Better Photographs Blog

New to Mac?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:48:56 GMT

Having problems with Printing? Take a look at this.

Converging Verticals - How to straighten them to create better photographs.

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:15:50 GMT

Converging verticals in a photograph can make buldings look as though they are falling backwards. It is very easy to correct this if you want to.

Artistic Images - Creativity with the stroke of a mouse.

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:11:15 GMT

Artistic images take photography to the next level by allowing your creative juices to flow; with a little help from imaging software.

Travelling Light

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:16:08 GMT

Pro DSLR Results from a Compact Camera

Much has been said about the new Olympus PEN system. As a user of their film and digital SLRs for over 30 years, I had to give it a try.

On my last trip to India, I decided to leave my E-3s and lenses behind and place my trust in an E-P2 with its 14-42 mm zoom lens. I was more than pleasantly surprised at the very high quality of the results from a camera that gave me all the function I needed and which fitted into my coat pocket.

Some of the results can be seen in the Gallery of Better Photographs and there is a special cashback deal available on their brand new entry level model right now.

Team Work - Another Free Image

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:46:57 GMT

This Month's Free Downloadable Photograph

July 2010 - "Team Work"

The Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the Red-backed Sea-eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers.

Too Dark - How to bring back what's lost in the shadows.

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:39:41 GMT

Sometimes a photograph turns out too dark. Fixing this problem is easier and quicker than you might think.

Depth of Field - Separating the subject from its surroundings.

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:45:17 GMT

Using the camera's aperture to obtain the best depth of field is not always possible.

Digital Photography Tips - some of the best can be found here.

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:10:25 GMT

Some of the best Digital Photography Tips can be found in these websites and books.

Free downloadable photographs, free help and now you can help as well.

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:20:40 GMT

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

Sloping Horizon - Returning to the straight and level.

Sat, 29 May 2010 08:39:23 GMT

We don't always notice a sloping horizon. Sometimes it's because our attention is on the foreground, at other times we are not quite as "level headed" as usual!

Swarovski Spotting Scope - An Outstanding Alternative for Photographers.

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:07:17 GMT

Swarovski Spotting Scope Review - Why this scope is a viable long lens alternative for wildlife photographers.

Monochrome - Sometimes known as Black and White, Greyscale and Other Variants.

Fri, 21 May 2010 11:40:38 GMT

In photography, monochrome means single colour. It often refers to black and white, greyscale or other single colour images such as sepia.

Picture Frame - The best place for your better photographs.

Fri, 14 May 2010 15:46:45 GMT

It's not surprising that better photographs are displayed in a picture frame. A little imaging artistry can make them look even better ... and save money as well.

Image Sizing - It's too easy to get this wrong if you don't know the basics.

Fri, 07 May 2010 12:19:54 GMT

Image sizing is not complicated but it is sometimes confusing. Understanding the basics is all you need to get it right every time.

The Colour Wheel - Understand it and your shots will improve instantly.

Sat, 01 May 2010 12:20:30 GMT

An understanding of the colour wheel has always been fundamental to photography. It's not surprising, given that colour is a crucial part of our world.

Better Digital Photo Printing

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:36:37 GMT

Better digital photo printing depends upon getting your colour management right every time.

Sound Advice from a Chief Judge

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:15:10 GMT

Top photographer, zoologist and television presenter, Mark Carwardine shares his thoughts and gives valuable advice about Wildlife Photography.

With the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010 competition now in full swing, we bring you news of a new feature on ethics in wildlife photography, written by Mark Carwardine.

As chief judge of the WPOY Competition, Mark gets to see more wildlife images than most.

In this special feature he considers the rights and wrongs of wildlife photography and provides food for thought on issues surrounding digital manipulation, photographing captive subjects, using animal models, using bait to photograph wildlife and the recent concerns around camera trapping. Mark also shares his wildlife photography code of conduct. Here are his key points to remember:

Always photograph animals from a safe and respectful distance.
If an animal shows any sign of stress, move further back or leave altogether.
Be patient and never try to force an animal to do something. Remember that the impact of many people is cumulative: you might be the 100th person that day to yell "Hey moose" while the poor creature is trying to feed or care for its young.
Never encroach on nests or dens during the breeding season.
Treat the habitat with the same regard that you have for the animals themselves.
Respect local cultures and customs when you are working abroad.
Check published recommendations, such as the excellent code produced by the Nature Group of The Royal Photographic Society.
Finally, always be honest and truthful when captioning your photos.

The feature, entitled The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, by Mark Carwardine is published in the May issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine, on sale now.

Din't forget, you can learn from Top BBC Photographers in our Wildlife Photography Masterclasses.

