Tips for low light photography : Capture every Christmas moment

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qUCNaH5u0bwXIpiZyQELn2TcUdgy8eNkeeKNIRdN5AMkPc-xkCfY-qaH_1Lg0tYjQfHU7nHL5c27j-AR8lcKIlBrTU4bQabo5tE1OsyyO3lUUP9-7RquiPSBwiMESzGDzNzK8sCWcEcd/s1600/php5fwfqi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qUCNaH5u0bwXIpiZyQELn2TcUdgy8eNkeeKNIRdN5AMkPc-xkCfY-qaH_1Lg0tYjQfHU7nHL5c27j-AR8lcKIlBrTU4bQabo5tE1OsyyO3lUUP9-7RquiPSBwiMESzGDzNzK8sCWcEcd/s640/php5fwfqi.jpg" width="640" /></a>Christmas tends to be a time of pretty lights and low-lit rooms to take full advantage of those lights, which in turn results in images full of random shadows and colours.<br /> <br /> To help you out, we have compiled a few tips to give you better photo results when using a camera in low light. First step is taking it out of auto, and then follow these tricks to make sure you capture every moment. If you're using a smartphone, you can check out our feature six tips on smartphone photography to help you out.<br /> <h3 class="nolinks"> Use the scene modes</h3> The scene modes are a good place to start and many cameras feature an intelligent scene setting, which detects when you are taking a <span>night </span><span>shot</span> so this feature is worth keeping on.<br /> <br /> You can also manually set your camera to night mode, which will more than likely still give you a flash, but it is a step in the right direction for a better shot.<br /> <br /> Some cameras also have a low light mode, which not only turns the flash off, but automatically sets the right shutter speed, aperture, ISO, among other features necessary for a good shot.<br /> <h3 class="nolinks"> Set the maximum image stabilisation</h3> As the flash is your enemy when it comes to low light shots, when you turn it off your shutter will need to stay open as long as possible for each photo to get as much light into the sensor as possible.<br /> <br /> The only problem is, any movement you make in that time will result in blurring, which you don't want unless you are looking for a super arty shot.<br /> <br /> To help avoid the blur, you need to find the image stablisation setting in the camera and set it to the maximum. The camera will then use a range of techniques and algorithms to counteract any shaky hands.<br /> Alternatively, find somewhere stable to rest your camera - a table or wall, for example.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.welshotimaging.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/5D_IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.welshotimaging.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/5D_IMG_0431.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <h3 class="nolinks"> Avoid zoom</h3> When you zoom in, you reduce the amount of light that can be let into the camera at any one time, unless you have a high-end model, that is.<br /> <br /> If you have a camera that allows you to adjust the aperture, you'll notice the maximum size, which is the smallest number available, will be selectable. For the majority of compact cameras, this won't be the case when you are zoomed in.<br /> <br /> For the best low light shots, you need a large aperture and therefore you need to move yourself closer, rather than hitting that plus button to zoom in.<br /> <h3 class="nolinks"> Consider setting the maximum ISO possible</h3> Since you have taken your camera out of Auto mode, it is likely the device will stop adjusting the ISO for you, or at least let you alter it yourself.<br /> <br /> The ISO is the measurement for how sensitive your camera is to light. For low light shots, a higher ISO will give you a photo without using a really long, slow shot, which is difficult to keep steady handheld.<br /> At the top settings you'll probably see some more noise or speckles on your images, with a lack of clarity and possibly the odd artifact, but if all else fails, you'll get that <span>night </span><span>shot</span>.<br /> <h3 class="nolinks"> Try the manual option</h3> You might just be a point and shoot photographer, but if your camera has a manual mode, then it is worth giving it a go.<br /> <br /> For low light conditions, you need that large aperture mentioned above and a long shutter speed, meaning you will need low numbers for both settings.<br /> <br /> If you are unsure, many cameras will show you how you are affecting the image as you change the settings on the LCD display, so keep an eye on it and stop when it looks right.<br /> <br /> Take the time to experiment and you'll find the best combination of all the techniques above.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">source : <a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/136231-tips-for-low-light-photography-capture-every-christmas-moment">http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/136231-tips-for-low-light-photography-capture-every-christmas-moment</a> </span>

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Tips for low light photography : Capture every Christmas moment

Christmas tends to be a time of pretty lights and low-lit rooms to take full advantage of those lights, which in turn results in images full of random shadows and colours. To help you out, we have c…

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5 ways to keep shooting outdoors this Christmas

