Insider Techniques (roses) For Taking Better Pictures

November 18th, 2008 admin Posted in flowers |

By Nosagie Esere

Whether you see your self as an amateur photographer, or just want the basic techniques on taking family photos, there are several ways to get better photos. Below are some simple tips and techniques you could use the next time you are out with your digital camera.

Always be prepared.

Make sure your digital camera is ready to use. Make sure everything you need are all together, a small camera bag will be perfect as it would be able to hold everything you need in the same place. A good camera bag will enable you to organize a miniature tripod, spare batteries, memory cards etc. also a plastic water proof bag to protect your digital camera equipment in wet weather.

Keep your camera steady.

Blurry photos are always caused by movement, just by you being unsteady will cause your camera to shake resulting in blurry pictures. So make sure you are steady before you commence taking your pictures.

So balance yourself and your camera before you take your photo.

Steady your feet on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Alternatively instead of using the LCD viewer, hold your camera against your forehead and line up the shot using the viewfinder. You could also use a wall or tree to steady your upper body by leaning against them, or if convenient you could use a tripod.

Once you are all set, press the shutter release all in one motion. One difference in snapshots and fantastic photos is the composition of the shot. Unless youre shooting an outdoor landscape, improvement in your photos can be achieved just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you could move closer to your object, or just use the zoom features on your camera for maximum effect. Also try getting within a few feet of your subject as this will eliminate most of the background. Youll be pleased with the result.

Snap more pictures.

To increase your chances of getting your best photos, try taking loads of shots preferably of the same objects to get a few you may use. With the digital camera you can delete the images you dont like, and only print your best so take as many shots as possible of the same subject. Play around with the angle of the shot. Get as close as possible , also try adjusting the lighting.

You could fill the entire memory card with pictures of your child in the garden, or your partner in the kitchen? The more pictures you take, the better the chance youll get several shots that will really excite you.

Vary the Lighting.

Natural light always gives better skin tones when photographing people, avoid using the flash if possible. Outdoor daylight shots are very easy, but a bit more creativity on your part will be needed when shooting indoors. Utilise the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you might get using the flash.

Try experimenting with natural light. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to the window, and turning your subject can create more enhanced shadows.

Eliminate Red Eye.

Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subjects eye and reflecting back, youll however get it more often when using your flash, because the light from the flash isnt as difficult as natural light. So my advise for eliminating red-eye is just avoid using your flash when you dont really have to.

Another tip to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look away from the camera. This would reduce red-eye because any reflection isnt directed back at your camera lens.

If using the flash is a must, use the built in feature in your camera to automatically remove red-eye make sure you use it.

Go for Candid.

Rather posing two or more people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another, even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the worlds best professional portraits have the subjects captured in deep thought, with their attention focused inward rather than on the camera lens. It makes a more perfect shot, your portrait will look more natural-less posed.

Establish a Scene.

Avoid putting your subject in the centre of your photo, you will get a much better result if you place your subject off centre when you frame the shot.

This is a top professional Technique, position your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the overall composition, but not at the exact centre of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the overall frame.

The techniques can be used by anyone, they are easy and will help you take perfect pictures.

Nosa Esere has a great love for photography and you can learn more tips and techniques at http://www.perfectpicturesdvd.com

Flower colours and aromatherapy
By Ben Needles

Everyone knows about the mental and physical benefits of gardening, but did you know that bringing Ontario fresh flowers into your home can also give you a boost? Research shows that your health and well-being can be improved with the addition of cut flowers to your home or office. There are two important factors that make decorating with flowers a good idea for you and your surroundings.

Aromatherapy
The science surrounding aromatherapy is well established, and products to fragrance your home dominate home decor stores. While many do the job of capturing scents that relax or invigorate, these chemical-laden substitutes dont hold a candle to the real thing, i.e fresh flowers. Naturally fragrant flowers in your home capture the qualities of gardens and bring them indoors. Using lilies, lavender, or lilacs will gently perfume your home, with no artificial additives, and improve your overall mood!

Colour-therapy
Every time you begin home renovation projects and are assessing colour possibilities, the experts are full of information about the best colours to use for each room or personality type; and the same can apply to decorating with flowers! Each colour has an associated mood or benefit that affects people that come into contact with it. Follow our quick reference guide for flower decorating tips that maximize the potential of your Ontario fresh flowers.

Red: Increases appetite and energizes; perfect for dining rooms and dinner parties.

Pink: Promotes happiness and youthfulness; use in childrens bedrooms.

Orange: Stimulates creativity; home offices and work spaces are a great choice.

Yellow: Cheerful; use as a hostess gift to bring sunshine to friends and loved ones.

Green: Relieves stress and anxiety; great as a guest bedroom accent colour.

Blue: The colour of calm communication; use in a den or sitting room.

Purple: Aids in healthy recovery; particularly good choice for ill loved ones.

White: Simplicity and clarity; works well in small spaces, like bathrooms and hallways.

About Ontario Flowers:

The Ontario Flowers brand represents rigorous quality and freshness standards for fresh flowers grown in Ontario, with a customer satisfaction guarantee. Visit our website at www.OntarioFlowers.com for great information about bringing fresh cut flowers into your home. Sign up for our E-newsletter for information delivered to your desktop or browse our information archive of flower arranging tips, flower care tips, and information about the flowers available in Ontario.