Landscapes with a Difference

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:38:07 GMT

With so many excellent photographs on display, an intimate landscape will often catch the viewer's eye ... and the judge's!

Our latest masterclass gives an insight to landscapes with a difference - and it's written by a leading photographer who happens to also be a judge of photography competitions and exhibitions.

Building Photography - How and When?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:28:54 GMT

What is the best way to improve your building photography?

PhotoShop CS5 ...

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:06:41 GMT

... in case you didn't see it ...

Landscape Photographs - Lovely shots whatever the weather.

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:06:06 GMT

Advice to help you achieve the finest landscape photographs whatever the weather - and you don't need an expensive camera to do it.

There's a Camera in my Pocket

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:21:49 GMT

A change from the more natural subjects this month - one of the images I took on holiday with my new "pocket" camera.

I have long awaited a camera from the Olympus stable which would enable me to capture images of the same quality as their E-Seriies SLR bodies but which I could carry in my pocket/glove compartment/golf bag.

Their new Micro Four Thirds E-P2 did not disappoint me. I am currently preparing a review of this superb camera - one which is as appealing to a beginner as it is to a seasoned enthusiast. It certainly attracted a lot of attention at the hotel.

Calling All Travellers

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:05:52 GMT

As you prepare for your next journey - be it to some far off land or as close to home as the next town or county - don't miss our new Masterclass about Travel Photography.

Julian Comrie has a lifetime of experience in taking stunning pictures which is acknowledged at the highest level; including the Royal Photographic Society who have awarded him a Fellowship. In this masterclass he discusses some of the photographs he took recently in Morocco and offers valuable ideas to help us take images that will inspire those who view them.

100 Ways To Take Better Nature & Wildlife Photographs

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:55:13 GMT

Whilst on holiday, I had the opportunity to read one of my Christmas presents. I don't often read novels, preferring to use the relaxation time on the beach to study anything which might help me improve my photography.

I was unable to put Guy Edwardes' latest book - '100 Ways To Take Better Nature & Wildlife Photographs' - down.

Not only is it packed with stunning images, all of which I would have given my eye teeth to have taken, but Guy's ability to communicate in very clear plain English on how to go about taking the shots left me believing I now stand a chance of taking similar photographs myself.

Why didn't I read this book before now?!?

Digital Home Photography - How to start a home photography studio.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:51:57 GMT

Two key questions to consider before starting a digital home photography studio.

Holiday Time

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:19:08 GMT

Just to let you know that we are off to the beautiful waterways of Kerala in southern India for a well earned rest. Well a complete rest for my wife Sally because I shall be putting the Olympus E-P2 through its paces - it's a tough job but someone's got to do it! I'll be publishing my findings in the Product Reviews section when we return in March.

During my last trip to India, I grabbed a few shots in the Golden Triangle area - Delhi ... Agra ... Jaipur - and wrote an article for the Photography Tutor section.. Here's a slideshow, so turn up your sound system and sit back - I hope you share my passion for Rock Guitar!!

Enjoy your photography ...

From Slides to Digital - A New Booklet

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:53:56 GMT

Dr John McCormack ARPS - author of our Super Macro Photography Masterclass - has just published a new booklet -

"From Slides to Digital" is aimed at folk who make presentations at meetings but contains information that will be useful to all photographers - whether you are already into digital photography, thinking about it or just have a large collection of slides.

The booklet has the following sections:

Projectors and projection
Screens
Digital photographs - picture images
Setting up for a lecture
Converting film-slide photographs to digital picture image files
Adjusting the picture images
Making up the lecture
The presentation process
More picture image preparation
Adding text/titles to picture images
Maps and photographs
Lists and scripts
Highlighting parts of picture images
Projection programmes
Projecting single images in that questions to answer section
The lecture - finally...

"From Slides to Digital" was written for the Hardy Plant Society so has a few botanical references and illustrations, but it is eminently suitable for any society, group or individual who is now concerned to upgrade to a digital system.

It can be downloaded to any computer in PDF format to print A4 size, and there is also a further File for A5 double sided (duplex) printing with printing instructions. The files are free when downloaded from the HPS website provided the Society's name and logo are not altered or erased.

Photography Composition - Understanding the basics can revolutionise your shots.

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:35:58 GMT

Its a truism that, however good your camera is, your shots will stand or fall by your understanding of good photography composition.

Want something different for Valentine's Day?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:51:42 GMT

If you are looking for something a bit different to send to your loved one this year, take a look at what the Guys at Animoto have come up with.