There are many reasons to feel photographically discouraged over the Christmas period, from rainy weather and freezing temperatures to poor lighting conditions.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, this time of year also presents many opportunities you may not otherwise have, such as Christmas markets, snowy landscapes, lighting displays and various other festive events.<br /> <br /> The good news is that, with a little prior preparation, you can ensure not only your kit is protected but also that you’re inspired enough to go out and try something different – here are five tips that will help keep you motivated over the winter months.<br /> <br /> <a class="hawk-link-parsed" href="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/10/DIY_Photography_Hacks_DCM110.shoot_hacks.shoot_.jpg"><img alt="DIY Photography Hacks: make a cheap rain cover for your camera - Step 5" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-542303" height="406" src="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/10/DIY_Photography_Hacks_DCM110.shoot_hacks.shoot_.jpg" width="610" /></a><br /> <br /> <b>1. Get the right kit for the job</b><br /> Cold, wet weather and expensive photographic kit are hardly a perfect match, but you may be surprised to learn just how many products there are designed to be used in testing conditions.<br /> <br /> The hardiest and most obvious options are waterproof compact cameras, which will easily withstand wet weather and freezing conditions, but if you fancy something more advanced and with the benefit of interchangeable lenses, there’s Nikon’s waterproof and freezeproof AW1 Compact System Camera, together with a range of weatherproof DSLRs and CSCs.<br /> <br /> Weatherproof cameras may not survive being submerged in water but can still easily deal with a light rain shower.<br /> <br /> Many manufacturers now carry at least one model in the lines with this degree of protection, although you should also make sure to use a weather-resistant lens alongside to ensure you’re fully protected.<br /> Don’t worry if you don’t own such a camera as you can buy rain covers quite cheaply to keep rain away from your existing kit gear, and you may also want to carry a lint-free absorbent cloth to deal with any droplets from LCD screens and viewfinders.<br /> <br /> There are also batteries and memory cards that are designed for use in freezing conditions, and cases for the latter to keep them dry, but before you buy anything it’s worth checking the capabilities of your current kit.<br /> <br /> Obviously it’s worth checking whether your camera’s manufacturer makes any claims as to your model’s suitability in harsh conditions, while some high-quality memory cards are already protected for use in harsher conditions.<br /> <br /> Likewise, many camera bags also come with rain covers integrated into a flap or pocket at their base, and while you can buy filters with water-repellant coatings to protect your lens, some lenses already have these kinds of coatings applied to their front element.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b></b><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a class="hawk-link-parsed" href="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/07/DCM113.supp_rst.rain02.jpg"><img alt="6 ways to keep shooting when it rains" class="aligncenter wp-image-539765" height="673" src="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/07/DCM113.supp_rst.rain02.jpg" width="450" /></a></div> <br /> <b>2. Protect your gear… but don’t forget about yourself</b><br /> It sounds obvious but the warmer and drier you keep yourself, the more willing you’ll be to keep shooting in adverse weather.<br /> <br /> For this, consider planning before you head out the door by checking the weather forecast and packing a scarf and hat if you imagine you’ll be outdoors particularly late or for extended periods of time.<br /> Also consider a fleece-lined waterproof jacket and some kind of water-resistant trousers, and to make life easier when shooting, seek out gloves with either missing fingertips or those that can fold back so that you can access your camera’s physical controls.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b></b><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a class="hawk-link-parsed" href="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2015/03/How_to_photograph_reflections_in_puddles_NIK43.zone_2.main_.jpg"><img alt="How to photograph reflections in puddles" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-588148" height="407" src="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2015/03/How_to_photograph_reflections_in_puddles_NIK43.zone_2.main_.jpg" width="610" /></a></div> <br /> <b>3. Embrace the conditions you’re fighting</b><br /> If the conditions outdoors are awful, why not make them work to your advantage? Making them the focus of your images will help you capture something different from what you’re used to – and here, you’re only limited by your imagination.