Are you sick and tired of shooting the same old portraits, again and again? You’ve heard about chroma key or “green screen” is the way to go, except you don’t truly understand it or even know what awesome results it can provide? Here is all you’ll need to know to use it as a photography background tool!

First… what is it?

Chroma key solely means utilizing a background which is one unpatterned, evenly lit colour. The colours green and blue tend to be the most employed colors. In reality, you can employ ANY colour – but blue and green are easiest. There are reasons for this.

Second… how does it work?

Chroma key procedures may be utilized in a studio environment with video and still photography. You photograph someone in front of a green screen and then in post processing you delete the solid color and swap it with anything you would like for the background. It’s that simple!

Next… why blue or green?

Generally we tend to use green and blue since they’re the farthest away from the colours presented by skin tones. The procedure was initially executed with blue, though as the standard of cameras have improved, green appears to work more efficiently. It is easier to strip from the background and as a result most studios are using green.

However…

It can be tricky in Photoshop to strip out backgrounds with fine features such as hair and complex poses of the subject. You can spend hours on the computer getting it just right. Not anymore; there is an easier way.

Figure 1 – An unsuccessful strip

Digital Backgrounds are easy to create with any version of Photoshop.

I can show you in less than 5 minutes.

Here are some samples of digital backgrounds that you can make right in your living room. Absolutely no Chroma Key screens of any kind were used. No bare wall available? A white sheet will do nicely as well!

Want to know more? Click on the Get Yours Now Button below – here is what you will learn.

* Digital backgrounds in 5 minutes!
* A perfect extraction every time! Fast and easy!
* Easily blend subject with digital backgrounds!
* Short cut tips for color matching!
* How to fix the pasted look once and for all!
* Vignetting made easy!
* And many more!

Bonus backgrounds are included. Get yours today!

Technorati Tags: ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES, Tips & Techniques

Basic tips for better photography and contest entries

1. Choose subjects that are especially interesting or appealing. “Less is more”, experiment by keeping
your photo very plain except for the subject.
2. Look for repetitive patterns to add interest to a photo.
3. Try photographing reactions to events rather then the event itself.
4. To increase the impact of your photos, try photographing a special expression, create exceptional
placement of the subject or find a beautiful location.
5. Anticipate and plan photo opportunities before a “great” shot might happen. 6. View and learn from other photographer’s work and change the technique to create your own
unique style.
7. Create a photograph from someone else’s perspective. For example, a baby’s view out of his crib or
the view a dog would have looking out of a doghouse.
8. To increase creativity try new angles, different times of daylight, filters, subjects or colored lighting
to create different effects.
9. Use lighting to your advantage to create a mood for the photograph. Late evening sunlight creates
a wonderful atmosphere for subjects, or use backlighting to create a different effect.
10. Color photographs can be made to exhibit a warm (red or orange colors) or cool (blue colors) feeling
depending on lighting.
11. To best compliment your subject, try to place your center of interest anywhere but the center of the
image. By offsetting your subject, your photographs will appear more interesting and compositionally
pleasing.
12. Look for visually interesting textures or subjects that others may overlook, such as a close-up of a
horse’s eye rather than the traditional photo of the entire head, or a lighted pattern on the waves
rather then a traditional seascape.
13. Lighting may be improved by using silver, gold or white reflectors, or bounce your flash off the
ceiling. Direct flash often creates “red eye” and harsh shadows.
14. A photograph is of light bouncing off a subject. Keeping this in mind, experiment with as many
light sources as possible to create the best lighting for your subject and to create the desired
mood.
15. Study photography books, magazines, websites and product catalogs to keep current on the newest
trends and equipment available and to learn new ideas and techniques.
16. Set aside time for your photography. In a busy world, photography can be an enjoyable hobby.
Invest in yourself and schedule times in your appointment book for your interests and hobbies.
17. Try to bring out the personality that makes up any and every subject
18. With digital photography, don’t be afraid to take many shots of just one subject. A special photo
usually takes many shots to create, and with digital, the ability to erase the mundane ones is a
great advantage.