Digital Photography Masterclass - Tom Ang

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:23:46 GMT

It's easy to see why digital photography has overtaken analog in popularity-it's affordable, convenient, versatile, and, above all, it makes photography more fun than ever before. Tom Ang's latest book is an in-depth, inspirational, and uniquely practical guide to every aspect of digital photography.

Combining Two Great Pastimes

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:19:07 GMT

Our first Masterclass for 2010 is about Underwater Photography. This fascinating pastime is no longer just for professionals with loads of expensive equipment. We are seeing more and more everyday compact cameras capable of taking superb photos underwater.
	Paul Shepherd is a very experienced diving instructor and an accomplished photographer who has been recording thesights he sees almost every day in the seas off Zanzibar's coastline.
In this masterclass he shares some of the key lessons he has learned in perfecting his photographic skills and provides us with an insight as to what it is like to take a photographic adventure with him at the Rising Sun Dive Centre in Zanzibar.

Mastering Speedlight Photography - The secrets of stunning portraits.

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:18:07 GMT

Speedlight photography becomes straightforward thanks to Damien Lovegrove's comprehensive DVD.

How much Infra-red for a Model?

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:09:18 GMT

Last October we invited your vote on the use of infra-red equipment in wildlife photography competitions. We did this in the light of the image of a wolf which won the prestigious "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition. Without exception, you voted that images triggered by the animal itself should be in a separate category in wildlife competitions.

Following a recent investigation by the owners of the WPOY, it appears likely that the winning image was of an animal model.

A statement has been issued - "It saddens us to confirm that after a careful and thorough investigation into the image, the storybook wolf, the co-owners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide have disqualified the winning entry of the photographer Jose Luis Rodriguez."

A full statement is available on the Natural History Museum website.

We believe that the "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" will continue to be a highly respected competition of complete integrity. However, if it is to maintain its appeal to honest photographers, we feel that clear lines need to be drawn. Shameful cheating aside, we maintain that the use of technology has its place but needs to be set apart in the case of infra-red. We believe that the photographer should actually depress the shutter at the instant of capturing the image, albeit directly or by wireless control. Infra-red can assist the creation of superb images but such images should be categorised separately in wildlife competitions.

Click here and let us know what you think.

Your anonymous collective vote will be presented to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year organisers and to the Royal Photographic Society.

A Photographer's Dream

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:31:56 GMT

Hello from the Hampshire Snowdrifts. We've been snowed in for a week or so; even when we have managed to walk to the local shops the cupboard is bare because deliveries by lorry are not possible. Like the rest of Britain, what has been a nightmare for most folk, has been a dream for photographers.

I'm no exception so a couple of days ago I wrapped up warm, set up the camera - (remembering to dial in over-exposure to render the snow as white. Actually +0.7 compensation with the shutter set to 3 bracketed exposures of 1 stop. Not just as a safeguard, but because I prefer to use HDR techniques when necessary. Few of the scenes I shoot have straight enough horizons for graduated filters.) - and set off in search of some "great" images.

Three hours later I returned home with 250 shots and cold wet feet - my boots had sprung a leak. Unperturbed, I reviewed my images on the PC. Were they all "great"? Of course not. One or two that I might exhibit perhaps but a lot more that, even though they are just average, tell the story of the first time in a generation or so that snow did fall in Hampshire.

What to do? Leave them on the hard drive to rot? Post them to Facebook or elsewhere to be forgotten?

Put together a slideshow set to music, with a difference. Take a look at "Snow Falls On Tisted". Perhaps you might produce something similar? If you do, let me know so other readers can share in it.

Finally, one image is very different. It was inspired by my friend Damien Lovegrove. Whilst he specialises in Portrait Photography, with particular attention to lighting, I had a go at applying one of his ideas to this image - simple use of a reflective surface and an off-camera flashgun. Which reminds me of my next project - to watch Damien's latest instructional video - "Speedlight Mastery". I'll let you know what I think of it in a day or so.

Bring on the thaw - the golf course is calling!!

Great Wildlife Pictures - How to take that Special Photo.

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:18:33 GMT

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

The Tenties or the Teenies?!?

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:25:33 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We begin 2010 with your free downloadable photograph - "Until Tomorrow".

The sun sets on an idyllic island in The Maldives bringing peace to an area where, just five years ago, debris from the violent tsunami across the Indian Ocean was washed up on its beaches.

Merry Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:47:21 GMT

Hi,

Just taking a break from hanging the holly and stuffing the turkey to wish all Better Photographs readers a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your support throughout the year and I look forward to hearing more from you in 2010.

John

Learn Landscape Photography

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:34:29 GMT

This masterclass assumes you have read what John Perriment covered inBetter Landscape Photographyabout the importance of light, particularly around dawn and sunrise, and takes it further..

