A wedding is a very significant event in the lives of many people. Perhaps, this can be attributed to the fact that it happens once in most cases. As such, wedding photographers play an important role in enabling the wedding couples and their guests immortalize this special day in their lives. Basically, couples have only one chance of capturing their wedding day. Quality photos and videos are among the most important items that they can look at and remember this special day in their lives vividly.

Today, professional photographers are capable of taking quality photos and videos that can be preserved for many years. Current photography is employing quality technologies and digital cameras that have the ability to deliver high quality photos. Although friends and relatives can use their cameras to capture the events of this day, they may not produce quality photos. This is why importance of professional wedding photographers is increasing at a very fast rate. Photographers who have specialized in photographing weddings know the places and events where photographing is necessary. They will also organize people in the best way possible during the wedding for photo sessions.

Many couples spend weeks or even months planning for this day. It also cost them huge amount of money. One has to look for a venue and book it in advance. They also have to ensure that everything that is necessary for making the event a success is available and at its appropriate place. Wedding couples and their relatives do all they can to make the venue, and the event, look attractive and appealing to those in attendance thus, they do all they can to make their wedding the best and most memorable not just for them, but also for their guests. Wedding photographers play an important role in enabling them preserve the scenic look of the venue through photos.

During modern weddings, people are dressing in the most outstanding ways. When you attend a contemporary wedding you are likely to see all sorts of designs and styles of dressing. Some people have uniform cloth designs while others dress in unique and outstanding ways. This makes modern wedding worth memorizing. It also makes everyone want to have a photo that will remind them of this event. Professional wedding photographers know how to capture different dress designs in a way that make photos bring out the overall picture of the event in an amazing and vivid way. Thus, you will be able to recall how people were dressed during your wedding by just going through your photo album.

Wedding photographers are playing a very critical role in making weddings memorable to many people. However, it is imperative that you take time to choose the best wedding photographers. Consider their professional training and experience to ensure that you only hire the best. You should also consider the amount of money they charge you for their services. Make sure that you hire the best wedding photographer's at the most reasonable price.

Photographs can be simply described as memories captured on a piece of paper for lifetime. Wedding is the most special event in anyone's life. So capturing this special day makes it timeless and hence wedding photographers in Peterborough and other places have gained importance. Click here to know more.

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A lens can be of fixed focal length which is called a prime lens, or it can be a variable focal length such as a telephoto lens. A variable focal length lens has a range in mm printed on it. For example, if you bought a lens with 55-200mm on it, this indicates that this a telephoto lens with the focal length range of between 55mm and 200mm. A standard or normal lens is usually in the range of 35-70mm; a standard telephoto lens has a range of 70-135mm; a telephoto lens has a range of between 135 - 300mm, and any thing beyond 600mm in focal length is usually classed as a super telephoto lens. Therefore, a lens with a longer focal length allows you to get closer to the subject.

If you want to make you subject look bigger and fill the frame, you can of course just move closer to the subject. There are occasions however, when we need to use a telephoto lens for example, to avoid scaring the wildlife away or to avoid risky situations. This article looks at how and when to use a telephoto lens.

Sports event shots rely heavily on close ups of the action and good shots can be achieved with a telephoto lens and fast shutter speeds. Some panning with slower shutter speeds may be needed to capture the sense of speed and motion. When panning, half press the shutter release button to focus on your subject and then move the camera in synch, fully pressing the shutter release to capture the shot you want.

Getting closer to your subject is the number one reason you will want to use a telephoto lens. It can also be used in candid street photography to capture moments when people are unaware that they are being photographed. Photographing the moon is a popular past time and with a bit of care, usable photos can be achieved with a telephoto lens, a tripod and a cable release. Some post processing may be needed to bring out details. Remember though that the moon is probably the brightest object in the sky and you may need to decrease the aperture size to get the correct exposure. I have used f11 with success.

Sighting your subject when using a telephoto lens can be extremely difficult if the object is small and moving fast. Learn to sight just above the lens when moving the camera and then when you locate your subject, look through the viewfinder to focus and capture the shot. Not easy at first but with practice, it becomes second nature.