19. Use a tripod or a monopod to increase the details and lessen the blur in your photos. Professionals
are rarely without one.
20. Try using foreground objects to “frame” landscapes or seascapes.
21. Keep your backgrounds simple to help push the viewer to focus in on your subject.
22. Crop out as much background as possible to help direct the viewer to your subject in the photo,
unless the background has compelling information important to your composition such as a scenic
sky or other important element. Close-ups may provide the most visual impact, as the subject matter
is taking up most of the composition.
23. Your photograph should provide a compelling reason for the viewer to look at it. When selecting
photos for competition, only pick the ones that “jump out” at you from the bunch. They will offer
the most visual interest for the viewer.
24. A change in aperture is a great technique for creating depth of field.
25. The photograph should have an interesting or thought provoking title.
26. Try to keep your expectations realistic when entering competitions. It is better to win and to have
not expected it, then to not place after hoping for a big win.
27. Set goals and a timeline for your photography career. Entering competitions is a great way to encourage
and challenge you to create new quality photographs.
28. Winning in competitions gives your professional resume and photography added credibility and
valuable recognition.
29. You can’t win if you don’t enter. Enter as many competitions as you can, but be certain that you
are able to retain the copyright of your photographs.
30. Enter competitions in numerous categories to help stretch your creative abilities.
31. Judging in photo competitions is somewhat subjective, so a print that didn’t win in one competition
may win in the next. If you don’t win, and you feel your print is great, try a different competition
and the next judges may agree with you.
32. Try to avoid the last minute massive rush of entries at the competition deadline. Procrastination
may mean a missed deadline and a missed opportunity.
33. When you win in a contest, be sure to notify your local newspapers (with a press release), they are
often looking for “good news” stories and the free news coverage will only increase your credibility
as a photographer and you will gain valuable recognition.
34. Learn from viewing winning images in competitions to understand why the judge may have selected
them. You are likely to find many positive qualities, try to incorporate these qualities into
your work.
35. Choose subjects that clearly fit the competition’s themes.
36. In competitions ornate borders can actually distract the judges’ attention away from your subject
and lower your print score.
37. When entering series of photographs, be sure that all the images are equally appealing. One weak
image in a series can pull the score down on the entire set.

Important things to look for in a winning entry
1. Impact
•  An extraordinary photograph with strong visual impact.
•  The image should “grab” the viewer and demand attention.
2. Creativity
• A unique way of looking at a subject or object.
• Fresh and imaginative approach to the subject.
3. Style
• The photograph should be original in style.
• Does the image stand out from the others?
4.  Composition
• Placement of subject well executed.
• Posing of subject interesting.
5.  Print Presentation
• Print presentation should be flawless.
• A well-presented print will score better than one that is sloppy, bent or dirty.
6.  Color Harmony
•  The photograph should follow an interesting color palette, such as complimentary, analogous or primary
colors, or other interesting combinations.
7.  Center of Interest
•  A photograph’s center of interest should be presented in such a way as to complement and draw
attention the intended subject.
8.  Lighting
•  Photograph should exhibit good control of lighting with detail throughout the image, even in highlights
and shadows.
•  The photograph should have nice contrast, with a quality white and true black.
9.  Subject Matter
•  The subject should have a special quality that will interest the viewer.
•  The photograph must have the appropriate content for the category that has been entered.
10. Technical Excellence/Print Quality
• The photograph should be printed in the highest quality possible. The better the quality, the more
likely the photograph will catch the judges admiration and increase the score.
• Proper exposure to convey a mood.
11. Technique
•  Photograph should have quality technical execution.
•  Correct exposure for the subject matter or mood of photo.
•  Excellent composition, contrast and clarity.
12.  Story Telling Ability
•  The photograph should give enough interesting visual information for the viewer to take interest, then
be able to tell a story either complete, to make the viewer want more, ask questions or simply create a
starting point.

Copyright the National Photo Awards, Inc. TM 2007, all rights reserved

By consulting with reputable online digital photography courses you will learn more skills and how to apply this in your everyday photography and award based contests.

Technorati Tags: Photographic Competitions, Tips & Techniques

Some useful tips to get the novice going in the popular area of portrait photography.

Portrait photography is perhaps the most popular form of photography today. It also can be very lucrative if you acquire the skills to make a professional image. Further information can be acquired with an online photography course, but in the meantime here are some tips.

Most people who know how to point and operate a camera are able to make a portrait photograph. However, there are of course differences in the amateur and professional portrait. Professional portrait photographers have certain abilities and techniques that let them get the best out of their subjects. These techniques can be easily learned with good online photography courses.

