WHAT IS NOISE AND HOW TO REDUCE IT

Noise are called those grainy spots,those annoying color speckles that appear where they

shouldn't be.For example instead of blue sky you notice some pink ,purple or some other colored pixels,and these can occur when your photo contain many shadows or a brilliant patch of a pristine sky.Noise can be vary problematic for your photos as sometimes it an destroy them or the stock sites don't approve them if you intend to sell.So here we are going to give you some tips on how to avoid all these problems.
1. Choose the best camera you can afford-Your camera can make a difference on your photography noise.One of the major difference between a consumer digital camera and a dSLR ( digital Single Lens Reflex) is that the first one produces images with a lot of noise when using high ISOs and long exposure times,the second one is practically noise free.IN digital cameras this noise can come from a variety of sources.The main source of image noise is the sensor and it can be unavoidable.The individual photocells on a digital camera sensor are incredibly small, especially with high-resolution compact camera sensors. This is the main reason that physically larger sensors are much better than smaller ones. The individual photocells are larger and collect proportionately more photons during the exposure, reducing the effects of these statistical variations and producing an inherently higher signal to noise ratio. Some of it is internal noise generated by imperfections in the electronic components of which the camera is made, or simply as a by-product of their normal operation. For instance, capacitors generate a small amount of signal noise as they charge and discharge.Circuit noise can be minimized by efficient circuit design, superior manufacturing techniques and rigorous quality control. Unfortunately some cheaper camera brands, or even budget camera ranges from better-known brands, may use components that are built down to a price rather than up to a standard, which is why these types of camera generally produce noisier images than more expensive models.
2.Use the lowest ISO possible- ISO which deals with measuring the sensitivity of the image sensor, should almost always be set low for stock photography purposes, as any grain found in the image will likely cause it to be rejected. When we shoot with high ISO sensitivity,we increase the amount by which the signals from photocells are amplified.But the amplification process can't tell the difference between image signal and noise ,so the noise gets amplified too.If the signal to noise ratio was already very low then this just produces more noise without improving the image.That is why high ISO sensitivity images have always more noise than the ones taken at low ISO sensitivity. There are cases where a photographer wants a certain amount of noise in a photo and this is not wrong at all.

3.Avoid longer exposures-Longer exposures tend to lead to noise issues in your images. If you must have the option of using high ISOs (e.g. to capture fast action in low-light situations), then get a dSLR.Also get a good tripod cause you will need one. Sometimes, due to irregularities in the manufacturing process, errors in signal transmission and other factors, the photocells that make up the sensor may not all respond to light to an equal degree, causing single pixels to appear very bright or very dark. The charge build-up over a longer exposure makes this problem more noticeable. This type of noise can usually be remedied by applying a masking filter during image processing. Most modern cameras do this automatically, but it can be a problem on many older models.

4.Get the right exposure when you shoot- Use a light meter to ensure that the image is properly exposed.If you have significantly lighten the image in an image editing program,most probably the midtones and shadows will contain a great amount of noise.

5.Noise reduction software-There are lot of software that can do that,for ex you can use Photoshop, Lightroom ,Bridge or if you want something faster you can use Neat image etc.The better way to reduce noise during post processing for example with Adobe photoshop is to use smoothing filters that can be different types but the most commonly used is the one called Median filter.This works by comparing each pixels to the ones surrounding it, and if is has a brightness value that is radically different from its neighbors, then it is replaced by an artificial pixel with the average value of the neighbor pixels.This method is great in reducing noise but also it causes some negative effect such as reducing detail and contrast so you have to be careful with the value of the filter you want to use.In the end the most effective way to have less noise in your photos is to use larger and more sensitive photocells,so to use SLRs camera and getting good shoots from the beginning ,so you will spent less time in post processing.

