9780764598067

Preface

vii

Acknowledgments

Introduction

xxvii

Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera

(34)

Learning About Your Camera

(6)

Step 1: Read (Or Glance Through) Your Manual

(1)

Step 2: Shoot a Few Photos

(1)

Step 3: Complete the Camera Features and Specifications Form

(3)

Step 4: Read Your Manual Again

(1)

Choosing Image-Quality Settings

(10)

Step 1: Set Date and Time

(1)

Step 2: Set Image Resolution

(4)

Step 3: Set File Format

(1)

Step 4: Set Compression Level

(1)

Step 5: Set ISO Sensitivity

(2)

Step 6: Turn on File Numbering

(1)

Step 7: Set Image Sharpness and Contrast

(1)

Step 8: Format Digital Photo Storage Media

(3)

Choosing an Appropriate Shooting Mode

(6)

Step 1: Determine Objectives

(2)

Step 2: Choose Between an Automatic or Creative Exposure Mode

(2)

Step 3: Choose F-Stop or Shutter Speed

(2)

Taking and Reviewing Photos

(4)

Step 1: Set Preview and Review Features

(1)

Step 2: Determine Objectives and Select Appropriate Settings

(1)

Step 3: Compose Image and Take Photo

(1)

Step 4: Review Image and Check Settings

(1)

Step 5: Shoot Again if Needed

(1)

Changing Critical Settings Quickly

(6)

Step 1: Learn How to Read Current Camera Settings

(1)

Step 2: Learn How to Reset Your Camera

(1)

Step 3: Change White Balance Setting

(1)

Step 4: Change ISO Setting

(1)

Step 5: Change Exposure Mode

(1)

Step 6: Turn Flash on or Off

(1)

Step 7: Select Metering Mode

(1)

Step 8: Select Focus Points

(1)

Step 9: Turn On/Off Red-Eye Reduction

(1)

Step 10: Change Exposure Compensation

(1)

Step 11: Change Other Special Settings

(3)

Taking Better Photographs

(36)

Choosing Subjects

(6)

Step 1: Shoot Inside Your Home

(1)

Step 2: Shoot in Your Backyard

(1)

Step 3: Shoot in Macro Mode

(1)

Step 4: Shoot at a Zoo or Botanical Garden

(1)

Step 5: Shoot Pets or Other Animals

(1)

Step 6: Shoot While in a Moving Car

(1)

Step 7: Shoot in the City

(1)

Step 8: Shoot Again!

(2)

Composing Your Shots

(6)

Step 1: Shoot Using and Violating the ``Rule of Thirds''

(1)

Step 2: Compose Shots with an Emphasis on Lines, Shapes, and Patterns

(1)

Step 3: Shoot to Frame Your Subject

(1)

Step 4: Shoot to Capture Objects or Backgrounds

(1)

Step 5: Shoot to Tightly Crop the Subject

(1)

Step 6: Shoot With Different Camera Orientations

(1)

Step 7: Shoot Using Different Vantage Points

(1)

Step 8: Shoot and Develop Your Own Composition Ideas

(1)

Selecting Focal Length

(6)

Step 1: Understanding Focal Length

(2)

Step 2: Shoot with Minimum Focal Length (Wide Angle View)

(1)

Step 3: Shoot Using Mid-Range Focal Length

(1)

Step 4: Shoot With Maximum Focal Length (Telephoto Mode)

(1)

Step 5: Shoot Using Digital Zoom

(1)

Step 6: Shoot With Wide Angle and Change Perspectives

(2)

Getting the Exposure You Want

(10)

Misconception 1: You Can Always Get the Exposure You Want

(3)

Misconception 2: Camera Exposure Meters Always Expose Properly

(1)

Misconception 3: Certain Types of Light are Always Bad

(1)

Finding Good Light

(1)

Step 1: Determine How You Want Your Photo to Look

(1)

Step 2: Select an Exposure Mode

(1)

Step 3: Select a Metering Mode

(1)

Step 4: Shoot the Photo and Analyze the Results

(1)

Step 5: Adjust Exposure

(1)

Step 6: Shoot Again

(2)

Taking Sharper Photos

(6)