A portrait photograph does not only mean a person’s image. It shows character and emotion as well as employing professional approaches. If you want to start shooting portraits and don’t know the essential elements, here are five tips that can give you a good start.

1. Plan
Be sure that you are ready before you go to the photo shoot. Not only that you have all the equipment that you need, but be sure that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting. Document your scene and itemize all tools and props you are going to need. Review this list carefully and make sure nothing is missing.

2. Rapport
Building rapport with your subject is the first thing that you should learn how to achieve. Interest in knowing your subjects are a plus. If you get to know your subject and they know you, they will become more comfortable in front of the camera. When the shoot comes, you have better chances of getting the best natural expressions of the people you are photographing. Sit your subject and initially discuss anything to put them at ease. Many photographers from the film days would spend some time snapping without film for a “rapport time”. Then when they felt the subject was at ease, then use film. With digital this is not necessary, but you get the point.

3. Personality
Try to make sure that your photos will show the personality of your subject. You can only do this if you know the person. So if you don’t know them, get to know them. You can do this in the initial discussion before the session as well as observation during the session. Discover something about the person and their characteristics and try to show this in the photographs. Make sure that their personality shows in their faces. Personality usually appears when the subject is not expecting a shot or is comfortable with you and the equipment.

4. Background
Most portraits have light or dark backgrounds to emphasize the subject. You can also use the environment to add more character to your subject. Also, be sure that the colors of your background and the dress of your subject compliment each other. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer took it for granted. Plain black or white paper or material backgrounds are the favorite choice of professional portrait photographers.

5. Lighting
Most photographers prefer studio lighting as it provides the photographer with much more control than natural light. However, some professionals choose natural lighting but this can be difficult to achieve, as a studio has to be purpose built around the natural elements of the sun. Be sure that light is interesting and flattering, or that it satisfies the angle that you want to emphasize. Portrait photographers generally use two or more lights, underexposing one side of the face by up to one stop. Lighting can have a terrific effect especially if you want a professional looking photograph.

Portrait photography is a really enjoyable hobby. If you’re serious in making it your career, you can be sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect your craft. However, remember that you should have the heart for the job because portrait photography’s first requirement is human interest.

Like to know how to pose your model?: Click Here!

Technorati Tags: Online Portrait Photography Courses, temp, Tips & Techniques

by PJ Francis

It’s easier than you may think to make money as a digital photographer. There are many different ways to make money doing digital photography and here are 15 to get you started.

How to Start a Profitable Photography Business

“If you enjoy taking photos, then starting a photography business will be easy and achievable for you; learn how to earn up to $720 part time, per week … guaranteed!” Have a look here!

Method #1 – Selling Stock Photography: Selling stock photography is easier than you may think. Just take some of your best photos and submit them to stock photography sites. They will be reviewed and if it’s a good photo, it will hopefully be accepted. You’ll get paid about $1-2 every time someone uses your photo.

Method #2 – Screensavers: There’s a lot more money in screensavers than people realize. Take a series of photographs along a theme and make your own screensaver. If the photos are good, they’ll do great on screensaver sites or on eBay.

Method #3 – Help eBay Sellers: eBay sellers often have very poorly taken photos of their items. For higher end eBay sellers, this could be losing them thousands of dollars every month! You can offer your services to these sellers, offering to take photos of their items for them for a fee.

Method #4 – Wedding Photographer: Wedding photography is one of the most popular, profitable and competitive photography fields out there. To get jobs in this area, it’s important to have a very impressive portfolio.

Tips, tricks and techniques for creating breath taking wedding photographs: Click Here!

Method #5 – Restaurant Photography: Have you ever noticed how pretty food plate images are in restaurants? You can bet the owner didn’t take those pictures themselves. Helping restaurants get good photos for their menus or marketing is a great way to position yourself as a photographer.

Method #6 – Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents need listing photographs of new homes they’re listing. Get yourself a few real estate agents you work with regularly and you could quickly be booked with work.

Method #7 – Take Insurance Photos: When someone gets insurance, they usually need to have their belongings photographed. For higher end clients, the process of going through their home item by item taking photos just isn’t a good use of their time. Instead, you can do it for them. For a premium, of course.

Method #8 – Take Online Dating Photos: Your online dating photograph is often the #1 most important thing in your dating profile. As a photographer, you can help both men and women find love, while making a good living at the same time!