<br /> <br /> You could capture icicles dangling from the rooftops or droplet-covered spiderwebs, or even condensation on windows, mirrors or other surfaces, which can be used for creatively in portraiture.<br /> You could use a fast shutter speed to capture splashes of water or rain as it hits puddles, or a slow exposure to blur this kind of movement for silky-smooth results.<br /> <br /> Water droplets can also add another element to close-up shots of flower heads and other subjects you may have in your garden.<br /> <br /> You don’t just need to focus on details either – just think, for example, about how much more dramatic a landscape can becomes when it incorporates masses of menacingly dark clouds.<br /> <br /> Overcast conditions may not give colours a chance to shine as much as they would when it’s sunny, so consider switching to black and white or sepia options instead.<br /> <br /> This is particularly good in stronger overcast conditions, perhaps earlier in the morning, as there is likely to be more contrast in your shots for more dramatic results.<br /> <br /> Likewise, the reflections from wet surfaces create more contrast in the scene, so black and white treatments here can be particularly effective once it starts to rain.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b></b><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a class="hawk-link-parsed" href="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2014/12/Why-you-need-a-tripod_live-view.jpg"><img alt="Why you need a tripod: live view" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-583787" height="407" src="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2014/12/Why-you-need-a-tripod_live-view.jpg" width="610" /></a></div> <br /> <b>4. Grab a tripod and capture long exposures</b><br /> If you’re not too inspired by darker, gloomy days, consider waiting until the evening for some long-exposure fun.<br /> <br /> Given how quickly it can get dark over the winter months you should plan to be ready before the conditions are ripe for shooting, with your camera set up on a sturdy tripod and either a remote release of some kind or knowledge of your self-timer settings to release the shutter without physical contact at the time of exposure.<br /> <br /> If you’re shooting in particularly dark conditions away from busy areas, think about whether a torch would be useful to help you to see non-illuminated parts of your camera or inside your kit bag, or perhaps see if you can turn on your phone’s flash to shine continuously to achieve the same thing.<br /> If you camera offers a top-plate LCD it’s likely to also provide a small light that can be used to illuminate this when it’s dark, so use this if you feel it might help.<br /> <br /> If your camera isn’t protected in any way, you may find a small umbrella that you can toss into your kit bag will help, should you find yourself caught in a shower while your camera is set up on a tripod.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b></b><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b></b><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a class="hawk-link-parsed" href="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/12/Christmas_portrait_ideas_flash_techniques_tips_CAN69.project2.step6_.jpg"><img alt="A simple flash technique for Christmas portraits: step 6" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-543820" height="407" src="http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2012/12/Christmas_portrait_ideas_flash_techniques_tips_CAN69.project2.step6_.jpg" width="610" /></a></div> <br /> <b>5. Flash is your friend</b><br /> Just because there may not be much light around doesn’t mean that you can’t add some yourself. A hotshoe-mounted flashgun, or even the small flash inside your camera, can add some much needed illumination to a darker scene.<br /> <br /> At this time of year flash is particularly useful for helping you capture people shots against darker areas, whether it’s outdoor scenes studded with Christmas lights or indoors against the Christmas tree.<br /> The key here is to get a slow enough shutter speed to make sure the background is correctly exposed while filling in the foreground with the appropriate amount of flash for the subject.<br /> <br /> Bright and colourful lights typical of this time of year also make it a good time to experiment with slow sync flash.<br /> <br /> This flash mode, which is available on even cheaper compact cameras, lets you capture a subject sharply while blurring the background through intentional movement, and this can look great when there are lots of different lights and colours in the scene.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">source : <a href="http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/12/13/5-ways-to-keep-shooting-outdoors-this-christmas/">http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/12/13/5-ways-to-keep-shooting-outdoors-this-christmas/</a> </span>

