TIPS and TRICKS
'Goatsmilk' found this useful:
If you have several email addresses and each one is linked to webspace, (free or otherwise),
then take the time to list all
the details. full address, website name and passwords and store it all safely
Digital Images:
Ever made a mess of a photograph while carrying out processing...so have I...but only the once.
Immediately after loading photographs to the computer make copies and store the originals safely.
This should become a natural habit especially if you have just shot piccies of a wedding or a new baby.
It's much easier than facing the torrents of namecalling after informing your best pal that the piccies are ruined.
UP CLOSE :- a simple equation.
Used for photos in low light situations. eg:-mushrooms,forest floors etc...
Low Light + Telephoto/Macro + Large Aperture (for max.depth of field)(eg - F2.8)
= Slower Shutter Speeds
= Use a Tripod/Bean Bag etc......
(NOTE: large aperture = small f number.......small aperture = large f number)
A whole bunch of tips from Goatsmilk
Just a few tips for digital I find useful, some are from mistakes I have made and have learned from.
Always upload your photo's from your camera to computer ASAP and then backup to a CD or DVD ASAP,
nothing worse than formatting and using a card you have not saved the photo's from,
or deleting a folder without it being backed up, or worse getting a virus on your computer and losing the lot !
When uploading your shots to a computer, it helps to use a folder for a certain subject such as " Holiday to Cyprus 2006 "
or "Uncle Franks 60th Birthday", keep all the named folders you create in a folder called "MY PHOTO'S" or similar,
that way when you want to edit or view them they are easy to find, same goes for writing the content on each CD or DVD you backup to,
keep the disks in a safe place away from heat and direct sunlight, may even be an idea to keep a set at a family member or close friends house.
You can get CD wallets that hold 25 or so CD's/DVD's for a few pounds that will do the job just fine.
When out and about make sure you have enough empty cards for your camera, I find it a good idea to have several small size cards instead
of one high capacity card, such as 4 x 512MB instead of 1 x 2GB, my main reasons for this are should a card fail (it's happened to me in India)
you only lose the shots on that card, plus if you lose a card, again you have only lost the shots on that card.
Keep a few sets of batteries fully charged in your camera bag when your going out, in cold weather it helps to keep the batteries close
to your body as the cold will drain batteries quicker, your body heat will help maintain a charge in the batteries.
If your off for a few days don't forget to pack the battery charger and any leads you may need.
Carry a lens cloth to keep your lenses clean but don't over clean them as this can scratch the lens, also make sure the cloth is clean.
Keep caps on your lenses when not in use.
When changing lenses on DSLRs make sure your in a clean as possible environment, as dust loves to stick to the sensor inside,
also switch off the camera before changing a lens as there will be less charge in the sensor and less dust will be pulled towards it.
You could always pack a clear plastic bag to hold your camera and lens in when changing them if you wish.
When out for a day or on holiday with others, remember it's their holiday too don't spend all day every day taking photo's of everything
as they will get very bored, have a plan on what you want to shoot and try and put aside time for those, do carry a camera for 'grab' shots and
candid shots that just happen in front of you, also make sure you get in front of the camera otherwise you will miss out on being the star of
your own memories in years to come, be carful who you ask to take the shot, I pick someone I can catch if they run off with the camera, such as
someone with a family or the ones you just know are the ones you can trust. Or find a quiet spot and use the cameras self timer.
When out with your camera, if your not using it, maybe your having a coffee or just a break, put your camera and others items away out of sight,
it only takes a minute for someone to see that your full attention is not on your camera gear (goes for any item of value) and they are off on
their toes with YOUR property. Don't leave your camera bag (or any other bag/s) unattended even for a moment, even in the car,
I usually have my bag close and at the front when sitting, either with an arm or leg through the strap to make a quick snatch that bit harder.
It's all about being aware of your surroundings and appearing switched on.
Make a note of your camera make model and serial numbers, take photo's of the camera gear you have.
If the worst happens the insurance and Police will request these.
Main tip is have fun, try out different things ( when I was about 14 I tried a pair of dark sunglasses in front of a 110 film camera facing across
a wet beach into the sun, it gave a nice effect and got me thinking), the good thing with digital is if it does not work then just delete it and try again,
IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT ! Search the Internet for shots, see one you like, find out how it's done, just ask the photographer most will be glad to help,
then have a go yourself, it's a great way to learn.