Art or Science: the True Nature of Digital Photography

What is the true nature of digital photography? Many people have been asking this question for a long time. In fact, when people ask the question about the true nature of digital photography, they often mean to ask whether it is art or it is science.

Here are some arguments for both sides:

A) Art – many people consider digital photography as an art because it allows for an expression of emotion. They believe that digital photography is a continuation of the art of drawing or painting. You see, digital photography is just like painting in the sense that although it does take accurate pictures of reality, it also allows for some modification through the various digital tools available today.

Even without the editing many people still believe that digital photography is art because of the fact that it does take an artist's eye to find a great subject of digital photography. The nature of digital photography as an art has something to do with the fact that an artist is able to express emotions and statements through visual subjects.

The supporters of the "artistic nature of digital photography" also argue their case by stating its ability to convey emotional messages through aesthetics. The beauty of each photograph, of course, needs also to be credited to the person taking the pictures. One of the strongest arguments for the artistic nature of digital photography is the fact that the picture is rarely really what is seen with the naked eye. Through the camera and computer, a person can alter the image in order to present what he or she wants to show.

B) Science – some people argue that science is the true nature of digital photography. One argument is that photography, unlike painting, actually comes from something existing and not from a painters mind or emotion. This can be very persuasive since, indeed, a photographer does not actually make photographs. He or she merely takes them.

Another argument regarding the scientific nature of digital photography is the fact that the editing that people do and adjustments that photographers make are based on a series of steps that can be narrowed down scientifically. People who argue for the scientific nature of digital photography may reason that the same series of steps can be taken in order to achieve the same results. There is a certain quality of constancy about digital photography that renders it a science.

But what is the true nature of digital photography? We have read the various arguments supporting science and art. There appears to be no solution to this question, right?

The true nature of digital photography will always remain to be a paradox. This means that though it can be considered as an art, it can also be considered as a science. When is the paradox of the nature of digital photography solved? Well, it is solved when a person takes a digital photograph.

The true nature of digital photography lies in the hands of the person who takes the pictures. The way a person treats the process defines the nature of digital photography for him or her. It is not absolutely art nor is it absolutely science. The true nature of digital photography is a paradox. It might seem to be contradictory, but it is somehow true.

Mastering Digital SLR Cameras is Mastering Photography Itself

There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.

Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:

1.) Categories of a camera

Cameras can be grouped into:

a. ultra compact – no flash mode
b. prosumer or compact – for hobbyists
c. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professionals

If you want to master the art of photography, it is suggested that you master using the third category. Models that fall under this category are priced for their resolution, among other things.

2.) Mega pixels

Mega pixels can be classified into:

a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshots
b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels – images have good print quality
c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made

3.) Zoom

A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:

a. optical zoom factor – what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lens
b. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image

Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.

4.) Storage media

These are the some common storage formats:

a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)
b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)
c. Smart Media

Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels

5.) Carrying case

You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.

6.) Tripod

Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.

7.) Lenses and Filters

There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.

Lenses can be categorized as follows:

a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers
b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
c. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe

Filters, on the other hand are used to:

a. soften the effect of the image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.

Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:

1. Holding the camera

You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.

2.) Focusing

To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.

You may also use a tripod for better focusing.

3.) Previewing

Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.

4.) Archiving

Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.
Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!

Macro Digital Photography: Some Concerns

We have always found that looking at objects from another perspective is fascinating. This is because of the fact that we often discover new things just by looking at a familiar object from a different angle or focus. This might be the reason for people's fascination with digital macro photography.

Digital macro photography is an art. There's no question about that. It takes the genius of an artist to take something so ordinary and something so dismissible and turn it into something that just captures an aspect of life. For that is what art is. No art ever claimed to contain all the truths of life. Art is a reflection of the world through the eyes of the artist. By looking at a piece of art such as digital macro photography, we get to share the perspective of other people and that can be a very powerful connection.

Another thing about digital macro photography you should know is that it is not easy. You need to consider a lot of factors in order to produce great photographs. What are these factors?

1) Skills – do you actually have the skills necessary for digital macro photography? Do you have the eye for beauty that would be appreciated by people who view your photographs? That's not all you need. You also need to have a steady hand. While taking digital macro photographs, even barely noticeable movements of the hand can ruin your picture.

You need to have the skills to use a camera properly. You need to be able to adjust the camera in order to take the picture that you truly want to appear. Sure, you can actually edit a digital macro photograph using the computer, but why should you give yourself more work than necessary?