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5 ways to keep shooting outdoors this Christmas

There are many reasons to feel photographically discouraged over the Christmas period, from rainy weather and freezing temperatures to poor lighting conditions. Nevertheless, this time of year also …

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How to Photograph (Moody) Teenagers

<h2 class="post-title single"> How to Photograph (Moody) Teenagers</h2> <a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/8/18/1408374760249/Teenage-boy-on-phone-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/8/18/1408374760249/Teenage-boy-on-phone-012.jpg" width="320" /></a>One common thread I find in nearly all of my friends’ photo albums is this: lots of pictures of babies, <br /> toddlers and school-aged children. Not so many pictures of teenagers. It’s a very sad fact that as children grow, they start to like mom or dad’s camera less and less. Now, the camera on their smartphone is another story – I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as a teenager who doesn’t take selfies. But family photos are a different problem altogether.<br /> <br /> If your teenager ducks, hides, shields her face or otherwise retreats every time you lift the camera, you need some advice. Here are some ideas you can use to get great photos of your moody teenager.<br /> <span id="more-5497"></span><br /> <h2> Why teenagers hate (your) cameras</h2> Well, that’s a tough question and I would certainly hate to generalize. Some teenagers are just shy, and that’s ample enough reason to avoid a camera. Others don’t like the way they look in photographs—you remember the teenaged years, of course, did you feel your best with your brand new not-so-perfect complexion and awkward, angly teenaged body? And some teenagers don’t want to be photographed just because, well, they don’t. Pausing for a photograph is, in a way, relinquishing control of a small part of your life, and one thing teenagers are constantly rebelling against is those adults who are still trying to exercise some control over their lives.<br /> <br /> These same teenagers, of course, will happily pose for a selfie—because selfies are a much safer sort of portrait. When you shoot a selfie you don’t have to use it, show it to anyone or hang onto it at all unless you’re completely happy with it. You can open it up in your favorite photo editing app and clone out the imperfect skin, or give yourself a soft glow, or whatever it is you feel like you need to do to improve the portrait. That picture your mom shot of you on a family trip to the beach, on the other hand, you have no control over that one. For all you know, your mom is going to put it straight onto Facebook without ever consulting you. So you definitely don’t want to let her take pictures of you if you can avoid it. <br /> <img src="http://cdn.digital-photo-secrets.com/images/teenager-saying-no-photos.jpg" /> <br /> <h2> Making your teenager feel more comfortable with your camera</h2> One thing you can do right away to help make your teenager comfortable with the idea of having his photo taken is this: talk to him. Now, I know that talking to a teenager is sometimes easier said than done, but if you can catch him in a good mood just casually mention that you’d like to know what his ground rules are about family photos. Notice how you’re not going to be saying anything like, “William, you really need to let me get one or two photos of you at your cousin’s birthday party,” instead you’re going to put him in control of the situation: “What ground rules would you like to lay down for photos?” For example, you could promise to let him select the best images, and delete the worst ones. Or you could promise not to ambush him with your camera or lie in wait—instead, agree that he’ll let you get one shot of him with his cousin, or that you’ll give him a heads-up if you’re going to take a picture. You might find that when he’s in control of when the shutter opens, you’ll get a lot more nice photos of him and a lot fewer pictures of the back of his head or the backside of his hand.<br /> <br /> If he’s still reluctant, make a schedule. Agree that you’ll get to have one photo shoot with him every six months. Tell him that family outings are fair game, but that you won’t take photos of him doing mundane things (like his homework) unless you first ask permission. The key to keeping your teen in your family album is to make him comfortable with the idea of photographs. That is, he shouldn’t feel like he might get assaulted at any moment by you and your DSLR. He should feel like those photographs are only going to happen on his terms.<br /> <br /> <img src="http://cdn.digital-photo-secrets.com/images/young-handsome-teenager-blue.jpg" /><br /> <br /> If you’re planning to do a formal photo shoot with your teen, let her pick out her own outfit. You can give yourself veto power, but use it sparingly and only if you really think the outfit she settles on is inappropriate. Let her choose any props, accessories or other items she might want to wear or include in the photos. You may even find that she starts to have fun just getting ready for the shoot, and that’s going to make the event itself go a lot more smoothly.