Factors Determining Image Sharpness

(2)

Step 1: Determine Objectives

(1)

Step 2: Choose Exposure Mode

(1)

Step 3: Choose Aperture or Shutter Speed Setting

(1)

Step 4: Choose Auto-Focus Setting Mode and Focal Points

(1)

Focus Frame Selection

(1)

Using Focus Lock

(1)

Shot Mode

(1)

Using Macro Focus

(1)

Using Manual Focus

(1)

Step 5: Use Camera Support When Needed

(1)

Step 6: Use a Self-Timer or a Shutter Release

(1)

Step 7: Use Flash

(1)

Step 8: Change ISO Setting

(1)

Using Advanced Features

(24)

Using the Histogram

(4)

Getting to Know the Histogram

(1)

Blinking Highlights

(1)

Step 1: Choose Review and Preview Settings

(1)

Step 2: Determine How You Want the Picture to Look

(1)

Step 3: Compose Picture and Press the Shutter Button

(1)

Step 4: Review the Histogram, Change Settings, and Shoot Again

(1)

Using Exposure Compensation

(4)

Deciding When to Use Exposure Compensation

(1)

Step 1: Determine How You Want the Picture to Look

(1)

Step 2: Set Appropriate Camera Settings

(1)

Step 3: Compose and Take a Photo

(1)

Step 4: Change Exposure Compensation With the Exposure Compensation Feature

(1)

Using Auto Exposure Bracketing

(1)

Using Exposure Lock, Metering Nodes, and Focal Points

(4)

Metering Modes

(1)

Focus Point

(1)

Exposure Lock

(1)

Step 1: Determine How You Want the Picture to Look

(1)

Step 2: Choose Camera Settings

(1)

Step 3: Compose the Photo and Evaluate the Image on the LCD Monitor

(1)

Step 4: Reposition the Camera Until the Exposure Looks Correct

(1)

Step 5: Lock Exposure

(1)

Step 6: Recompose the Picture and Press the Shutter Button

(1)

Using Center-Weighted or Spot Metering and Exposure Lock

(1)

Controlling Focus With Focal Point Selection and Focus Lock

(4)

Step 1: Choose Appropriate Camera Settings

(1)

Step 2: Compose the Photo and Preview the Image on the LCD Monitor

(1)

Step 3: Select the Focus Point

(1)

Step 4: Aim the Selected Focus Point at the Area Where You Want the Camera to Focus and Lock Focus

(1)

Step 5: Recompose

(1)

Step 6: Take the Photo

(2)

Using a Built-in Flash

(6)

Characteristics of a Built-In Flash

(1)

Deciding When to Use a Built-In Flash

(1)

Deciding Whether a Built-In Flash is for You

(1)

Step 1: Turn on the Flash

(1)

Step 2: Select Red-Eye Reduction, if Desired

(1)

Step 3: Change the Flash Exposure Compensation, if Desired

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Shoot the Picture

(1)

Step 5: Review the Image and Adjust the Settings

(1)

Increasing the Quality of Your Photos

(28)

Using a Tripod

(6)

Step 1: Determine Your Needs

(2)

Step 2: Choose a Tripod Head

100

(3)

Preparing to Take Photos

103

(4)

Step 1: Check Batteries

104

(1)

Step 2: Check Memory Cards

104

(1)

Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Lenses, Sensor, Viewfinder, and LCD

104

(1)

Step 4: Set Up the Camera

105

(1)

Step 5: Check the Focus

105

(1)

Step 6: Double-Check Your Camera Bag

105

(1)

Step 7: Scope Out the Location

105

(2)

Determining Proper ISO Settings and Reducing Noise

107

(8)

Step 1: Open an Image in Photoshop Elements 3

110

(1)

Step 2: Create a Back-Up Layer

110

(1)

Step 3: Choose the Noise Reduction Filter

110

(1)

Step 4: Reduce Noise

110

(5)

Becoming Aware of Light

115

(4)

Outdoor Lighting

116

(1)

Natural Lighting

117

(2)

Taking Photos in Different Orientations

119

(4)

Step 1: Evaluate the Scene

121

(1)

Step 2: Be Creative

122

(1)

Taking Pictures of People and Pets

123

(34)

Choosing Photographic Lights

125

(8)

Different Types of Photographic Lights

126

(3)

Why Choose a Studio Strobe Over a Flash Unit (Or Vice Versa)?