Some people have the necessary skills naturally. However, it is still important to hone these skills by taking classes or attending workshops. Remember that digital macro photography is all about showing things in different ways. Because of this, you need to accept the fact that other people may see your work differently from the way you see it. A fresh eye never hurts.

2) Equipment – you also need the proper tools in order to express your talent. The proper tools can help you a lot if you want to achieve the effect that you want. Remember that although there are tools today that claim to be usable for any type of photography, you should try to find equipment that's specially made for digital macro photography. This is because such equipment can definitely bring out the best in your skills.

The right equipment is essential because digital macro photography needs a lot of work in order to be perfect. If you have the right tools for digital macro photography, you will be able to achieve your goals and show your pictures the way that you want them to be seen.
3) Subject – everything is interesting when viewed in different ways. However, some subjects are more interesting than others. Some objects, when you choose them as subjects of digital macro photography, manage to amaze you with the amount of things you do not know about them. Great subjects of digital macro photography reveal worlds beyond what you can see with the naked eye. So choose your subjects wisely.

Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques in Getting a Great Picture

Have you heard of, “There is more than meets the eye?”

We use our eyes to view things in our environment. However, through time, man has devised ways on how to preserve the things normally seen and thus treasured, whether these are beautiful or not, and one of which is by using cameras.

The images that are captured by cameras can make our eyes see things that have happened before. Moreover, it enables the heart to wish for beautiful things to happen in the future.

These days, the biggest sellers in the camera market are the so-called digital SLR cameras. These are the modern gadgets that can trigger our creativity and seats of emotion.

Though relatively new, most people choose digital SLRs because it can be easily manipulated. However, having these cameras does not completely guarantee that the every captured image is great and perfect.

Following are some point by point guidelines that should be considered to maximize the expense of your digital cameras:

1. Simplicity

Zoom in to capture the part you want to emphasize. Thus, irrelevant objects or areas can be taken away or just allow them to soften.

2. Rule of thirds

When capturing a moving object, it is advisable to capture them moving into the imaginary tic-tac-toe frame from one of the two sides.

3. Shapes and lines

Capture a straight line at an angle by moving five to ten feet away to the side to capture at an angle.

4. Vantage point

To add significance or emphasis to an object, take a picture at a lower vantage point. Increasing the height away from the object can reduce its significance.

5. Balance

Pick out the dominant objects and arrange them so that they complement each other. However, unbalanced or asymmetrical objects are often more visually stimulating than balanced objects.

6. Framing

You can use the frames of your windows to capture an outdoor scene. You can also use doors and walls of a building to capture a person a walking person.

7. Indoor photographs

You can use natural lighting when you are taking candid shots so that the subjects will not be bothered by the flash coming out of the camera.

8. Camera adjustments

The aperture allows light to enter. You must learn how to adjust this properly and appropriately so that images will not appear as either very bright or very dim.

Lowering the shutter speed allows the image to be more exposed to light. You must learn the proper length of exposure so that images will not appear as blurry.

9. ISO speeds

Digital cameras have ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 800. The higher the ISO, the higher the camera’s sensitivity to light’s exposure. Be sure to master using this element along with the camera’s aperture and shutter speeds.

10. Lens/Filters

There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.
 
Lenses can be categorized as follows:

a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers

b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries

c. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe

Filters, on the other hand are used to:

a. soften the effect of the image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.

However, if you still want to improve on the images that you have taken, the following list of software can allow touch-ups:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple’s iPhoto
• Corel Paint Shop Pro
• Google Picasa
• LView

Once you have understood and mastered the important points on digital photography and capturing pictures, you will soon realize that the keys in getting great pictures are: “Even a simple aim and shoot camera” and “Creative ME.”

The Greatness of Digital Photography

Photography encompasses several issues that one should take into consideration to understand its substance. The term "photography" has several meanings depending on how it is perceived by the people. Generally speaking, it is the art of taking pictures by means of light. Light is the most important ingredient in photography. It is the one responsible for identifying color and brightness.

When digital technology came into being, different advancements were developed. These advancements were very helpful in bringing utmost convenience to people's way of life. The majority of the innovations that were developed have brought tremendous improvements in photography. This greatest breakthrough is known as digital photography.

Digital photography is quite a complex topic to discuss since many things should be considered in order for one to get a vivid picture of it. But one of the basics that you should remember about digital photography is that it doesn't use film and there's no processing time involved with it.  This type of photography offers convenience to people when it comes to editing and enhancing images. Not only does it offer customer satisfaction but it offers easy on the pocket photo printing solutions to people. This is mainly because digital photos cost less compared to conventional photos.