By using a telephoto lens, you can isolate your subject, making it the focus of your photo. You can isolate the mountain in the background or that amazing sunrise, removing the rest of the landscape in the process. This isolation of a subject can be used to good advantage in portrait photography which allows for a tight crop for a head and shoulders shot. Your subjects are usually more comfortable when you are not quite as close as when you are using a 50mm lens. This also produces more natural looking portraits with the added advantage that with a large aperture setting, the background can be thrown out of focus.

The best results for the average photographer in getting pin point focused photos are obtained by using autofocus, i.e. letting the camera and lens do the work for you. This works well most of the time but occasionally, such as in low light conditions, in scenes with insufficient contrasting elements, or shooting small subjects far away, the auto focus isn't up to it. You can hear the motor hunting for something to focus on. In this instance, I recommend you switch over to manual focus and fine tune the focus yourself. Using live view and the zoom control can assist you to achieve good results, as described earlier in this article.

There are, however, some problems associated with the use of telephoto lens, particularly in low lighting when a slower shutter speed is warranted. You may want to try shooting with a higher ISO or using flash where you can. The longer the focal length of the lens, the more chance there is of camera shake. It is best to use faster shutter speeds and a tripod to prevent camera shake. A simple rule of thumb is that the shutter speed should be higher than the focal length. For example, a shutter speed of 1/250s or more is needed for a lens with a focal length of 200mm. Additionally, camera shake can be caused by just pressing the shutter release button. A cable release, a remote or the camera's self timer helps out in these situations.

Using a telephoto lens in the heat of the day is known to distort images from the blurring effect of heat waves over your image. This can be exacerbated when you require pin point accuracy in focusing. A tip that I picked up when trying to focus on objects far away with a telephoto lens involves the use of the live view, if your camera has one, and the zoom control. While looking at the live view at your subject press the zoom control (that's the button with a magnifying glass with a + sign it) until you achieve a reasonably sized subject image and then fine tune your focus on the telephoto lens. Zoom back out and capture the shot. A tripod is needed for this method but it does allow for pin point focusing. Also be aware that using a telephoto lens gives a narrow field of view. Bright light outside of your image area can affect your image causing flare, which reduces contrast. The best way to deal with this is to attach a lens hood.

For further information about wildlife photography, pet photography or general questions about digital photography, visit http://photopress.in/brianparkin and http://portraitsforpets.biz/

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Wedding Present Ideas

Bridal Boudoir Photography as a wedding present.

Boudoir photography is a growing trend and more and more women of all shapes and sizes are having these photo shoots. Bridal boudoir photography makes a truly unique wedding present and one of the best times to go for a photo shoot is a few weeks before your wedding day. You can then have the photos printed in a display box or made into an album. This left with a cheeky note to your husband to be saying "Meet me at the altar" will make the best present he is ever likely to get.

So what exactly is Boudoir?

Boudoir photography is more than just showing flesh, it is the art of flirtation through photography. And like many other art forms it allows the viewer to explore the unknown, use their imagination and leave them wanting more. It must not be confused with Glamour and certainly is not pornographic! Your photographer should be an expert in the use of props, lighting and positioning to get the most from your body and accentuate your best features.

What can I expect from the photo shoot?

All photographers conduct their photo shoots differently. They may range in timescale from maybe 1 hour to half a day. It really does depend on who you've booked. My advice would be to chat to the photographer either over the phone or in person before booking the shoot. You will then get a feel for how it will all go and importantly how relaxed you feel and how well you will get on with your photographer. A typical photo shoot at my studio will start with a cup of tea or even a glass of fizz together with chat to go over some ideas and themes for the shoot. You will then spend about an hour or so with Laura, my hair and makeup artist, who will completely transform you. The photo shoot itself should take between 1 and 2 hours using a number of outfit changes, props, furniture and backgrounds. You can then go home still looking stunning with your hair and makeup done or hit the town with your girlfriends. A couple of weeks later after the photo's have been fully edited, you will return to the studio to view your pictures to decide which ones you want and which products you may want to use to display your photographs.