<br /> <h2> Don’t tell him to “say cheese”</h2> That’s just about the worst thing you can say to a teenager when you’ve got a camera pointed at him. Now, I often argue that it’s just about the worst thing you can say to any portrait subject, because it results in fake-looking smiles and awkward looking images. But no self-respecting teenager is ever going to say the word “cheese,” unless he’s ordering a cheeseburger.<br /> <br /> Instead, ask him to talk about something he enjoys. If he plays football, ask him what happened at the last practice. If he plays an instrument, ask him about the material he’s learning. If he plays Minecraft, ask him about that, too. I know kids who will talk about Minecraft for more hours than they actually spend playing it. The bottom line is this: everyone has passions, so find out what your subject’s passions are (that will be easier if he or she is your own child, of course) and the smiles will naturally follow.<br /> <br /> <img src="http://cdn.digital-photo-secrets.com/images/close-up-of-teen-boy-smiling.jpg" /> <br /> <h2> Go wild</h2> Depending on the kid, of course, some teenagers can be convinced to loosen up if you make crazy suggestions. Have her jump or turn quickly towards the camera so that her hair flies around a little. Throw some confetti over her head (you might need a helper for that one). Tell a joke (hint: teenagers don’t always laugh at the same jokes that adults laugh at). Or you could even ask her to help you come up with completely crazy ideas for photo shoots—chances are you’re going to get as many great photos during the brainstorming process as you would if you actually did use any of her crazy suggestions.<br /> <br /> <img src="http://cdn.digital-photo-secrets.com/images/beautiful-girl-gymnastick-jump.jpg" /> <br /> <h2> Extremely reluctant subjects</h2> The sad truth is that there are some kids who, no matter what you do, are never really going to warm up to the camera. Smiling just isn’t something they do in the presence of adults. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean that you just can’t get any photos of them. You really must learn how not to accept defeat.<br /> Try to be OK with photos that don’t include smiles. Remember that this too shall pass—very few non-smiling teenagers grow up to be non-smiling adults. So try to embrace this short and moody phase of their lives, and give them something to look at or to do with their hands while you’re shooting photos. If your subject plays the guitar, have her sit down with her guitar and play a song. If he’s a bookworm, photograph him with his favorite book. If he plays soccer, don’t just ask him to pose with the ball, get him to juggle it.<br /> <br /> If you just can’t stand that moody frown, you can also zoom in and shoot the details. If she likes to journal, for example, you could get a shot of her hand holding a pen while she writes in her favorite notebook. If she’s an artist, you could take a picture over her shoulder of her latest work-in-progress. You could photograph her shoes, get a close shot of her eye, or capture a picture of her hands in her pockets. Just because her face isn’t in the shot doesn’t mean the shot isn’t meaningful—in fact there’s a very good argument to be made that detail shots have greater meaning that that deadpan stare that she adopts whenever she sees your camera. The details can give your viewer information about who your teenager really is—the things she loves, the clothes she wears, and the activities that occupy her spare time.<br /> <br /> <img src="http://cdn.digital-photo-secrets.com/images/girl-writing-notebook.jpg" /> <br /> <h2> Think cool</h2> I know, your teenager thinks you are the opposite of cool. So don’t try to be cool just for the photo shoot, because the best expression you’ll get out of that is an eye-roll. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can’t try to capture images that your teenager will think is cool. Look for unusual angles—shots from down low, backlit portraits, or silhouettes, for example. Kids wearing shades and hoodies can also make for cool photos—anything that looks a little offbeat or eccentric is probably going to be viewed favorably by your subject. <br /> <h2> Conclusion</h2> I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. It’s almost certainly not going to be easy, unless your teen has aspirations towards becoming a model. You need patience to get good photos of your teenager, but more than that you need compromise, erring on the side of letting child do what makes her more comfortable. Once you get her to accept the idea of the photograph, the promise of some camera-free homework time might be enough to encourage her to relax and pose for some non-selfie photos, on her own terms.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> source : <a href="http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/5497/photograph-moody-teenagers/">http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/5497/photograph-moody-teenagers/</a> </span>