129

(1)

Are Flash Units or Hot Lights Best?

129

(1)

Step 1: Think About Your Subjects

129

(1)

Step 2: Check to See Whether Your Camera Can Work With External Strobes

129

(1)

Step 3: Consider Your Budget

130

(1)

Step 4: Decide Between Strobe or Hot Lights

130

(1)

Step 5: Shop for Lights and Accessories

130

(1)

Using a Backdrop Cloth

131

(2)

Using Natural Light For Portraits

133

(4)

Step 1: Set Up a Background

134

(1)

Step 2: Plan for the Optimum Light

134

(1)

Step 3: Set Up the Camera on a Tripod

135

(1)

Step 4: Decide What Type of Portraits You Want to Take

135

(1)

Step 5: Set Up the Camera and Choose Settings

135

(1)

Step 6: Pose the Subjects and Begin Taking Photos

135

(1)

Step 7: Review the Photos

136

(1)

Shooting Candids

137

(4)

Step 1: Be Prepared

138

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Camera

138

(1)

Step 3: Blend in

138

(1)

Step 4: Pick a Spot and Wait for the Opportunity to Come to You

139

(1)

Step 5: Review Your Shots

139

(2)

Shooting a Great Family Portrait

141

(4)

Step 1: Ask the Portrait Subjects What They Want

142

(1)

Step 2: Prepare Ahead of Time for Portraits

142

(1)

Step 3: Set Up Your Equipment

142

(1)

Step 4: Take Test Shots

142

(1)

Step 5: Pose and Then Shoot

142

(2)

Step 6: Review the Portraits With the Family

144

(1)

Taking Great Photos of Kids

145

(4)

Step 1: Schedule Photos at the Best Time for the Kids

146

(1)

Step 2: Plan for the Type of Photos You Want

146

(1)

Step 3: Set Up for Photos Before the Kids are Ready

146

(1)

Step 4: Take Test Shots

146

(1)

Step 5: Pose the Kids and Take Photos

146

(1)

Step 6: Review the Photos

147

(2)

Photographing Pets

149

(4)

Step 1: Decide Where to Shoot

150

(1)

Step 2: Choose Focal Length

151

(1)

Step 3: Choose Camera Settings

151

(1)

Step 4: Get Your Pets Ready

151

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Take Photos

152

(1)

Step 6: Evaluate Shots and Change Settings if Needed

152

(1)

Taking Sports Action Photos

153

(4)

What Kind of Digital Camera is Best for Photographing Sports Action?

154

(1)

What Lens Should You Have?

154

(1)

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Photos You Want

154

(1)

Step 2: Set Up Camera and Monopod

155

(1)

Step 3: Choose Camera Settings

155

(1)

Step 4: Decide Where to Shoot

155

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Shoot

156

(1)

Step 6: Evaluate Results

156

(1)

Shooting Night and Indoor Games

156

(1)

Why Move Up to a Digital SLR for Sports?

156

(1)

Photographing Nature

157

(26)

Shooting Fall Colors

159

(4)

Step 1: Schedule Your Fall Color Shooting

160

(1)

Step 2: Scope Out Locations

160

(1)

Step 3: Plan for the Weather

160

(1)

Step 4: Set Up Your Camera

161

(1)

Step 5: Take Fall Color Photos

162

(1)

Shooting the Weather

163

(4)

Step 1: Plan for Bad Weather

164

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Tripod and Camera

165

(1)

Step 3: Choose the Camera Settings

165

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Shoot Photos

166

(1)

Step 5: Review Your Photos

166

(1)

Taking Close-Up Photos of Flowers

167

(4)

Step 1: Choose the Day and Time to Shoot

168

(1)

Step 2: Decide How You Want the Photo to Look

168

(1)

Step 3: Set Your Camera on a Tripod

168

(1)

Step 4: Select Camera Settings

168

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Take Photos

168

(1)

Step 6: Evaluate Photos and Shoot Again

168

(3)