There are many advantages why you should turn to digital when you want a picture-perfect shot. Digital photography offers you many options on how you want your pictures to appear. You have the choice to print only the good photos that you have and edit out those that you don't like. You're also able to steer clear of bad images such as blurry prints and those that easily fade. This way you can save a bundle on printing only those pictures that are pleasing to the eye. You can even upload the images and share it with your loved ones. There are so many options that are available.

The quality of digital photography is said to be much more remarkable compared to the traditional type. In fact there are more and more digital photography innovations that were developed today. These innovations are designed to make digital photo prints that can last long without the fear of fading or yellowing. Another thing is that there are lots of budget-friendly options that you can enjoy with digital photos.

The difference of digital to classic photography lies on the way the image is generated. In the traditional form, the image is produced using film while in digital wave, the image is digitally captured. In the traditional method, the image that is captured on the film is developed in a darkroom where chemicals are used to create negatives. The negative are then printed before you can view the final product of the shot. In digital approach, there's no need for film, dark room and processing because the image is captured digitally, that is by means of electronic sensor.

Hence with digital cameras around, there is no need to use film in order to develop your best picture. A digital camera allows you to edit and delete photos. This is done cost effectively, which means no hassle in printing and less cost in the production.

If you're looking for some good resources about digital photography, digital imaging services and reviews, there are lots of them online. By searching online, you can find a wide display of samples of digital images and see how digital photography can fix the quality of your photos.  There are vast arrays of information that you can get. The majority of them offer samples of digital images, digital camera buyer's guide, latest digital camera reviews and a lot more.

A Closer Look at Digital Photography

Digital technology has been a prevailing factor why people can now have the ease of access in almost anything they do. Many significant inventions were developed to make it easier for people to finish whatever their jobs require. One concrete proof of this remarkable breakthrough is the digital photography, which implies greater ease and comfort in taking pictures of any kind.

What digital photography means? Digital photography connotes different things depending on how the people interpret it. Some people perceive digital photography as something which converts a traditional photo into digital format by simply using a scanner. Others interpret it as something that is done by means of a traditional picture taken from film and digitize it through the computer. While others see it as something captured digitally by means of a digital camera.

Well generally speaking, digital photography is a type of photography that does not require film. This is the basic concept of digital photo capture. And this is good news for the people because there’s no need to wait for the picture in order for it to be printed. Once you take pictures using a digital camera, the shot goes quickly from the camera and then transferred to the computer. In that instant you can see your snapshot in the monitor and you can even preview the image and check if the image quality is good and the color is accurate. If you don’t like the result of the shot, you can just delete the image and have your photo shoot again. Very simple, isn’t it?

Because of the great features of digital photography, many people now are considering buying a digital camera. Why are there so many people turning to digital photos? It’s simply because digital photos allows you to use your imagination. You can modify the look and feel of the image without much effort. You can change the background or add a text to the picture to make it more personalized. Whatever it is that you want for your photo, you can have it when it’s digitally captured.

Digital cameras allow you to fix the image quality of your photographs. You can edit, enhance or restore your photo according to your taste. All these can be done in real time.

Now the question is how digital photography can fix the image quality of a certain photo. To ensure that your photo gets the best image quality, you need to check the setting of your digital camera before you press on that click button. If the image is already in your computer, you can check the screen of the computer to verify if it your snapshot is in the highest image quality.

Fixing the image quality of a digital photograph usually involves several elements such as the colors and the contrast. The contrast is very important if you really want to get the best result in your snapshots. If you want to add life to your photos, you can improve the image quality by adjusting its colors. There are lots of things that digital photography offers to make sure that your pictures will come out attractive.

By and large, there is still more to discover about the digital aspect of photography. Some of the issues being deliberated are concerned with the image quality, cost of production, the features of digital camera and other amenities. These issues are taken into account to make the world of photography more accessible to the people.

The Boost of Digital Photography in the Fashion Industry

The growth of digital photography had made it feasible for everyone to capture the perfect moments of their lives better than ever. The big improvement in shutter speed and photo resolution, make it convenient and easy for both beginners and professional photographers to take good pictures. In addition, photo editing can now be done to create a more creative and artistic photos.

Digital photography has also been a huge plus for many online and offline businesses. A stock or image is used by a photographer to purchase images. These stocks are then purchased on different prices, depending on the license. But since they are digital, and they can be acquired outright from different companies, they can be modified, manipulated and edited using sophisticated editing software.

Today, digital photography is known to boost the fashion industry. Digital fashion photography far off different from doing television footages and taking photos on films. For digital photographers, it is a more challenging field to work on.

