Better Photographs Blog

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.

Swarovski Spotting Scope - An Outstanding Alternative for Photographers.

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:42:57 GMT

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

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.

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

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:37:41 GMT

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

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.

Choosing the right Legs.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:35:58 GMT

Author of our masterclass - Better Landscape Photography - John Perriment maintains that "the difference between a good tripod and a poor one can potentially have a greater effect on the quality of your images than the model of camera used."

In this "Top Tips" article he explains what to look for when selecting a Camera Tripod.

Selecting a Camera Tripod - what to look for.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:19:12 GMT

Selecting a camera tripod, if one is purchased at all, is for many photographers a bit of an afterthought. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right one for you.

Black and White Photographs - Taking them can make you a Better Photographer.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:34:26 GMT

Black and white photographs can convey a timeless, 'classic' look that simply isn't possible with colour.

Autumn Photographs - A challenge for your technical abilities.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:41:38 GMT

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

A Major Photography Exhibition - Points of View

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:10:16 GMT

Charting the 170 year history of photography from 1839, the Points of View exhibition London event is the first major exhibition of its kind at the British Library. With free admission for all to see the 250 photos on display, the exhibition is ideal for art lovers, photography fans, and history buffs.

The Points of View exhibition London event runs from Friday 30th October 2009 - Sunday 7th March 2010. Exhibition opening times are 9.30am - 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am - 8pm on Tuesdays, 9.30am - 5pm on Saturdays, and 11am - 5pm on Sundays and English bank holidays. Admission is free.

If London is too far for you to visit, then take a look at the Online Gallery

Sharp Picture - Things to check before returning the camera.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:44:15 GMT

If you don't have a sharp picture, there are several things to check before blaming the camera.

INVITATION

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:59:28 GMT

Mark Seymour is holding an open night for the launch of his new collection of images at Rhubarb and Custard Gallery in Eton High Street, Windsor on Friday December 4th from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Please click here to let us know if you would like to attend The Champagne opening Party Night.

The exhibition runs for the month of December 2009.

Examples of Mark's superb photographs can be seen at - markseymour.superbphotographs.co.uk

- and an article about him is at "Wedding Photographer".

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:39:13 GMT

The overall winning image in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is 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 poses a question - should photographs triggered remotely by the animal itself and not the human photographer be in a separate category in wildlife competitions?

Please share your view by voting here.

Free Photo Editing Download - Making Better Photographs Easily.

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:34:16 GMT

Free photo editing download software - can help a lot in making better photographs.

RPS Imaging Science Group - covering all aspects of the science and technology of imaging.

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:01:47 GMT

The interests of the RPS Imaging Science Group embrace both conventional photography and electronic imaging with image analysis, aerial and satellite technology and much more.

Photography by Moonlight - Scenes in a Different Light.

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:21:26 GMT

Photography by moonlight is easy with practice. Here are some tips to get you started.

Gallery of Better-Photographs - Rebuilt

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:40:39 GMT

Because several visitors have sent in new images, the gallery has been rebuilt with some new sections and new photographs.

One such photographer is Damien Lovegrove and a sample of his work can be seen in the People Gallery.

Having reached the top of his profession as a Wedding and Portrait Photographer, he has turned his attention to providing training workshops, DVDs and a book.

I have sampled all three types and have found them to be inspirational and straight forward.

My "toe in the water" was his book - The Complete Guide to Professional Wedding Photography. A book which has as much to offer about photographing people as it does about weddings.

Next on my shopping list came his DVDs - a special deal meant that I bought all four of them. Damien's friendly teaching and communication style is superb. Watching the DVDs is like having him right there with you.

The first time I studied his DVD's I took notes on separate pieces of paper and then found myself trying to tie them together with the screen shots that are available on his website. Having gone through this time consuming exercise for one DVD, I decided to use Photoshop Actions to produce my notes more efficiently.

To save you the trouble, I've posted these DVD Picture Notes on Better-Photoraphs.com.

Finally the workshops. I attended the one on Urban Portraits. I left this day with my understanding and ideas about portrait photography and how to use light to better effect completely upgraded. The fact that you need to book a place on any of Damien's Workshops well in advance - because they become fully booked very quickly - is a testament to the fact that they are worth every penny.

New Masterclass - Better Landscape Photography

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:28:46 GMT

As promised, John Perriment's new masterclass is here.

John is an amateur photographer whose outstanding images can be compared with those of the top professionals. In this photography masterclass, he explains to us how to use natural light, whatever the weather, to show off the beauty of the landscapes that are around us all.

Calibrating the Camera Screen - how to get the most from it.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:50:20 GMT

Assessing exposure correctly using the LCD camera screen will reduce wasted shots and time spent on the computer.

Top Photography Tips - hints and tips on how to get better photographs.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:49:20 GMT

Use these top photography tips to improve your photos and to get more from your equipment.

Monitor Calibration - It pays to get it right.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:11:14 GMT

Correct Monitor Calibration is essential to get consistent results.

SiteBuildIt - The Sraightforward Journey to Success.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:07:53 GMT

Since it's launch, SiteBuildIt has helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses to outperform larger, well-financed competitors. It can do the same for you.

Choosing a Camera Lens - how to decide which lens to get next.

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:25:33 GMT

Some hints and tips on choosing a camera lens once you have your camera and its first lens.

Superb New Landscape Photographs

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:56:20 GMT

The Gallery of Better Photographs now features some superb photographs by photographer - John Perriment. Respected for his mastery of using natural light in his images, John is currently preparing a masterclass "The Importance of Light" for all better-photographs.com readers. Follow the Better Photographs Blog for news on its availability.

How important is the weather to your photography?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:08:26 GMT

As a photographer who does a lot of work out of doors, the weather plays a key role for me. I therefore need accurate forecasts. Having used most of the obvious media predictions over the years and found them wanting, I was tipped off by a pal of mine - a retired officer - that the army all over the world use accuweather.com. I have checked it every day for my area over the past month and it has been incorrect just once.

Another Good Book

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:30:56 GMT

Taking great "people pictures" isn't a matter of luck. The secret is in observing your subjects and connecting with them, and then using your camera to its best advantage. "I learned a lot about some of the equipment and the book had some great tips for getting those special non-posed shots that most photographers try so hard to capture."

Digital Camera Batteries - Getting more life from them.

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:11:30 GMT

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

It was great to see you.

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:36:31 GMT

The Photography Masterclasses at the Thames Festival which were put on by Amateur Photographer, What Digital Camera and Olympus Cameras over the weekend were all a "full house". It was great to meet those of you who attended my eight classes and I wish you good luck in the Festival's Photography Competition. If you haven't submitted your images yet then click the link below for more information and rules.