Shooting Waterfalls

171

(6)

Step 1: Research Locations

172

(1)

Step 2: Plan for the Weather and Lighting Conditions

172

(1)

Step 3: Place Your Digital Camera on A Tripod

172

(1)

Step 4: Select Camera Settings

173

(1)

Step 5: Compose the Waterfall and Take Photos

174

(1)

Step 6: Review Your Shots and Take More Photos

175

(2)

Shooting the Stars

177

(6)

Step 1: Research Celestial Events

178

(1)

Step 2: Place Your Camera on a Tripod

178

(1)

Step 3: Select Camera Settings and Take Test Shots

179

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Take Celestial Photos

180

(1)

Step 5: Review Your Celestial Photos and Take More Shots

181

(2)

``Scape'' Photography

183

(26)

Photographing Urban Landscapes

185

(4)

Step 1: Choose the Day and Time to Shoot

186

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Tripod and Camera

186

(1)

Step 3: Choose the Camera Settings

186

(1)

Step 4: Choose the Focal Length

187

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Take Photos

187

(1)

Step 6: Evaluate the Results and Make Setting Changes

187

(2)

Shooting Dramatic Skyscapes

189

(4)

Step 1: Choose the Day and Time to Shoot

190

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Tripod and Camera

191

(1)

Step 3: Choose the Camera Settings

191

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Take Photos

191

(1)

Step 5: Evaluate the Results and Make Setting Changes

192

(1)

Photographing Country Landscapes

193

(4)

Step 1: Choose the Day and Time to Shoot

194

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Tripod and Camera

194

(1)

Step 3: Choose the Camera Settings

194

(1)

Step 4: Choose the Focal Length

194

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Take Photos

195

(1)

Step 6: Evaluate the Results and Make Setting Changes

196

(1)

Taking Photos to Make Panoramic Landscapes

197

(6)

Step 1: Set Up the Camera and Tripod

198

(1)

Step 2: Choose the Camera Settings

198

(1)

Step 3: Compose and Take Photos

199

(1)

Step 4: Evaluate the Results and Make Setting Changes

200

(1)

Step 5: Use a Digital Stitching Application to Create a Panorama

200

(3)

Shooting Abandoned Structures

203

(6)

Figuring Out What Equipment You Need

204

(1)

Step 1: Choose a Primary Subject

204

(1)

Step 2: Set Up the Camera

204

(1)

Step 3: Set Up the Shot

205

(1)

Step 4: Review the First Images

205

(1)

Step 5: Recompose and Shoot More Photos

205

(1)

Step 6: Look for Color

206

(3)

Creative and Alternative Photography

209

(24)

Shooting Abstracts

211

(4)

Step 1: Find a Subject to Photograph

212

(1)

Step 2: Mount Your Digital Camera on a Tripod or Carefully Hold it

212

(1)

Step 3: Select Camera Settings

213

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Take Photos of Abstracts

213

(1)

Step 5: Review Photos

213

(2)

Taking Photos for Digital Manipulation

215

(8)

Step 1: Open a File

216

(1)

Step 2: Make a Copy of the Image to Be Used for the Watercolor Painting

216

(1)

Step 3: Transform the First Image Into a Watercolor Painting

216

(2)

Step 4: Transform the Second Image Into a Pen-and-Ink Sketch

218

(2)

Step 5: Combine the Images

220

(1)

Step 6: Make the Final Color Adjustments and Add Your Signature

220

(3)

Using Your Desktop Scanner As a Digital Camera

223

(6)

Step 1: Choose a Subject

224

(1)

Step 2: Set Up Your Flatbed Scanner

224

(1)

Step 3: Compose Your Subject on the Scanner Surface

224

(1)

Step 4: Darken the Room

224

(1)

Step 5: Leave the Scanner Lid in the Up Position

225

(1)

Step 6: Open the Scanner Driver Software

225

(1)

Step 7: Make Adjustments in the Scanner Driver Software

225

(1)

Step 8: Preview the Scan

226

(1)

Step 9: Scan the Object

227

(1)

Step 10: Edit the Image in Photoshop Elements 3

227

(2)

Using Macro Mode to Take Close-Up Photos

229

(4)

