaning a Camera is esential preventive maintenance if you want to achieve better photographs.

Using a New Camera - Preparing your Thoughts.

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:30:24 GMT

Having chosen it you are possibly about to experience one of photography's more frustrating times; having to wait before using a new camera - well until it's delivered or you receive it, maybe as a Christmas gift, anyway. NOW is the best time to prepare for getting the most out of it ...

Which one for Christmas ...

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:28:09 GMT

"Looking for a Camera ...?"

There's plenty of advice on the internet and the salesman in the local store will have his ideas on guiding you how to part with your money, but for what its worth, here is the most important thing to consider.

"... or maybe a Book?"

If you were to read all the photography books available, you would have no time to take photographs.

How do you pick a few which will help you?

The books listed here have all been read and recommended by visitors to better-photographs.com. Some of them cover a broad range of topics and techniques whilst others specialize on specific areas and subject types.

Blending the New with the Old

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:24:27 GMT

"HELSINKI"

One of the photographers at the Beyond the Image gallery obtains many of the images in his portfolio from his travels around the world.

Helsinki doesn't feature on many people's bucket lists of places to photograph. But with its wide range of classical and modern architectural styles, seaside location with adjacent islands, outdoor museums, and busy event calendar, there's lots to see and do. It's very seasonal, and a good base for onward travel to photogenic locations across the Nordic region.

We would love to feature your story together with any tips you can pass on to fellow travellers. Just give us a few brief details on the website form at Stunning Locations.

Pop in to your Local

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:47:43 GMT

"Where do you display your Better Photographs?"

A friend of mine exhibits his work at a gallery near to his home. Like most of us, he has a website where folk can admire his work and again, like most of us, he makes a very occasional sale from his site. But a website can never do justice to a superb image - only a print can do that.

Not that all visitors to a gallery are there to buy, although some inevitably do and they usually spend more than enough to pay for the costs involved in putting on an exhibition.

One such gallery can be found in Suffolk, England - Beyond the Image is a gallery with a difference. It provides an inviting environment for exhibitions and its founders are photographers who also put on courses and workshops to help budding photographers in their community.

There are several events at the gallery during the remainder of 2012 -

"Caught in Time" an exhibition by gallery members (Nov 3 - Jan 27)

A Photoshoot day at Thornham Walks, adjacent to the gallery, on Nov 24 on the theme "Caught in Time" - all levels of experience welcome. Tuition provided.

Wildlife Photographer Simon Litton (Nov 3 - Dec 16)

Coddenham Photography Group Exhibition, with tutor Gillian Allard (Nov 24 - Dec 9)

- and there are events already arranged for 2013.

www.beyondtheimage.co.uk

Not near to Suffolk in England? There is almost certainly a gallery near you where you can display your best work. If not, how about collaborating with fellow photographers in your area and starting something as they have at Beyond the Image?

Ansel Adams and American Nature

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:29:20 GMT

A MUST SEE even if you cannot visit the Exhibition itself.

A Great Victory For Canadian Photographers

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:03:46 GMT

A major copyright reform bill came into effect today in Canada, granting photographers copyright of all of their photographs - regardless of whether they have been commissioned. Previously, copyright on photographs belonged to the commissioner of the images, not to the photographer, transferrable only by a written contract. One of the stated goals of the law is to 'give photographers the same rights as other creators'.

Which is Better?

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:21:19 GMT

Commissioned photography or stock images ... an interesting article from the client's point of view in Design Week.

Another Stunning Location

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 14:26:36 GMT

"THE LAKE DISTRICT"

A regular contributor to Better Photographs, Ron Sutton is fortunate to live close to one of the most beautiful areas in England. He regularly photographs its scenic beauty and is well qualified to guide us to some of the best spots.

In addition to learning from his travels, you might like to visit his website to see some more of his superb images, one of which has just won the Cheshire Life Magazine 2012 Photographic Contest.

"Surely there is no other place in this whole wonderful world quite like Lakeland...no other so exquisitely lovely, no other so charming, no other that calls so insistently across a gulf of distance. All who truly love Lakeland are exiles when away from it."

We would love to feature your story together with any tips you can pass on to fellow travellers. Just give us a few brief details on the website form at Places to Photograph.

DSLR Video - Shooting Videos on a DSLR Camera.

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:05:30 GMT

A step by step guide, looking at how to shoot great movies with your high definition DSLR Video Camera

Autumn Photographs - A challenge for your technical abilities.

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:05:22 GMT

Taking autumn photographs challenges your photographic abilities and encourages you to be more creative with your perspectives.

Improve Your Digital Printing

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:25:15 GMT

"Royal Photographic Society
Special Workshop"

Better Digital Printing

Date: 13th October 12 - 14th October 12
Location: RPS, Bath
Tutor: Tim Daly

This workshop is for those who are -

Frustrated by inconsistent inkjet print quality
New to digital c-type workflow

or who

Do not yet have the skills to problem solve print quality issues

Purpose of the session

To build client confidence in best practice use of Photoshop, printer software and paper
To establish the ground rules of colour management
To establish the principles of digital darkroom techniques
To produce eye-catching digital hand-prints
To build client enthusiasm for inkjet and digital c-type printing

Participants need some operational knowledge of Photoshop, but little understanding of non-destructive processing techniques.

Each delegate can make a free 16x12 digital c-type print with The PrintSpace.

Further information and enrolment - http://www.rps.org/workshops/view/2395

More information about the many benefits of becoming a member of the RPS is on the Better Photographs website.

Practical Colour Management

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:33:34 GMT

Download a free copy of Practical Colour Management by Rob Griffith. Rob is also running a workshop at the RPS Head Office in Bath on the 13th November 2012, called Shutter to Print. There is more information about the workshop at - http://www.rps.org/workshops/view/2418