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How to Photograph (Moody) Teenagers

How to Photograph (Moody) Teenagers One common thread I find in nearly all of my friends’ photo albums is this: lots of pictures of babies, toddlers and school-aged children. Not so many pictures …

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5 Tips to Help You Take More Natural Looking Portraits

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2OVg-r6O77sRmvJOzb995eQOdXFyfTmRw0uZREX0pxbYSdJKsjMLyWCST0FM6MdC7mUV4PZzppJGGjKEg0Xy79r1E55QA6VWxtSPN6_b5pnU806JzX_dAtYGC1n5YNfq8M6P6_pQ6BpF/s1600/photography-photoobest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2OVg-r6O77sRmvJOzb995eQOdXFyfTmRw0uZREX0pxbYSdJKsjMLyWCST0FM6MdC7mUV4PZzppJGGjKEg0Xy79r1E55QA6VWxtSPN6_b5pnU806JzX_dAtYGC1n5YNfq8M6P6_pQ6BpF/s640/photography-photoobest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> You’ve probably seen those beautiful portraits where couples are embracing, and laughing naturally off-camera, or two children are skipping up the beautiful country lane-way, bathed in the most perfect light. Everything in the image looks flawless, yet it still seems like the photographer just happened to be walking past at the exact right moment to capture the perfect shot.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVLSfnlvWojau-7EkPPxRUw8qiCH_oC4MX6-OM5ssS8ACOM1xoL8v7QYAdG2FKq5VPkdPdFBKQ_RaRGb8oJNXrNyCnAnM05DZYp3dtnKXenP0gjo7Wn87vgHBjEUbNlITYfBHdKiUSRFQ/s1600/photography-photoobest.bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVLSfnlvWojau-7EkPPxRUw8qiCH_oC4MX6-OM5ssS8ACOM1xoL8v7QYAdG2FKq5VPkdPdFBKQ_RaRGb8oJNXrNyCnAnM05DZYp3dtnKXenP0gjo7Wn87vgHBjEUbNlITYfBHdKiUSRFQ/s640/photography-photoobest.bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> So why is it when I try and capture those perfect candid moments someone always has their eyes closed, hair is covering half of their face, or the lighting is wrong, or worse still an unsuspecting passerby in bright pink sweat pants walks through the background of the shot.<br /> <br /> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 727px;"> <img alt="Lifestyle 2" border="0" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Lifestyle_2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lifestyle_2.jpg" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <br /></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In this image I gave each model one action to repeat over and over, to achieve a natural candid feel. (The Footy Show cast – image courtesy Nine Network Australia)</span></span></span></div> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <br /></div> </div> Getting realistic and natural looking shots can be really tricky. If I set up the shot, and try and direct certain poses and reactions, the shots can look really stiff and contrived. If I try and get people to laugh on cue, it tends to look fake.<br /> <br /> I can always leave it to chance in the hope that the people I’m working with do something worth photographing but this isn’t always an option. So what’s the best way to get people to look natural on camera? Here are my five favorite and most successful techniques to help you take more natural looking portraits:<br /> <h2> 1. Check your mood</h2> People tend to mirror, and reflect the mood of the photographer, so if you are having a bad day or feeling grumpy, then your models are going to pick up on that vibe. If you want happy and excited looking expressions, then you need to have that vibe yourself. If you are not feeling it before the shoot, for whatever reason (stuff happens right?) then do whatever it takes to put yourself in a good mood. Listen to a funny podcast on the commute in, call a friend who makes you laugh, read funny stuff. Eat half a jar of Nutella (don’t judge me).<br /> <img alt="WW14 192" border="0" height="640" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WW14-192.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="WW14-192.jpg" width="426" /><br /> <h2> 2. If you want people to laugh genuinely, then give them something to laugh about</h2> I’m constantly wisecracking through the shoot, and ever ready to capture the expressions as the joke hits. The best way to do this is to set up your models in the position you want them, start with serious poses, and then throw in a funny remark between frames.<br /> <br /> You don’t even need to be that funny for this technique to work. You only really need two or three good jokes, or lines, that will crack a group of people up. I’ve been using the same lines for years and they still work. The important part is that you make them your own, and it’s something you would say, or feel comfortable saying.<br /> <h2> 3. Laugh with people</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="GB MEL14 750" border="0" height="520" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/GB_MEL14_750.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="GB_MEL14_750.jpg" width="346" /></td> <td><img alt="Lifestyle 3" border="0" height="520" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Lifestyle_3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lifestyle_3.jpg" width="363" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> To get this image of the Dalton family (above) I actually just started laughing with them. Laughing with your models is infectious. I felt a bit embarrassed doing it at the start, but soon discovered it was totally worth the genuine laughs, and reactions I got. (The Dalton Family/Foxtel)<br /> <br /> Another great trick to make models laugh is I actually ask my models to laugh, and will start laughing with them. This always starts out really awkward, everyone laughs uncomfortably, and at first they are laughing at me. But, after a while, everyone is laughing with me, and I’m always able to capture some genuine and beautiful laughing shots.<br /> <h2> 4. Give each person something to repeat</h2> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 727px;"> <img alt="Lifestyle 4" border="0" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Lifestyle_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lifestyle_4.jpg" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <br /></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In this image, I gave each of the girls a specific action and eye-line, while they walked toward my camera. The client wanted a fun, positive, natural-looking shot. If this sort of image is left to chance, all the girls end up looking in the same direction, or have the wrong facial expression.</span></span></span></div> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <br /></div> </div> Try and give everyone in the group a set of actions to repeat as you shoot. This makes it easier to control the group, and keep the shape of the shot you are trying to get. I find I have greater success when I give each model only one action to repeat, and a direction to look toward.<br /> An example of the direction I gave for the girls walking above would be:<br /> <ul> <li>Girl A (use their real names or course!): Walk towards me, look into the camera and smile at me like you’ve just seen your best friend</li> <li>Girl B: Walk towards camera and smile over at girl A</li> <li>Girl C: Tell a story, and gesture with your hands and look over at girl B</li> <li>Girl D: Laugh to yourself and walk towards camera</li> </ul> <h2> 5. Keep talking, coaxing, encouraging, directing</h2> People perceive silence from a photographer as a sign that you are unhappy with what they are doing.<br /> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="PPTS Women 0035" border="0" height="532" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/PPTS_Women_0035.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PPTS_Women_0035.jpg" width="355" /></td> <td><img alt="PPTS Men 0026W" border="0" height="532" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/PPTS_Men_0026W.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PPTS_Men_0026W.jpg" width="355" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> What’s your favorite technique for getting natural looking portraits? Do you have any great tricks we could all try? I’d love to hear about them. Please share any others in the comments below as well as your images of natural looking portraits you’re proud of.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">source : <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/5-tips-to-help-you-take-more-natural-looking-portraits/">http://digital-photography-school.com/5-tips-to-help-you-take-more-natural-looking-portraits/</a></span>

