Try this site:
http://www86.sakura.ne.jp/~first_fast/Column/24.htm
http://www86.sakura.ne.jp/~first_fast/Column/23.htm
http://www86.sakura.ne.jp/~first_fast/Column/25.htm
http://www86.sakura.ne.jp/~first_fast/Column/21.htm
here are some tips for taking pictures,
1. Diffused light.
Try to use good light. Daylight is good but not direct sunshine!
Best if the sun is behind white clouds, as the light gets diffused
this way . Direct sunshine will glare off the model too brightly
like when you are too close and use the flash - everything gets
washed out.
So if it is in direct sunshine move the model out of the direct
sunlight and into the shade.
The worst light is indoors at night with just the normal house
light on, or indoors on a dim day.
Remember photography is all about getting light into the camera
(both digital and film types). Better the light = Better the
picture.
2. Image Quality Setting
With our digital cameras we are given options in the settings to
take either low quality, medium quality, high qualty, and super
high quality pictures. So check that your camera is set to take the
highest quality.
Then, when the pics are transferred into the computer you are
starting with the highest definition picture. You can always reduce
the image quality afterwards to make the picture file size smaller.
But you can never turn a low definition picture into a high
definition one.
Remember rubbish quality in = rubbish quality out.
3. Depth of field - focussing
Without going into the technicalities... you will find that if you
get too close to the model with the camera the pictures will come
out with part of the model sharply in focus and parts of the model
blurry! This is because of the limited depth of field.
Instead, you will find it much better to move away from the model
slightly and use the camera lense to Zoom right in and make the
model fill the picture. This way you will find that all of the
model will be sharply in focus.
But don't move too far away as camera movement (hand shake) can
also start to affect the picture and make it blurry.
So try about 4ft away and zoom in.
4. Composition.
When taking pictures it is important to think about the
composition. Think about the background, what is behind the model?
is it a nasty brick wall, or the dustbin? These things can spoil
the picture. Also if the background is very busy, e.g. a bookshelf
full of different coloured books, this will distract the eye from
the model. Also the background colour can clash with the model
colour. Like fashion - when your wife says to you "You can't wear
that tie with that shirt!!"
For this reason it is a good idea to get a few pieces of different
coloured card, or cloth as a backdrop against which you can take
your good pics.
Then you can try the model in front of different colours and see
which one suits the best.
5. Light Filling
(for when you are getting more experienced..)
With your model set up ready for taking picturs you can mess about
with other lights, e.g. angle poise lamps, battery lamps, or pieces
of white card which will bounce light onto any dead spots which
need more light.
Hope you find this usefull and that your picture taking
improves.