Step 1: Read Your Camera Manual

230

(1)

Step 2: Decide How You Want the Photo to Look

230

(1)

Step 3: Select Camera Settings

231

(1)

Step 4: Compose and Take Photos

231

(1)

Step 5: Evaluate Photos and Shoot Again

231

(2)

Displaying and Taking Care of Your Digital Images

233

(26)

Getting Prints from Digital Images

235

(10)

Getting Image Files from Camera to Printer

236

(1)

Step 1: Download Images to Your Computer

236

(1)

Step 2: Select and Open an Image to Adjust, Edit, and Print

237

(1)

Step 3: Make Adjustments and Edits to the Image

238

(1)

Step 4: Save the Edited File

239

(1)

Step 5: Flatten Layers

239

(1)

Step 6: Change the Image Size to Match Print Size

239

(2)

Step 7: Choose Page Settings

241

(1)

Step 8: Print Your Photo

241

(4)

Using Online Photo Printing Services

245

(4)

Step 1: Select the Photos You Want to Print

246

(1)

Step 2: Select Order Prints

246

(1)

Step 3: Create a Username and Password for Kodak Easy Share

247

(1)

Step 4: Choose the Size and Number of Prints You Want to Order

247

(1)

Step 5: Provide Your Shipping Information

248

(1)

Step 6: Add Recipients

248

(1)

Step 7: Review Summary Information

248

(1)

Step 8: Fill Out Billing Information

248

(1)

Sharing Your Images on the Web

249

(6)

Step 1: Click the Create Button

250

(1)

Step 2: Select Photos for Your Web Site

251

(1)

Step 3: Select a Gallery Style

252

(1)

Step 4: Add Banner and Destination Information

252

(1)

Step 5: Select Thumbnail Size

252

(1)

Step 6: Select Image Sizes

252

(1)

Step 7: Select Site Colors

252

(1)

Step 8: View Your Photo Web Site

252

(3)

Backing Up Your Images for Safekeeping

255

(4)

Step 1: Develop a Backup Strategy

256

(1)

Step 2: Copy Your Images to CD or DVD

256

(1)

Step 3: Back Up Your Computer's Hard Disk

257

(2)

Becoming a Better Photographer

259

(22)

Carrying Your Digital Camera Wherever You Go

261

(4)

Step 1: Carry a Digital Camera Everywhere You Go

262

(1)

Step 2: Keep on the Lookout for Photo Opportunities

263

(1)

Step 3: Plan for Photo Opportunities

263

(1)

Step 4: Check Settings

263

(1)

Step 5: Compose and Take Photos

264

(1)

Step 6: Review and Shoot More Photos

264

(1)

Maintaining and Protecting Your Equipment

265

(4)

Keep Batteries Charged

266

(1)

Clean Lenses and Filters

266

(1)

Have Your Digital Camera Serviced by the Manufacturer Only

267

(1)

Store Your Camera in a High-Quality Camera Bag

267

(1)

Keep Firmware Versions Updated

268

(1)

Shooting an Essay

269

(4)

Step 1: Plan an Essay

270

(1)

Step 2: Review Your Equipment Preparation Checklist

270

(1)

Step 3: Check Camera Settings

270

(1)

Step 4: Compose the Shots

271

(1)

Step 5: Take Photos

272

(1)

Converting Color to Black-and-White

273

(4)

Step 1: Shoot All Your Photos in Color

274

(1)

Step 2: Open an Image in Photoshop Elements 3

274

(1)

Step 3: Create a Duplicate of the Background Layer

274

(1)

Step 4: Desaturate the Image

274

(1)

Desaturate the Image Using Enhance

274

(1)

Desaturate the Image Using Hue/Saturation

275

(1)

Step 5: Save the Image

276

(1)

Organizing Your Digital Photos

277

(4)

Step 1: Plan Your File Organization

278

(1)

Step 2: Set Up Your Folder Structure

278

(1)

Step 3: Create Original, Working, and Output Folders

278

(1)

Step 4: Create Subfolders to Further Organize Projects

279

(2)

Index

281

(20)

About the Author

301

(2)

Colophon

303

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50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques

0764598066

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

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