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5 Tips to Help You Take More Natural Looking Portraits

You’ve probably seen those beautiful portraits where couples are embracing, and laughing naturally off-camera, or two children are skipping up the beautiful country lane-way, bathed in the most per…

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How To Take Great Nature Photos

Whether you’re taking a picture of a geranium in your backyard garden or a grizzly bear in the Rocky Mountains, capturing a great photo outdoors means working with Mother Nature, and not trying to impose your photographic will upon her.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.ning.com/files/D4tgE4d4mNrpW1VE7wB1iA*7zFCePzKZONoWcrsu-ezmcaktdSFk8NHmM0EkeStDgTlzvV2hTAKureWAhCZv7e-fvgfdYze5/15708267088_4713b1da02_o2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://api.ning.com/files/D4tgE4d4mNrpW1VE7wB1iA*7zFCePzKZONoWcrsu-ezmcaktdSFk8NHmM0EkeStDgTlzvV2hTAKureWAhCZv7e-fvgfdYze5/15708267088_4713b1da02_o2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> So many factors come into play when taking a nature photograph—sun, clouds, wind, rain, sleet or snow—and if you’re photographing animals in their native habitat, you’ve got noise, odors, and movement to deal with.<br /> <br /> It can get complex, but the enjoyment you’ll get by taking nature photography seriously will far outweigh the extra time and effort you put into it. Rather than just clicking a snapshot of your sugar maple in all its fall glory, you’ll have a photo you’d be proud to hang on your wall as a piece of art. Or, you might even become so good that you’ll find yourself selling some of your better photos.<br /> <br /> After all, everyone loves a great nature photo. It’s easy for viewers to put themselves into the picture. Even if they’ve never been to the mountains, people enjoy looking at pictures of mountains because it transports them, at least for a brief moment, to a peaceful place.<br /> <br /> So in order to help you get the most out of the time you spend outdoors with your camera, here are five fundamental tips for taking better nature photos. As a photographer, I’ve learned that if you approach your outdoor photography with the right mindset, you’re certain to succeed, oftentimes in ways you never expected.<br /> <br /> <strong>Understand the nature of nature.</strong> There’s an old saying, “You can’t fight Mother Nature.” Plan on working with the elements of the natural environment you photograph. A backyard squirrel might not blink at the sound of your shutter. But a rarely seen black squirrel sitting in the woods 50 miles from the nearest road might run upon hearing the same click.<br /> <br /> Animals, trees, bushes, grass—everything associated with nature functions uniquely in different weather conditions. If you’re looking for a “money” shot, you need to understand the conditions you’re working in, and the subject matter you are photographing.<br /> <br /> I recall walking along a large pond in a forest clearing many years ago. I was looking up for a shot, but saw nothing remarkable. Then I looked down and realized there was a fantastic shot right at my feet. It was of some green algae that had formed in the corner of the pond. It was a beautiful color, and it contrasted nicely with the water. It ended up being one of my most popular shots.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5313/5914521047_17cfd63e57_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5313/5914521047_17cfd63e57_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <strong>Be prepared.</strong> Study the area you plan on photographing, even if it’s your own backyard. Watch how the light plays on your flowers at different times of the day, and under different cloud conditions. Pay attention to the patterns of birds. Animals are creatures of habit, and weather and light is somewhat predictable.<br /> <br /> The same goes if you plan on venturing out into the wilderness. Get familiar with the local surroundings by talking to locals, watching weather reports on the Internet or TV, and by just taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.<br /> <br /> <strong>Know your equipment.</strong> If you’re trying to get a close up shot of a deer in the wild, even if you’re using a telephoto lens, turn off your autofocus, autoflash, and motordrive. Get to know your camera settings, from the f-stop and shutter speed to the ISO settings.<br /> <br /> <strong> Experiment at home and in the field.</strong> After buying a new camera, I like to take a number of shots just around the house, in a variety of conditions. Spend about an hour or so walking around your home and yard, instruction manual in hand, and try out all the features. Use different exposures and settings. Do this as a refresher from time to time as well. It’s worth the effort.<br /> <br /> <strong>Be patient.</strong> Natural events happen when they happen. You’re not going to rush that beaver out of his watery den any faster. The perfect glint of sunlight playing off your prize rose bushes will not happen any sooner or later than you want it to. Keep your camera at the ready, and don’t force the shot. You may arrive five minutes too late for a great shot, but you may be five minutes early for the perfect shot.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8715/16720507370_2465886b1b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8715/16720507370_2465886b1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <strong>Have an outcome in mind, but be ready for the unexpected.</strong> If you go out looking for cardinals in the forest, you’re likely to find some. So be ready by having a telephoto lens, a tripod if necessary, perhaps a birding book to help with recognition, and something comfortable to sit on. Take food for yourself—don’t feed the animals!—and water. Picture the shot you want in your mind’s eye. You’ll often get something close.<br /> <br /> But don’t close your mind to other possibilities. The sun may be absolutely perfect at that time of day, and you could get a stunning picture of rays of sunlight piercing the forest canopy. Ansel Adams’ famous “Moonrise over Hernandez” was taken while he was driving down a highway. He stopped the car, jumped out, grabbed his camera, took one shot … and nailed it because he was ready for the unexpected.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.ning.com/files/JWVmD*3ooUfz9nYyc476IU0Px1Hs33t7auqGStYahLpHY1Pz8irdTch9xwgT5N*7G5diGPZ0ClWHdpiWytanJBorAqXHoz1M/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://api.ning.com/files/JWVmD*3ooUfz9nYyc476IU0Px1Hs33t7auqGStYahLpHY1Pz8irdTch9xwgT5N*7G5diGPZ0ClWHdpiWytanJBorAqXHoz1M/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> I had a similar experience. It was night, and I was just walking around my area looking for a good picture. I had been walking awhile, ready to give up and go home, when a flash of light caught my eye. I came upon a building site of a multi-story building. The welders were getting in some overtime, working on the 8th or 9th floor. The sparks from their welding were arcing out from the side of the building and down to the ground. It made for a beautiful picture, and one I would have never gotten if I hadn’t been ready for the unexpected.<br /> <br /> When it comes to photographing anything in the great outdoors, don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking you can control your subject matter. All you can control is your equipment and your knowledge about the subject matter. So with the right camera, an understanding of nature, and some patience, you’re likely to get the recognition you’re looking for as an outstanding outdoor photographer.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">source : <a href="http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-great-nature-photos/">http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-great-nature-photos/</a></span>

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How To Take Great Nature Photos

Whether you’re taking a picture of a geranium in your backyard garden or a grizzly bear in the Rocky Mountains, capturing a great photo outdoors means working with Mother Nature, and not trying to i…

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Cheat Sheet : Tips and Tricks for Great Wedding Photography

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/07-wedding-photos-perfect-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/07-wedding-photos-perfect-full.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">source : <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/cheat-sheet-tips-tricks-great-wedding-photography/">http://digital-photography-school.com/cheat-sheet-tips-tricks-great-wedding-photography/</a></span>

Cheat Sheet : Tips and Tricks for Great Wedding Photography

source : http://digital-photography-school.com/cheat-sheet-tips-tricks-great-wedding-photography/…

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Beginners Tips for Night Sky and Star Photography