WHAT TRIPOD TO USE

Photographing can be very challenging in some special conditions,for example:in the night,in low light condition etc...So you will need a good tripod with you to make all easier.In these article we will give you some advices on what tripod to use.
1Always look for good construction and stability-These are very important factors,and them determine if it is a good tripod on not and if you can trust it with your camera or not.A good construction is important for a long life of your tripod and your camera.Stability is important during your shooting to take better photos and avoid camera shake.So you will need to avoid plastic tripods and light one.The heavier the tripod the better is its stability.
2.Tripod heads-Depending on what kind of photos you like to shoot you can choose between two varieties of heads:pan and tilt heads and the ball and socket heads.Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. The pan and tilt heads move up and down, left to right. It doesn't have as much fluid movement as the ball and socket type as it,can take any direction you like.Some tripods have removable heads so you can change them,some have fixed ones so you are stuck with it all the time.
3.Weight-It true that the heavier the tripod the better is it's stability but these doesn't mean you have to use the heavier you can find because now days you can find tripod models made with carbon fiber that are light and offer a good stability.So is better for you to use a tripod which weight matches with the camera and it accessories if it has any like lenses,flesh or other.
4.Height-Use the height you need depending on what you want to photograph.You can choose between different types from the tallest one to the shortest one.
5.Joint and sections-Look for joints that don't flex,even they cost more they have a better stability.Choose you tripod sections for your needs.If you like traveling is better to use a 4 segmented tripod as they can be packed smaller.But with a 4 segmented you loose from your stability so you will need to do a compromise but also you can buy higher quality segments to compensate a little.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Photographing wedding can be a great opportunity to shoot great photos but it is also a great responsibility,this because you don't have a chance to re-shoot,so you have to do everything right the first time.We will give you some tips to improve your skills in shooting wedding photography.But at first I advice you not to start as payed photographer in your friend or somebodies wedding if you are an amateur,is better for you to shoot photos for yourself ,your pleasure and then if you capture some good photos you can show them to the married couple.So you should not be the only photographer on the weeding,and even if the couple asks,you must advice them to hire a professional photographer so you are free of any responsibility if something goes wrong and you can learn from the professional photographer by looking how he works,but you also accept their invitation without being payed and make your best to shoot some great photos so your friend could be proud of you and enjoy their memories for a long long time .A wedding needs a lot of energy and money to be done and all that could not be wasted.Here are some tips for you:
1.Practice on every other kind of photography before trying wedding photography,this can be very helpful.You have to learn how to use diffused light.The ability to bounce flash or diffuse it can be very important.In many churches the light is very low.If you’re allowed to use a flash (and some churches don’t allow it) think about whether bouncing the flash will work (remember if you bounce off a colored surface it will add a colored cast to the picture) or whether you might want to buy a flash diffuser to soften the light. If you can’t use a flash you’ll need to either use a fast lens at wide apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A lens with image stabilization might also help.
2.You have to be fully prepared on how the wedding is going to be:

• so you have to see the church and the place where is going to be the celebration, so you can find the best spots and the best light to shoot,
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• you have to know the groom and bride houses so you shoot some photos during their preparation for the big moment,
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• you have to know who is invited so you know who are the couples family and friends so you know better what photos you need to do,
• maybe you should do a list of things the couples want's to have as memories:For example cake,bride dress,rings etc...
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• Consider having an assistant or a back-up photographer.Two are better then one and if you loose a special moment he can help.

3. Prepare your equipment -You should always check your equipment before the wedding:

• This goes without saying -you must have a camera.I recommend a DSLR (the image quality tends to be higher on DSLR's than on point and shoots) that is at least 8 megapixel's.Is better two have to cameras,so if something goes wrong with the fir
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• s one you can use the other one.
• A selection of lenses ranging from ultra wide angle to medium telephoto for a start, and if possible with a large aperture of F2.8
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• Charge your battery,and maybe is better to have two batteries charged or even more
• Use high capacity memory cards,because you will shoot a lot and handle them with c
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• are when processing them later.I think is better to download your images from the memory card to your laptop just after it is full with images,so they are safe because everything might happen and the couple might loose their wedding photos.
  
• Take a good tripod with you and an external flash shoe is required for bounce flash.

4.Turn off your sound camera- as it can cause distraction,and because that day all eyes should focus on the couple not on you.
5.Shoot the little detail-On the wedding day not only the people are important as memories of the couple,but some little detail can be important too,for example:the rings,the cake,the bride dress etc...
6.Always shoot in RAW-So it is easier to make some modifications later.
7.Always shoot and don't delete the photos you don't like while you are shooting-you will think about deleting later when you have more time and could be more concentrated,because you might even use some of those picture and they can sometimes be really great.And most important don't stop shooting and you will capture great images
8.Consider your background-Most of the time during the wedding you can find people everywhere even on your picture background destroing them so you have to be careful with that,as it is a very important element of your photographs.
9.Continuous shooting mode-having this option on your camera can be very helpful,because most of the time you will need to shoot a lot of photos very fast.Sometimes it’s the shot you take a second after the formal or posed shot when everyone is relaxing that really captures the moment!
10.Aperture Priority-If you haven't still mastered light and proper exposure,you must use aperture priority when shooting,you cant afford the chance of improper exposure in some crucial moments,like when the priest says: "You may kiss the bride"
12-Find a step ladder-That can be very useful when you want to include a group of people on the photo or maybe find a balcony on the church or the place where the ceremony will be so you can shoot some photos.The beauty of getting up high is that you get everyone’s face in it and can fit a lot of people in the one shot. The key is to be able to get everyone to the place you want them to stand quickly and to be ready to get the shot without having everyone stand around for too long. I found the best way to get everyone to the spot is to get the bride and groom there and to have a couple of helpers to herd everyone in that direction.
13-ENJOY-I advice you to enjoy while taking shoots and they will be better,but enjoy also enjoy photos of the wedding while viewing them.

