Photography Techniques, Photography Basics.

Photography is the process of making pictures by means of capturing light on a film. Light patterns reflected or emitted from objects are recorded onto a sensitive medium or storage chip through a timed exposure. The process is done through mechanical, chemical or digital devices known as cameras.

The art or process of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces.

The art, practice, or occupation of taking and printing photographs.
A body of photographs.

The word comes from the Greek words f?? phos ("light"), and ??af?? graphis ("stylus", "paintbrush") or ??af? graphê, together meaning "drawing with light" or "representation by means of lines" or "drawing." Traditionally the product of photography has been called a photograph. The term photo is an abbreviation; many people also call them pictures. In digital photography, the term image has begun to replace photograph.

Photography can be extremely rewarding or extremely frustrating, depending on your ability to adjust to constantly changing conditions. The following chart will help you improve both your indoor and outdoor color photography.

Indoor Photography : If your indoor pictures suffer from any of the following problems, try shooting a roll of 400ASA color film while practicing these solutions.

If your camera has a focus lock, first point your camera at a bright spot. Keep your finger partially down on the shutter to lock the focus and exposure. Then move the camera to the shot you want and take the picture.

Blurry pictures : If the autofocus function on your camera can be switched on and off, be sure that it is on.

Blurry pictures indoors can also result from not using the flash. This forces the shutter to stay open too long, blurring the image. Use the flash when shooting indoors.

Photos are too dark : You usually need the flash when shooting indoors, even when there seems to be a lot of light. If in doubt, take one picture using the flash and one without, to be sure that at least one image will be good.

Flash fails to fire : Check battery power. Flashes require a lot of power

For detachable flash units, check that the flash is fully engaged on its mount.

Some flashes have their own on-off switch. Be sure it is on.

In certain situations, the camera may fail to realize that the flash is needed. On some cameras, there is a setting, usually called Fill Flash, that will cause the flash to fire on every shot. Set the Fill Flash function on.

People in photos have red eyes : See How to Get Rid of Red-Eye in Photographs.

Prints contain glare from flash reflection : Position yourself so that there are no mirrors, windows, shiny walls or TVs behind your subjects. If this is unavoidable, move the camera to the side as much as possible.

Poorly framed shots : A final step before you click the shutter is to be aware of the frame of the picture. Be sure not to cut off people's heads, for example. If you're wearing gloves, take them off and don't hold anything else in your hands while using the camera. This will help you avoid accidentally blocking the lens.

Outdoor : If your outdoor pictures need help, load a roll of 100ASA color film and practice the following solutions. These instructions apply to conditions of bright sunlight. If less sunlight is expected, use a slightly higher number film, such as 200ASA.

People in photos are squinting

This usually occurs when the sun is directly in front of the photographer. Be aware of the sun's location and try to take pictures with the sun behind you. If you can't get the sun behind you, arrange the shot so that the sun is as far to one side as possible.

People in photos are shadowy or too dark : Have everyone close their eyes and relax for a few seconds before taking the picture. When you're ready with the camera, have them open their eyes fully and smile.

If you have to take a picture with the sun in front of you, use the flash to reduce shadows on the front of your subjects.

If your camera has a focus lock, first point your camera at a bright spot. Keep your finger partially down on the shutter to lock the focus and exposure. Then move the camera to the shot you want and take the picture.

Confusing background objects : When taking pictures, beware of trees, buildings and other behind your subjects. In your photos, these can objects appear to come straight out of the heads of people.

Boring scenery shots : It is difficult to capture the beauty of mountain vistas and ocean sunsets with the average camera. Try to include people or activity in the foreground. This will capture a fun event in a beautiful setting rather than another empty scenery shot.

Boring posed shots : Who wants one more dull picture of someone standing in front of the Eiffel Tower? Position yourself so that you can frame the desired background while capturing your friends andfamily behaving candidly.

At a large event, such as a parade or wedding, concentrate on framing individuals or small groups rather than snapping shots of the entire gathering.