The ultimate purpose of digital fashion photography is to capture every detail in the ramp. It will focus on the figures of the stunning ladies, in their most fancy, magnificent and extreme fashion outfits. Digital fashion photography will capture the various outlooks essential to gratify the acceptance in world wide fashion trends.

While digital fashion photography is a meticulous field, a photographer should be creative enough to know the hottest craze each year.

Like fashion designers, digital fashion photographers should also work in high end ease, filed with beauty and glamour. The latter should really come up with the fashion’s great photos.

Here are few points to consider on digital fashion photography

1. Keep focused
2. Ensure that your camera is always with you
3. Know and set your objective
4. Don’t let go of the opportune moment
5. Envision on how could come up with a creative and interesting pictures
6. Make use of various distance and angles for each shot
7. Show contrast by giving blurry parts and sharp emphasis over your photos.
8. Organize your subject
9. Put weight on the shapes and lines of interest.
10. Create good impact that you are giving information on your audience

A digital photographer should also be conscious that whatever output he delivers will uncover the care, readiness and awareness of the many vital points to remember in taking pictures.

Requirements for a Flourishing Digital Fashion Photography

1. Proper Lighting- The photographer should use curtains and reflectors. Use a tripod and set light to either left or right side of the object at an angle of 45 degree. As much as possible, avoid bright lights, or else use polarizing filters. And lastly, never underexpose parts or expose the whole photo(e); never expose the entire photograph, underexpose other parts.

2. Good Color Harmony- Photographers can make use of backdrop materials to give emphasis on tint and color. Use reflectors, filters, see-thru transparency, and diffusers to neutralize colors. It is recommended to use gray and white backgrounds.

3. The Artistic view of a Photographer – As a professional photographer, your audience may not see what you see in the picture. People pay value to the subject and not on the background. It should connect each other.

Digital Enhancement for Picture-Perfect Photo Prints

Digital photography is the latest trend in the photo industry. It is considered to be the easiest way to take a snapshot and enhance its overall features. Basically, digital photography is the art of taking pictures without the need for film. Because there's no film involved in the process of taking pictures, you can have the convenience of taking good shots and eliminating the bad ones. It offers the easiest way of capturing good images and converting them to interesting art pieces.

Indeed digital photography has come a long way ever since the digital cameras and computers were developed. The birth of digital cameras has produced tremendous conveniences in the world of photography where everyone with digital cameras can take a picture and upload it to the computer and share it with friends.

There are many digital photography services available now in the internet. There are several companies that cater services of this sort. Usually, they offer services such as digital imaging, image restoration, photo retouching, and photo editing and digital enhancement. Other digital imaging services are also offered to bring satisfaction to photo hobbyists.

More and more people are using digital cameras for the reason that it's easy to take picture and edit it according to what you want. Who would not want a picture-perfect shot? However, we have to accept the fact that when you take pictures you don't always achieve the best shot. This is where digital enhancement becomes useful.

What is digital enhancement? Digital enhancement is the answer to all image quality problems. It's the best way to improve your snapshot and make it look more attractive. With digital enhancement, you can easily increase the attractiveness of images by simply adjusting the brightness, contrast and sharpness of the image. You are also given the chance to enhance the color balance of the picture. Resizing the image and cropping it at the same time can also be done with ease.

There are many innovative ways on how to improve a snapshot. All of these are made possible because of digital technology. Anyone who's into photography can take advantage of the digital photography services that are being offered online. Digital prints are long-lasting compared to the traditional photos. They are fade-resistant and water-proof. Another great advantage of digital is that everything about editing and printing photos is accomplished with the help of do-it-yourself printers. Photo prints printed in this manner are proven to last long unlike the film-based photography.

Digital enhancement works in a way where you are given the opportunity to prepare your pictures and modify them to achieve the greatest image quality. You can do the photo enhancements using photo editing software or by utilizing the services of a professional digital photography firm.  When you opt to use a photo editing software, the image is usually saved in jp or jpeg format. Then you can upload the image and send them to several websites that offer photo printing services.

Giving consideration to all these digital photography basics will bring you great options when it comes to taking pictures in its best form. Make the most of what digital technology has to offer. If you want to get quality pictures, you should utilize the digital editing and enhancement services that are available through some photo printers online. With these services at hand, picture-perfect shots are just within reach.

Tips on Making the Best Digital Wedding Photography even Better

Brides and grooms alike are now enlisting the expertise of professionals to get the best digital wedding photography for that special occasion. And why not? They would surely want to have the best photo taken so that the memories will be preserved as long as they live.

