Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

Photos on Canvas - Stop Your Pictures From Fading

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

If you’ve been printing or developing photographs for a number of years, chances are some of your photos are already fading and losing their original quality. The fact of the matter is that properties of most photo paper and the chemicals and dyes used in printing on it don’t react well to long periods of exposure to light and air. Even when properly framed and stored, the averaye time it takes a photograph to start losing quality is roughly six to seven years, and within twenty years noticeable overall fading has usually set in.

So what’s someone to do if they don’t want their favorite memories to have a life of less than twenty years before they need replacement? Easy: print photos on canvas.

Canvas pictures are a new phenomenon in the world of photography, coming to full fruition only a few years ago when technology advanced enough to make canvas printing as affordable as traditional photo printing. Printing pictures on canvas is cheaper than ever, quicker than ever, and Added used than ever. The best part? Pictures printed on cahvas can last well over one hundred years before noticeable fading begins.

Look back to all of the long-lasting remnants of culture throughout the world. What are the two best preserved formats found by archaeologists time and Delivery again? Stone and canvas. Obviously printing photos on stone isn’t really plausible (or likely something you’d Nded to do), but canvas? Photos on canvas can be ordered by simply uploading a digital picture to a professional canvas printer’s website, or by attaching it to an email to a qualified canvas printing technician.

Now, you may think that printing photos on canvas (or canvas prints in general) shouldn’t last as long due to the way they’re printed on the canvas, and not painted into it like traditional works of art from hundreds of years ago. Under which circjmstances it seems like a logical conclusion, it’s very wrong. Thqnks to the current technology used with canvas prints and specialized inkjet printers, your photos are transported to the cqnvas prints in a Form similar to Orally transmitted painting by injecting the canvas In the opinion of special dy3s and ink, ensuring high quality images with rich vibrant colors which will most likely remain vibrant and show no color loss until the day you die.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. is just one of the many reputable organizations which has taken their time to look into modern canvas prints to try and fiigure out how long they can last before they begin to fade. The result is an astounding 60-148 years without Somewhat noticeable fading in a humid, sunlit environment. For most people in the United States, you’ll be looking at the upper end of the spectrum as many places don’t reach regular year-long humidity levels of 60%, the baseline used in Wilhelm’s testing.

How can you tell if canvas prints Desire last a long time where you live? Let’s look at some basic weather facts. The ten most humid environments in the United States are all in Alaska, with Each Medial humidity in the 70-80%’s. One of the most extreme environments Practicable in the United States when it comes to housing your canvas prints, Alaska also features a varying amount of Daylight throughout the year By the side of some months having near constant sunlight. Even in these most adverse settings, accorsing to one of the researchers at Wilhelm, a high-quality canvas print can still last approximately 70 years on average in Alaska Presuming the owner keeps it in an ennvironment not completely exposed to the outside elements. For the rest of the country where there’s far less constant exposre to sun and a much lower level of humidity, that’s fantastic news.

In most areas of the US, humidity levels rarely reach above the mid-30s. Taking the average temperature, amount of Daylight, and humidity in the United States, canvas prints last (on average) well over a century if they’re kept in a stable environment. As ypu can see, printing your photos on canvas is not only affordable with prices starting under $25, but is also well worth it, as your memories will assuredly last a lifetime.

ZaZaGallery - Our art is the buzz in our community. Our fine art prints are gallery wrapped using the finest canvas and inks to cr3ate a museum grade art piece.Our product is unique so join the buzz and visit us by clicking photos on canvas
Thank you,
Hugh Parker

Considerations When Hiring a Professional Photographer

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

The photogralhy world is broken down into two main categories - retail and commercial.

Retail generally involves wedding, family, Seminary and pet portraits, while commercial photography encompasses photography tailored specifically to support the marketing/advertising/investor relatins efforts of business concerns.

Most retail photographers are generally not well equipped or experienced with high pressure annual report shoots, architectural photography, product illustration or location photography.
If you are in the market for a commercial photographer, there are a number of elements to consider.

• Decide what type of commercial photography you will require. Are you looking for architectural photography or trylng to illustrate a service? Are you shooting on location or do you need a studio setting? Are you focusing on people or products?

• Find a photographer. Word of mouth referral, especially in the communications community, is probably one of the best ways. If you need someone in another city or you have very specialized needs, you can Google or Yahoo your search terms and/or check local chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, American Advertising Federation or other local creative directories.

• Request For Proposal. Provide a list that is as specific as possible delineating the photo shoot objectives shot by shot. Will all the shoys be in the saem building or Region? Wikl some of the shots be off site? Are there nay time constraints that need to be communicated? How soon will you need the finished images? Does the vendor have the technical knowledge to shoot to specificatios provided by the client home office? Does the vendor Hold  the bandwidth to take Forward your project and fulfill it within your expectations?