Choosing the best photographer.

This can be a big decision and you want to get it right because as this is for a wedding present you only really have one chance. I would firstly consider if you are happy with either a male or female photographer because this could rule out half of the options straight away. Most importantly you should look at the photographer's website. This will give you examples of their style of boudoir photography, their props and backdrops and also their hair and makeup.

About the Author

Melanie Woodward is a Wedding, Babies and Boudoir photographer based in Caversham, Reading. She has been a photographer for over 8 years and is the owner of the successful business 'One life Studio'. To get an idea of her work either visit her website at http://www.onelifestudio.co.uk/ or join her Facebook page. She is also soon launching her new website dedicated solely to boudoir and motorbike photography. For more information follow her blog.

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A DSLR camera is an innovative piece of photography equipment, which allows users to change the lenses that are used to create different types of photographs. These cameras allow the photographer to have more control over the settings and customize the shots they wish to create. When you are shopping there are certain factors to consider and features to look for to ensure you receive a quality product.

Why Choose a DSLR Camera?

With the popularity of these camera's increasing, there are new versions introduced for sale all the time. No matter if you choose an affordable or high-end version, there are certain benefits you will experience when you choose a camera, which include:

Higher Image QualityAbility to adapt to different scenariosQuicker shutter speedReduction of depreciation in valueAbility to utilize manual controls

Once you have made the decision to purchase a camera, there are certain features you should ensure the device has.

The first consideration you should make when choosing a camera is your budget. With the price range being so vast, you must establish limits to the amount you are willing to spend. Along with the camera, you can also purchase accessories such as:

Lens packages with various sizes and typesReplacement or back-up batteriesAmount of memoryBags and casesWarranties or guarantees

Once you have determined how much to spend the next factor to consider is what the camera will be used for. The first question you are likely to be asked when you walk into a photography store is what type of photos you plan to take. This is an important factor because it will determine the type of lenses you need. Keep in mind, some of the bodies are compatible with equipment you may already have so ensure you research this aspect prior to going shopping. Other considerations you should make to ensure you receive the best camera for your needs include:

Camera size: If you plan to travel a lot, a smaller compact version may be more appropriate than the full size version.Resolution: The number of megapixles will determine the clarity and crispness of a shot.The Shutter Speed: This is especially important if you shoot action shots.Flash: Most cameras come with a pop up flash, therefore you may want to invest in an off camera one.Size of the LCD screen: The display screen is important for viewing shots prior to printing or uploading.

In most cases the best camera is not determined by the highest price tag, rather, how you are going to use it. The right camera and accessories for someone who exclusively shoots landscapes will not be the same as someone who takes pictures for newspapers. Determining your specific needs is the first step in ensuring you purchase the right product. With new technology being introduced all the time, you will always be able to upgrade and improve the product you choose.

Scot Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000's of students how to start a photography business all over the world. Here's a Blog post that talks about more equipment tips. Click Here. You should also check out this Resource Guide he posted that shows a complete list of tools the pros use.

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There are a number of tools at a photographer's disposal. Shutter speed is just one of them. Using the camera's shutter as a creative tool can help you enhance the photographs that you take as well as open up new worlds of possibility. Photographers throughout the years have manipulated images using shutter speed to create some incredible works of art.

The Basics of Shutter Speed

In the day of digital computers and automatic settings, it's easy to forget all about your camera's basic shutter operation. However, the shutter speed is length of time that the lens' shutter remains open during the capturing of the image. When using film (as opposed to digital formats), the shutter is responsible for allowing the right amount of light exposed to the film to create the best image.

The faster the speed of the shutter, the less time it is open. This might be ideal for bright, outdoor shots in which the sun is bright and too much exposure can white out the image, or for fast action shots in which the goal is to avoid blurring. The slower the speed of the shutter, the longer it is open for and the more light is allowed to get through to the 'film.'