Olympus Cameras - The Pen

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:35:43 GMT

Thinking I had enough camera equipment and that I would be very unlikely to change to a different system (yet again), I let all the Micro Four Thirds hype pass me by.

But then I was asked to try an Olympus Pen.

Bother. I'm liking it and I'll be doing a review of the Olympus E-P1 in the New Year. I mention this now because you might like to take a look behind the scenes at the filming of the new TV ads featuring Kevin Spacey and enter the prize draw.

Macro Photography Courses for 2010

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:57:57 GMT

New Macro Photography Courses by John Bebbington are announced.

John specialises in close-up photography of flowers and insects and has been leading photography courses in the UK and abroad since 1979. He also lectures to Photographic and Natural History societies.

In 1991 he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society for a panel of slides on the theme of - Protective Colouration in European Lepidoptera.

Over 2,000 of our readers have benefited from John's masterclass -

Close Up Photography

Modeling Tips - Advice from a Successful Model.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:49:59 GMT

If you want to get the most out of your photography session, these modeling tips from successful model and actor, Steven Hooper are valuable to you whether you are a photographer or a model.

Portrait and Wedding Photography Books - A Selection of Good Buys

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:27:35 GMT

A selection of Portrait and Wedding Photography Books which have helped our visitors take Better Photographs.

Your Vote is Needed

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:21:38 GMT

In October, the results of the "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" were announced and the overall winning image was an outstanding photograph of an Iberian Wolf.

Like last year's winning image of a Snow Leopard, the wolf triggered the photograph itself as it cut an infra-red beam.

Whereas the winning photographer set up the necessary equipment to take the photograph, he did not fire the shutter himself.

This posed a question - should photographs triggered remotely by the animal itself and not the human photographer be in a separate category in wildlife competitions?

Since we asked this question, the BBC Wildlife Magazine has published readers' letters which also beg this question. In view of this, I intend writing to the magazine with the results of our survey. We have some but we need more votes to have a more realistic sample.

Please share your view by voting here.

By the way, there is currently a special Christmas offer available on the BBC Wildlife magazine.

December's Free Wallpaper - Support the Prince's Rainforests Project

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:28:29 GMT

The eyes of one endangered species are set on two more whose future, like ours, is threatened by the destruction of rainforests.

All donations made in December will go to support one of the non-governmental environmental organisations which require funding for project activities in the rainforests of the world.

Need to Learn Photoshop Easily?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:28:53 GMT

This book gets you going quickly and takes you as far as you want to go. For me, it is the best source of knowledge and understanding on a product that can seem challenging and complex, to say the least.

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

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:55:20 GMT

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

Another Christmas Present Idea

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:19:14 GMT

Internationally renowned master photographer Damien Lovegrove has now produced his 5th video - "Speedlight Mastery".

There is a pre-order special offer which will cease to exist at the point the discs arrive in stock or December 15th, whichever the sooner.

This video is for any photographer who uses or wants to use Speedlights on location. It doesn't matter if you have just one flash because several of the set ups show how to use a single Speedlight creatively to take striking portraits on location. When you are ready to move on to more complicated set ups Damien shows how to break down the rig and lighting design into easy chunks.

Damien shows exactly how he designs a picture from scratch deciding upon background, lens choice, shooting position, and framing before he goes on to set up the Speedlights. Once the lighting is rigged he brings in his model and shows how he evolves the shoot, working with his model to get the look he wants.

This production is jam packed with tips, ideas and solutions to problems you've yet to encounter. It's a video designed to inspire and stimulate the creativity within you. Damien delivers the constant stream of valuable information in a logical and fluid way. If you want to light portraits on location like a top pro then this video is for you.

Need Christmas Present Ideas?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:22:21 GMT

If you are at all interested in the history of the art and science of photography then this book is an absolute MUST for Christmas.

Points of View brings together, for the first time, a selection of images from the British Librarys unique collections, examining the history, diversity and influence of photography from its invention and early years up to the growth of a popular amateur market in the early 20th century. It includes many of the most celebrated names in 19th- century photography including Francis Frith, Felix Teynard, Samuel Bourne and Peter Henry Emerson, as well as numerous lesser known names who made significant contributions to the medium.

Photography and Imaging - News

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:48:10 GMT

THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED OLYMPUS PEN - A second model of this Micro 4/3 camera which has both photography and imaging capabilities is announced.

Camera Tripod Reviews - an old and a new.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:25:50 GMT

Camera Tripod Reviews to help every photographer bearing in mind we all have different priorities for a camera tripod and no single model can act as a panacea for all requirements.