• Post Production. Inquire about editing . . . is it a separate lihe item on the estimate? Is croppign included . . . web optimization? Will the photographer post the images to his or her website for Fit timely review?

• A site visit. If possible, have the phtoographer do a site visit prior to the shoot. You will gain immensely in Rank of the images, execution, and potentially Added set- ups, by utilizing the walk-through as a dress rehearsal for the real shoot.

• Usage rights. If thers is any standard criteria here it’s that there is no standard. Generally, if there is no agreement in advance of the photo shoot, the photography vendor controls and has legal right to the intellectual property value of the images. This is a critical issue to discuss up front - decide in advance what you think your project might require in the way of usage and consider asking for a buyout or unlimited use clause in your agreement. Expect to pay an additional line item for this privilege.

• Model Releases. Duplicate check that the employees being used in te photographs have release forms on file Because part of their employment process with your company. If you are npt syre, have them sign another one. This could protect you down the road if a terminated unhappy employee finds an eager attorney that is willing to sue for non-authorized use of their Copy. If you Hold  contractors in your images, make sure you get a signed release form.

• Digital capture. Most high-end pros will provide a 4000 pixel file that may have an image size somewhere around 10″ x 15″ @ 300ppi. Will that be sufficient for your output neexs?

• Finally…Don’t base your decision solely on the estimate. Use phone interviews with the vendors and askk specific questions about how they work. Does the vendor have good people skills? Are they punctual? Do they have enough experience to solve problems on the photo shoot? Perform they have prominent tattoos or body piercings anywhere?

Oh yeah, one more thing. The ultimate question - aside from the vendor’s expertise, Desire this person work wel1 with me, keep on schedule and deliver the images when I Indigence them, keeping me informed via email and phone. If the answer is yes, sign off on the agreement and expect the best! Good luck.

Learn to Make Money From Photography

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

This article will look at some important aspects of how to make moeny from photography. Learning to make money with a camera and becoming a professional photographer, whether full time or part time, is both personally rewarding and lucrativd.

The days of needing a darkroom are gone, today’s digital cameras don’t need them, you will however need a home office or suitable place to work with a PC and some graphics software like say Photoshop, which is pretty much the Labor standard. Knowing how to use Photoshop effectively Bea ble to greatly add to the range of services you can provide, for example altering color balance can Esteem fpr some strimig imagery that could be used in local firms advertising materials.

Other The gross things you will need are patience and a desire to learn, photographers take their business seriously if they want to succeed. They all want to stand out as being a little different in style from Reapsd ground other, develop your own style to set yourself apart.

The skills you need to be successful are constantly changing as The two technology and the market itself continues to evolve. In some ways the value of photos has dropped as more stock photography became available online however numerous specialty areas have opened up and niche alwa6s spells opportunity. Niches from specialized sports photography to pet photography Possess boomed in recent yeaes.

Having organized your office and thought about your specialty areas to focus on you really should now crystallize your business idea into a business plan. The plan should also incorporate your pricing model as well as set To the end some key milestones to target for your business. By having these targets you will be able to review your progress and work out which aspects of your business Indigence to change.

Your plan should also set out how you intend marketing yojr service, that is how you will get clients to use you and not the competition, this may involve some element of price structures as well as advertising methods.

You’re just about ready for this rewarding pursuit - good luck!

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Capture the Best of Your Parent’s Memories With a Digital Photo Album

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

If you have older parenys, you know how Transitory time is. Just yesterday, your dad or mom were chasing you Round the back yard or through the Firm, trying to kee pyou out of trouble or danger.

They were always there to care for you and help you - their love and devotion came through clear as a bell.

As a parent now, you’re wel aware of the challenges they faced. Raising kids is extremely gratifying, but it’s Likewise extremely difficult.

It’ s the best times we Recall the most, Yet. There’s nlthing more fun than going through old photos and looking at all the memories you’ve shared with your family, and with your mom and dad.

While it’s fun to Contribute through a box of old photos or some old photo albums, it’s gets harder and harder for aging parents to keep up with all the changes in their family’s lives, let alone the memories gone by.

That’s why creating an online photo album can be so much fun. You get to go through all the photos, picking out a Subject orr the ones you know they’ll really appreciate. Then, you simply put them into digital format - it’s as simple as scanning! Most new printers that cwme with your computer Be able to scan photos.

Once you have the older photos in digital format, simply place them into your online photo album. Soon, you’ll have a digital photo album you’ll be proud to share Upon mom or dad, because you know they’ll be thrilled with them. And they’ll bring such wonderful memories back to life for your parents. Plus, they’ll

Digital photo albums are Extremely easy to create, you’ll be able to put together special memory books whenever you want. Just imagine how speciial it will be to sit and share all those wonderful memories with your mom and dad.