<h2> Star Photography</h2> My favorite type of personal photography is taking night shots of the stars (long exposure pictures). I am often busy shooting pictures of people at weddings, or apartments, or models, and it’s important for me to make sure I take pictures for fun regularly. Taking pictures for no one other than myself is highly rewarding, soul filling, and fun! I also love taking travel photos and HDR photos, in this article we will take a close look at exactly how you can take your own epic star photographs.<br /> <br /> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_69268" style="width: 610px;"> <img alt="star photography" class="size-full wp-image-69268" height="400" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_8599.jpg" style="line-height: 1.5em;" width="600" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">30 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 1250</span></div> </div> <h2> What you need to take jaw-dropping pictures of stars</h2> To take your star pictures, you only need three things:<br /> <ol> <li><b>a full-frame camera</b> (for better ISO capabilities)</li> <li><b>a fisheye lens</b> (for the widest view of the sky)</li> <li><b>a tripod</b> (for stability during 15 second photos)</li> </ol> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Note: You can do this with a cropped sensor camera, without a tripod, and without a fisheye lens. It will just be a little harder and slightly less jaw-dropping)</i></span><br /> <br /> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px;"> <img alt="star photography" height="600" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_7995.jpg" width="400" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">25 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 1600</span></div> </div> <h2> Camera settings</h2> You can nail this shot almost every time with these settings:  <b>25</b><b> second exposure, f/2.8, ISO 1600</b><br /> If your lens doesn’t open up to f/2.8 you can try 30 seconds at f/4 with ISO 1600.<br /> <i><b>Note:</b> this kind of photography won’t work if there is a full moon out (or even a half moon). </i>D<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">on’t compete with large light sources, the stars will be over powered.</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">The best location for star photography is way out in nature, away from city lights that cause “light pollution.”</span><i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"></i><br /> <i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></i> <br /> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_69351" style="width: 610px;"> <img alt="star photography" class="size-full wp-image-69351" height="400" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_8610.jpg" width="600" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">13.0 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 1600</span></div> </div> <h2> Why to use these settings</h2> The most important component of these settings is the 25 second exposure. An exposure longer than about 25 seconds will start to show star trails. <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/tips-photographing-star-trails/" target="_blank">Photographing star trails</a> is a legitimate type of photographyon its own, but not the type of photography you are trying to do here. Since you are limited to about 15-25 seconds max shutter speed, you still need to let in more light. The largest aperture you can find on a fisheye lens is f/2.8, and still your picture might not be quite bright enough to look stunning. So this is where the ISO comes into play. On a full-frame camera like the 5D Mark III or the Nikon D800 you can <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/reasons-why-shoot-high-iso/" target="_blank" title="Reasons to Shoot High ISO Images">bump the ISO up to around 2000</a> without seeing much noise. You’ll learn how to reduce noise in Lightroom in the next section for a super clean photo.<br /> <br /> <img alt="star photography" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69372" height="271" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0187.jpg" width="600" /><br /> <h2> Editing in Lightroom</h2> I do extensive retouching in Lightroom after I take my photos. I’ll usually boost the exposure up by a stop or more and I’ll use Noise Reduction under the Detail section to reduce any unwanted “noise” (those pesky extra white, red or blue pixels that show up when you push the ISO too high). Here is a standard star photo of mine and the Lightroom settings I used to create it:<br /> <br /> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_69374" style="width: 610px;"> <img alt="star photography" class="size-full wp-image-69374" height="307" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_7998.jpg" width="600" /><br /> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">25 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 1600</span></div> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <br /></div> </div> Here are the Lightroom settings I used to edit the above photo:<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-12-at-11.21.48-PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="star photography" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69375" height="400" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-12-at-11.21.48-PM.jpg" width="208" /></a></div> <img alt="star photography" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69376" height="353" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-12-at-11.22.02-PM.jpg" width="249" /><br /> <br /> <br /> 1) You can see in the first panel that I bumped the whites up to +46 and brought the blacks down to -52. I really wanted to emphasize the stars against the dark sky and this is a good way to do that. Pushing the clarity up to +55 also helps define the stars against the sky, making them nice and crispy. I boosted the saturation to bring out any colors that are in the sky.<br /> <br /> <div class="pb-ads"> </div> 2) In the second panel you can see that I sharpened up the image a bit, also to emphasize the stars. At the same time, I brought up the noise reduction to 33 to smooth out some of the noise that might show up, and I brought up the color to 25 for the same reasons.<br /> <h2> Pro tips</h2> <br /> <br /> <img alt="star photography" class="size-full wp-image-69377 alignleft" height="193" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-12-at-11.22.23-PM.jpg" style="cursor: move; margin: 5px;" width="251" /><br /> <br /> Here is where you can have fun with the editing. Play around with the split toning sliders to make the colors in your sky appear magical. In the photo above you can see a little bit of turquoise in the lower part of the sky, and that comes from boosting that color in the Shadows of the Split Toning slider here:<br /> <br /> <img alt="star photography" class=" wp-image-69380 alignright" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/star-photos.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="300" /><br /> <br /> You can also affect the color of the sky by playing around with the <b>temperature</b> and <b>hue</b> sliders to get some pretty magnificent looking star photos. Take a look at this one photo rendered three different ways:<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> Another pro tip that you may have noticed in all of the photo examples I gave here is this – shoot your stars in context. It really tells a great story to see a silhouette of a pine tree or a house in the background, and it shows the magnitude of the scene when you have an object in the foreground to compare to the stars.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="pb-ads"> </div> Lastly, make sure you know which direction the Milky Way is. You can use an app like <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sky-map/id536492883?mt=8" target="_blank" title="Sky Map App">Sky Map</a> to see exactly what stars are in the sky above you.<br /> Have fun shooting, and please share your pictures below!<br /> <br /> <img alt="star photography" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69373" height="312" src="http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_8003.jpg" width="600" />

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Beginners Tips for Night Sky and Star Photography

Star Photography My favorite type of personal photography is taking night shots of the stars (long exposure pictures). I am often busy shooting pictures of people at weddings, or apartments, or mod…

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