More and more people are now shifting to the use of digital cameras to take pictures of their wedding. One of the reasons for this is that the quality is better compared to the traditional camera. Another reason is that the photos can be stored not only in their hard-bound albums but also on albums online.

Today, people are more dependent on their computers than ever before. With computers, they can easily upload their wedding pictures and share them with family and friends all over the world. You do not have to rely on snail mails just to send your pictures. They are being sent and viewed the minute you have them in your computer.

This is one of the many advantages of digital photography. If taken properly, you are assured that you and you partner will never regret having used digital photography for your wedding pictures.

Below are some of the tips to get the best digital photography for your wedding.

1. Choose the right background.

Photos can really look great once they are shot with the perfect background. You can use the decorations in the church and in the reception areas as a back draft for your photos. Be sure to fix some scattered decorations so that they will appear simply perfect on photos.

Always remind the photographer to check if the view is good when taking pictures. It does not mean that you have to stand on the same corner or place. The best photographer is able to make even the simplest of background look great on photo if it is taken in the right angle.

2.  Look out for any kinds of glass.

Glasses tend to cause reflections in photos. May it be an eyeglass, window or wine glasses.  One way or another, they will cause a reflection or brightness to reflect back on the camera it is included in the picture.

To avoid this, the position of the camera can be altered so that it will not directly hit the glass. The photo can be taken sideways or downwards but never on eye level.

3. The perfect timing.

Persons being photographed should not always be looking at the camera. And they do not have to be smiling at the lens too.

One way of doing it is to wait for the right moment so that you can have a candid shot at them. You will see that catching persons on film when they are in their candid state is much better than having them wearing a fixed expression. Candid moments make photos look real and natural.
4. Review each photo.

To maximize the memory that your digital camera has, it is best to review every shot taken. There might be duplicates that can be removed so that you can free more space for a different shot.

You will probably want the best and the maximum number of digital wedding photography shots so you need to make the most of the capacity of the digital camera.

The best wedding photography is made even better now with digital cameras. This is one thing that you definitely should have on your special day.

A Guide to Professional Styles and Techniques in the Art of Digital Wedding Photography

When people get sentimental, they usually flip albums and look at the pictures that depict the things that happened in their lives. These pictures are not simply pieces of colored papers with images for they can trigger deeply-seated emotions. Emotions vary depending on the memories attached to these images seen and preserved.

One of the moments that most people would really love to preserve is the tick of events on their wedding day.

For this reason, people even decide to hire professional photographers to capture the important moments of their lives. However, these photographers may not always advise the client to strike a pose. They are expected to wait patiently to be able to catch memorable portraits. Most photographers that are employed for weddings have assistants so that they can maximize their strategy in creating an album that will not regrettable.  

What if you would also want to take pictures of a friend’s wedding?

Here are a few basic techniques and styles for anyone who wants to capture the said event using a digital camera:

1. If you want to take a picture of a couple or any intended target, make sure that the background is good and the environment is not so crowded.
2. If there is a nice background but it is hard to focus on the couple, you may shoot them from shoulder up.
3. If some of the guests are wearing glasses, they can be advised to stand tilt their heads a little down or sideways to avoid the glaring effect that normally appears when the flash is used.
4. If there is a couple or a group that you wish to include in the picture, you should zoom in or out of the picture.
5. You must not shoot a couple or any guest against the light so that dark images will not appear
6. Candid shots are also dramatic. These portraits reveal more than the quality of the picture itself. In fact, many professionals do this to capture intimate and memorable moments.
7.   You should be alert at all times since you can seldom ask individuals to pose
      again for you.
8. Your digital camera should be equipped with appropriate memory cards or sticks to ensure that no great moment is missed.

In other words, you have to have an extra memory card especially when you want more moments to preserve. The following suggestions should be considered before buying a memory card:

a. for 3 mega pixels – a 256 MB memory card
b. for 4 mega pixels – a 512 MB memory card
c. for 6 mega pixels – 1 gigabyte memory card

9. You are not advised to use low resolutions if the images will be displayed and
      hung later.

Just always remember that the higher the resolution utilized, the larger the size of prints that can be made.

10. Keep a copy of your best works so you can use and reuse the techniques that
  made your viewers smile and appreciate your creation more.

You can do this by saving albums on your personal computer to free up the space in your memory card. You may also use other software to enhance the quality of the prints to be made.

Photography is truly a wonderful art. Wedding is a wonderful event. The union of these things will trigger emotions and memories in the long run more so if images are captured and preserved well. They all depend on your camera and your love for this art and the couple.