Articles

We present here various photographic articles that were kindly contributed by our active members

The importance of using a tripod by Allen Rogers
Allen tells us an interesting story about a seminar he attended where the great importance of using a tripod was demonstrated

So you want to be a Great Photographer by Allen Rogers
Allen discusses the importance of specialization.

Shooting water in motion by Tom Grubbe
Tom discusses techniques used when photographing streams, rivers, waterfalls and oceans.

Not another pretty nature shot! Part 1 by Richard
Richard expresses his doubts about the wildlife and landscape photography being a form of art, more a question of good technique and much experience. This, and the following two articles have been extracted from the conference, because we see them as an invaluable source of inspiration, and think they're essential for helping amateurs to form their own attitude to such a complex and exciting subject as photography.

Not another pretty nature shot! Part 2 by Robert Pailes
"Although I agree with Richard in every way, and appreciate the truth of this essay, I come away with a couple of thoughts regarding Richards comments..."

Not another pretty nature shot! Part 3 by an unknown author
"...an individual may not have developed a serious interest in photography until becoming involved with nature..."

A good photograph is... by Richard
Richard shares some quotes with us, which he collected over the years, about what a good photograph really is.

Using levels by Mike Swiet
Mike Swiet, our Photoshop guru, explains with examples, how you can enhance your images using photoshop's levels.

Making 'In Blue' by Mike Swiet
Mike Swiet, explains, step by step, how he made his award winning 'In Blue' photo

The magic of precision levels by Roland DiSabatino
Roland DiSabatino teaches us to fine-tune our images, using Precision Levels

Fear of Edges by Ken Crossen (krc)
In which our intrepid agent provocateur attempts to demonstrate the utility of edges without putting anyone to sleep

Photography, commenting and karma by Ken Crossen (krc)
In which our intrepid agent provocateur attempts to explain the benefits of constructive commenting without annoying any more PhotoBlinkers than absolutely necessary (having promised Sergei to be good)

JPEG Compression 101 by James Burnham
Many new people coming to the site post their photos with too much JPEG compression. I'm sure many people wonder how JPEG compression works and why they get such mediocre results...

Do you believe that color? by Ken Crossen (krc)
If you don't believe the colors in your image, why should anyone else believe them?

How Can Red Plus Blue Equal Detail? by Ken Crossen (krc)
How can red be improved by adding blue?

A more intuitive, less "cookbook-technical" way of looking at color correction. by Ken Crossen (krc)
Unlike the "cookbook-technical" techniques presented in my previous articles, this more intuitive approach requires that you develop a sensitivity and judgement about color, that is similar to that used by a fine arts painter to mix pigments.

Contrast Masking by Tess
This is a well known method in the traditional chemical darkroom that is now transferred into the digital darkroom. It's purpose is to bring out details in highlights and shadows

A non-traditional use of USM by Tess
This method can make your subject stand out from the background.

Success in photography by Hans
This is not a guide how to make money... it's about something else. My personal thoughts about satisfaction and how to be successful in your own way..