When it comes to choosing the proper setting of the shutter, there are a number of variables that come into play. However, varying this speed during certain situations can create a wealth of creative possibilities and that's why the camera's shutter speed is an amazing creative tool.

Panning

One such artistic tool that you can add to your photographic repertoire is known as panning. In this, the speed of the shutter is lengthened slightly, with the focus on a specific object maintained, while the background images become blurred. Increasing the speed to 1/40th or 1/30th, for example, focus on a moving vehicle or other somewhat fixed object. Keep the image in the center of the field of vision and take the shot.

You will notice that the main image, though partially blurred, will tend to remain focused while the background is blurred around it. Experiment with this style of panning and you will begin to discover the possibilities.

Zoom Flares

Using a tripod, this shutter speed creative tool is very simple. Place the camera on a tripod and focus on a specific object in the distance, such as a building. Using a slow shutter speed, place your hand on the lens' zooming feature and when you snap the shot, turn the zoom. When you review the effect, you'll be amazed to see how this simple technique allows the object to be clear and in focus but a hazing echo style effect to be laid out around it.

Light Painting

I will get more into light painting in another article, but this technique relies on a slow shutter speed in a dark setting. Using a light, hold the shutter open and move the light around. You will notice the effect that occurs and you can begin to experiment with different patterns and techniques for light painting.

Once you become more comfortable with a camera's shutter speed, you will have a powerful new creative tool at your disposal. Combining abstract artistic integrity with the pure essence of photography can open a wealth of possibilities to any photographer and of any skill level.

Wayne Burke, an experienced Media Arts professional, invites you to increase your knowledge of photography.

To learn more about techniques like this one, including videos, visit:
http://trickphotographyandspecialeffects.net/

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It is very common for a professional photographer to have a customer ask to be given all of the photo files from a day of shooting. Invariably, the photographer will try to persuade the customer against it, or even refuse outright. It leaves some customers confused, or possibly even angry. So why won't your photographer let you have the product of the entire photoshoot?

Well, there are a number of reasons. In reality, the customer has no right to the work in progress. If you were commissioning a painting, would you later demand all of the sketches and studies that went into the finished piece? Or if you had a dress made, would you ask for the muslin fitting trials or the fabric cut-offs? Or the stone chips leftover from the carving of a sculpture? Obviously not. However, asking to be given every shot taken during a session amounts to the same thing. The photos that are not used are cast-offs, the detritus leftover as an artist works on a beautiful piece. There can be no benefit to seeing these unused, unnecessary bits of material.

But, you're still asking, what's the harm in having all of the photos? There can be a good deal of harm done to the professional photographer. If a customer were to show these unedited, cast-off photos to friends and family, it could seriously harm the photographer's reputation. A professional artist shows off his best work, after all of the very best photos have been chosen and edited to their greatest advantage for pictures of the most supreme quality and beauty. Having raw, discarded photos represented to others as his work, as pieces that were supplied to a customer, would make a photographer look unprofessional and inept.

Let's face it, not every photo is going to come out perfectly. A photographer will take many, many photos during your session - hundreds of them in total. From these, he will cull the very best, the ones that are most flattering to you, and have the most potential to be works of art. And then he will perfect them, editing them until they are the best they can be, balanced and natural. These edited photos will show the best possible you, which is what you want out of your pictures, right? Wading through hundreds of unedited, unused photos, sometimes dozens of the same pose with only minute differences... there is nothing to be gained from this when your professional photographer will hand you the very best shots, edited to the best possible standard.

The photos that aren't chosen to be edited were left behind for a reason. No one wants to think of themselves as unphotogenic, but sometimes a shot will be plain unflattering, or from a bad angle, or will unintentionally highlight flaws. No matter how much a customer assures a photographer that they will not be upset by the raw, unedited stack of hundreds of photos, this invariably turns out to be the case. The customer sees themselves portrayed in unflattering ways in these unused photos, and become angry or upset, and are left feeling doubtful about their photographer's abilities. If the photos are of a particularly important occasion, like commemorating an engagement or the birth of a child, the emotions attached to these photos can be very high. And no one wants to see a newly engaged woman burst into tears when she sees her photos for the first time!