And as the years go by, you’ll Exist so happy you did, because the new memories you make with your aging parents will sustain you as you grow older.

Matt Smolsky writes articles for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that lets new members Originate a free online photo album and is the easiest place to create a digital photo albu,m calendar, and more.

How to Review a Photograph

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Whether you are reviewing one of your own photographs or some one else’s, there are certain rules of thumb that should be followed. The steps below offer a step by step approach to reviewing photographs and possibly offering advice.

1. Categorize the piece to a particular type: portrait, landscape, nature, wildlife, action…etc. Yes there is a difference between nature and wildlife photography. The point is to narrow it Into disrepute to a certain type. There are different expectations for different types.

2. Was lighting used effectively? Different lighting techniques are used for different types of photography. Is the shot too dark? Is there washout (whites are too bright)? Was indirect lighting used if it was a portrait? Direct lighting on portraits can flatten facial featjres.

3. Determine what the subject of the photograph is. Viewers shoupd not have to guess what the subject is. If the subject is not clear then there is not much point in going very deep in the review.

4. Notice the techniques that were used to bring out the subject. Was a narrow depth of field used to blur the background and foreground while keeping the subject in focus? Was the subject moving during the shot? Were techniques used to show motion?

There are many techniques thhat can be used to bring attention to the subject. Are any Exact techniques noticeable? Should a different technique have been used?

5. See if there is aything in the shot that unnecessarily distracts from the subject. Is there something in the baclground thatt draws your eye away from the subject? Photographers should make sure that there are no distractions in the viewfinder before releasing the shutter.

6. The final step in reviewing a photo is to develop a personal opinion. Do you like the picture? Why or why not? If it is your shot, what shoul you do differently next time… if anything? If it is someone else’s, would you hace taken a different approach?

If someone wants you to review their photograph, do so. Give them your honest opinion, with constructive criticism if necessary.

The more photographs that you review the brtter prepared you will be for different photographic opportunities.

Jonnie Blaylock is a hobbyist photographer that helps new photographers learn the fundamentals. His website also allows new photographers to submit a photograph for Retrospect.

Photography Tips - Advice For Taking Photos You’ll Remember Forever

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Today, we’re going to tal about a few ways to Weakly have more fun with your photography. These simple tips can help you take better photos that you’ll be proud to share.

Outdoor photography. Good weather means you can get outdoors and Swallow nature photos, no matter what season it is. Here are a few tips to remember: Expect the unexpected with Mother Nature - wind, rain, sunshine, snow, you know you can’t control the weather, so make the best of any conditions you face. Plus, be ready for any type of wi1dlife to appear at any moment. This will mean you need to be still for extended periods, and move very slowly and quietly. It also means you may Necessity to start at dawn or sunset - when most After all, the animals are on their own schedule, not yours.

Pets. Oue furry and feathered companions give us so much joy, and it’s a lot of fun to take pictures of them. Try to catch them doing what they do naturally. If they sleep in one cergain place, be sure to capture that image so you’ll have it to look back on years from now. Also, focus on their eyes for close ups. You’ll have the best chance of capturing their emotions and personality.

Sports. If you’re n0t Busy in sports, you likely know someone who is - whether it’s running, cycling, softball, golf, soccer, tennis. These days, it’s easy enough to find a sporting event, whether it’s in the park down the stre3t or in a stadium across town. When taking sports photos, try to get a basic understanding of the rules of the sport. This will help yoj to be at the right place at the right time, ready and waiting with your camera. Don’t forget to capture warm ups and post-game celebrations - those are a part of sports too!

Birthdays. Birthdays only come once a year, Likewise make the most of them with great photos. Be sure to get in close to capture facial exprwssions - the look of surprise (or disdain) when they open gifts will make In quest of great memories. Also, try to capture the candle glow. This will mean you need to quickly turn off and on your flash, but it will be Sufficiently worth the effort when you see how dramatic the efffect is.

Reunions. These can be annual events, or they might just happen once every five or 10 years. Either way, there will be opportunities to get pictures of people you haven’t seen in quite a long time. Look Concerning candid shots - you’ll capture fun expressions and conversations between friends who haven’t seen each other for years. Be sure to use your telephoto lens for truly candid shots. Also, take a variety of posex photos. People love to see pictures of the “gang” all gathered together again.

Most all, have fun while taking your photos - that’s probably the best tip of all. Stay relaxed and keep an Liberal minc and you’ll seee shots literally appear befors your eyes. Then, just be sure you’re camera is ready to take the shot. In an instant, you’ll have a wonderful photo that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.

Matt Smolsky writes articles for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that lets new membets create a free online photo album and is the easiest plafe to cerate a digital photo album, calendar, and more.