BEGINNERS UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

Underwater photography can be great but you need a little experience to shoot underwater and you need the right equipment for your camera and yourself to keep you safe because sometimes it can be dangerous if you are not prepared but also it is like another world and it can be beautiful.Here in this article we are talking about beginners underwater photography and just the pleasure in doing it.
1.You have to know the basics of photography- as all of them generally are applied in underwater photography but you will also need to learn some other technique and to have special materials as the light diffuses differently in the water not like in the air.

2 .You should have some diving lessons-Because is very important that you learn to stay in a stable position in the water and because most of the photography are close ups you will need to stay motionless.With diving lessons comes the diving gear that should be chosen carefully so you are safe underwater and comfortable to be capable of photographing .
3.Additional light-Is very important when shooting underwater because the colors become very muted at normal diving depths,but sometimes this is not true and you can have great photos without the beneficial of additional light,and to do these we might help with this trick:

• Shooting the above-water and underwater portions-Typically, an extremely wide-angle lens like a full-frame fishEye is used behind the widest possible dome port in an underwater housing. The air/water interface bisects the composition. Ideally, something of interest will occupy both the topside and underwater portion of the composition.You should use a Shutter Speed that prevents camera motions,let say 1/200 of a second and a low ISO,but if you will need a smaller aperture for a bigger depth of field you should increase ISO up to 200 or even 400.

4.Shoot upword-As creates the effect that the subject is large ,when you shoot down it makes the subject look smaller and it can be lost in the big background.
5.You have to shoot close-as water sucks up lighting and flash falloff is much greater underwater.
6.Choose a place to shoot and practice a lot there-You have predetermine lighting setups,know the area so you can choose the best angle to shoot your photos and know the animals around there so you will know how to photograph them.
7.Choose the right photo gear-The biggest issue to consider, especially in point-and-shoot systems, is digital lag-that annoying little delay that occurs between the time you push the shutter button and the time the camera actually takes the picture. Even a small delay can mean the difference between a well-composed image and a shot of the tail of a fleeing fish.Newer digital compacts have greatly reduced digital lag, and with digital SLRs it’s rarely an issue.
The viewfinder of your housing can also make a big difference in terms of critical focus and precise composition.
Memory card should be with high capacity,because the more you shoot the higher is the possibility to have great pictures and you have to buy better batteries so you can shoot more
8.Capture a diver- if you want to photograph a diver.both of you have to work on your signs language and use some sounds to drive diver attention without scaring the creatures around you.
9.Always practice-Most of the time underwater photography is luck but good planning and inspired execution can make luck happen.So you have to practice and practice

FUNNY PHOTOGRAPHY

Funny picture can give the laugh you might need.Capturing them can be rewarding too.We will give you some tips on how to shoot humorous picture.Humor can be be found everyday you just need to be a little careful to notice it and you have to take your camera always with you so you don't loose a single funny moment.In these occasions a single photo can tell its own story.This doesn't mean that you have to wait until a funny thing happens to photograph it,you can set something yourself and shoot.Follow these simple tips:

1.If you see something funny going on photograph it-You have to notice funny signs, position or situation.Look for contrast or just moments that make you say "huh?".

2.Center your subject-Sometimes just centering and getting very close to your subject can create a funny feeling to your photo.This is not a rule,sometimes you just need to put your subject off-center that creates a silly effect.A wide-angle lens can cause distortion which may not be desirable for portraits but can create funny faces if your subject is willing.I advice you to shoot both ways and then choose who's better.

3.Animals and children- are the best subjects for humorous photos.Kids are always cute and they can make you smile every time.Animals too are very funny when they take some silly expression or positions.

• But they can be unpredictable with their fast movements so you have to be prepared by using high Shutter Speed and big aperture so you avoid motion blur that destroys your picture.
• Capture the baby showing an adult facial expression or behaviour. This can be very funny.
• Use mirrors-for example a curios baby looking at himself on the mirror,of course you have to be really careful so he doesn't get hurt.If you are lucky enough to photograph identical twins you don’t even need the mirror to give the photo an unexpected edge.
• You can photograph a baby having fun in a peculiar place.
• Very funny can be a baby wearing big adult shoes,sunglasses, or funny clothes.
• Shoot the baby from a different angle,from above from behind or don't make him appear as small but as a giant.
• Shoot babies when they are playing and they get very dirty,can be very silly.
  

4.Look for big differences in size-For example you can shoot hilarious photos of big animals,like big dogs with babies,or something less dangerous with very big objects and babies.This kind of situation can be very funny.
5.Set something up-Like I set before you can create funny situations and shoot them,they can be set up of strange objects, signs,animals or people.
6.Have fun capturing them and share your photos-so other people can laugh with them because you know that laughter and humor are the secret of a long life.