If you still want to see all of the photos, ask yourself why. Is it possible there might be a really great shot hiding in amongst all of those discards, something that you might be missing out on? Your photographer has carefully combed through all of the photographs, and just as carefully chosen the very best to be edited and presented to you for your album or for framing. Trust that he has created these for you from the very best shots of your session together. He is just as interested as you are in having those photos be beautiful and memorable, highlighting his talent and hard work. Your photographer knows his art, and you chose him for a reason, trusting him to capture your image and your essence. Now trust him to complete his work, to find the true gems among the photos, and to make them shine.

Alexander Soloviev is a family photographer based in Wiltshire, UK. Alexander does a wide variety of photography related to people and their activities - family, parties, weddings, events, personal profiles, nurseries, schools - you name it! Pet (especially horses) photography is another object that tightly connected to everyday human life. Visit his SASNN-PHOTO" site for more information.

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Once you have sat down with your favourite photographer and decided on an outdoor photowalk for your family photographs, there are a few preparations you can make to ensure that the day goes as smoothly as possible and that the resulting photos will be ones you will treasure for many years to come.

Choosing the location can be one of the most important aspects for a successful photowalk. Your professional photographer may well have some suggestions and ideas that you might want to consider, as he will have experience in finding beautiful outdoor backdrops. But even more important than a beautiful backdrop, is choosing a place that has some significance or meaning to your family. It is all well and good finding a beautiful lake surrounded by trees to look pretty behind you in your photographs, but if the place has no importance to your family it will be simply a backdrop, and forgettable. A good photographer will be more than willing to let you lead when it comes to choosing the location for your shoot, such as your local park, your favourite picnic area, that spot on the beach your family goes to time and again, even the field where you and your family walk the dog - and feel free to include the dog, he is part of your family too! Your children, particularly if they are young, will find these familiar locations comfortable and will be relaxed and act as they normally do, allowing the photographer to capture those candid moments of play.

Towards that end, it is helpful to choose a location where there is something for your family to do, or items with which they may interact, such as the play structures at a park, or a path full of autumn leaves, or a sandy beach. Bring the toys and equipment you would usually bring for a day out with the family - the picnic blanket, or the shovel and bucket, or the Frisbee. Don't forget your child's favourite doll or blanket. All of these props can add to the candid, real-life look of your photos. In a familiar place, surrounded by their own things, your children will quickly forget about the photographer, leaving him to truly capture the feeling and spirit of your loved ones. A picture of you and your family building a sand castle together on your favourite strip of beach, professionally shot and edited, will stay in your hearts and minds for a long time to come and will bring back memories of many days shared together.

Once the location and props have been settled on, it's time to think about clothing. Be yourselves, be relaxed, let your outfit reflect that perfect location you chose. A fancy dress and a suit and tie at the family play park? Of course not. You want to look your best in your photos, naturally, but you also want to capture the true essence of your family. Put your children in shorts or a cotton dress for the beach, or snuggly sweaters and wooly scarves for an autumn walk among the leaves. Try to coordinate, so everyone looks good together in the photos, without clashing colours or a lot of jarring, competing prints. You don't have to dress in identical sweaters and jeans (unless you want to!), but make sure everyone's outfits mesh together in a pleasing way, with similar or complimentary colours.

Whatever you wear and wherever you choose to have your photowalk, your professional photographer will capture a special moment in your family's history in ways that no casual snapshot or stiffly posed studio photograph ever could. These photos will hold pride of place on your wall or in family albums for many years to come.

Alexander Soloviev is a family photographer based in Wiltshire, UK. Alexander does a wide variety of photography related to people and their activities - family, parties, weddings, events, personal profiles, nurseries, schools - you name it! Pet (especially horses) photography is another object that tightly connected to everyday human life. Visit his SASNN-PHOTO site for more information.

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