Method #9 – Consignment Art: Places like Cafes and restaurants would often love to showcase your artwork. It gives them art on their walls for free. In exchange, you get exposure and potential buyers for your art.

Method #10 – Sporting Events: Local sporting events such as little league games or high school soccer games would often love to have photographers photograph their games.

Interested in Sports Photography? Quickly take advantage of this Market! Click Here!

Method #11 – Church Directories: A church directory is a booklet with photographs of all their members along with names and phone numbers. You can create these booklets for churches for a nice profit.

Method #12 – Make T Shirts: Original T shirts are big sellers on websites on eBay. By taking good photos and putting them on T Shirts, you can make a very good profit.

Method #13 – Craigslist: Craigslist is a great way to find clients. As the biggest classifieds website on the internet, Craigslist is the first place many people look when they need to hire a photographer.

Method #14 – Portrait Photographer: The portrait business is a big business. You can work with a studio or set up your own practice for doing portraits.

Like to know how to pose your model?: Click Here!

Method #15 – Photo Blogging: People love looking at images. If you continue to take images people like to look at and publish them, you can quickly build up a following.

You now have 15 great ideas to get you started as a professional photographer. Just one of these ideas can keep you busy for months. Pick the one that resonates with you and run with it!

Technorati Tags: Online Portrait Photography Courses, temp, Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips transcribed from ‘Digital Photographer’ magazine. The article addressed a good Top 20 list of tips for those wanting to get into Street Photography.

Here is the list:

1. Off the Beaten Track – don’t just go to all the touristy shots – try to get ‘behind the scenes’ and ‘real life’ scenes.

2. Stolen Moments – anticipate moments between people before they happen.

3. True Colors – black and white is often where it’s at with street photography but at times colorful situations arise and can really make a shot – be on the look out for these.

4. In the Background – what’s going on behind your subject can actually ‘make’ the shot. Billboards, signs, graffiti and other visual elements can really make a statement in a shot.

5. Dare to Go Diagonal – don’t just hold your camera horizontally – experiment with angles. Street photography is a less formal medium – make the most of it.

6. Opposites Attract – shots which challenge the ‘norm’ in terms of composition and story/subject matter can be powerful. Look out for ’surprising’ subject matter and composition.

7. What a Performance – street performers, parades and other street entertainment can be great subject matter on the street.

8. Off the Streets – other places where people gather in number can lead to great shots in this genre – zoos, fairs, shows, parks, sporting events etc all can be worth trying.

9. New Angle – find ways to get up high or down low – these new perspectives on subjects that are familiar can lead to eye catching shots.

10. Fortune Favors the Brave – sometimes the best thing you can do is to get close to your subject – this can be a little confronting but will produce powerful images

11. Fun in the Sun – often we try to avoid shooting into the sun and the shadows that direct sunlight can produce – in street photography breaking these ‘rules’ can lead to great shots.

12. Ready to Pounce – have your camera out and ready to shoot at all times. Things can move quickly on the street so if you’re not ready you’ll miss lots of opportunities.

13. Revise the Revisit – street photography is not all about spontaneity – if you see a scene with potential don’t be afraid to keep coming back to it until you get the shot.

14. Frozen Motion – the street is a place of movement – to capture it and still get sharp shots make sure your shutter speed is fast enough. 1/125 or more with an ISO of 400 is what this article recommended as a base. I also think it can be fun to experiment with slower shutter speeds on the street – capture the movement as blur.

15. Street Wallpaper – blend in with the scene – shoot unobtrusively and unnoticed.

16. Life Through a Lens – ‘exaggerating perspective will help set your subject in context and provide a more forgiving ‘depth of field’ – a wide angle lens is useful here.

17. Expect the Expected – people can be suspicious of street photographers so shoot in places where people expect to see people doing photography. Smile, be polite and be willing to delete images if people protest.

18. Location, Location, Location – really this is what it is all about. Choose places where people interact with one another and times when they are present.

19. Less is More – don’t take too much equipment and travel light. It’ll make you less obtrusive and you will be able to move around for the best shot quickly.

20. Practice makes Perfect – over time and with practice your photography will improve. You’ll not only get better at technique but also spotting the things to focus upon on the street.

And to add one of my own:

Be invisible: a wide angle lens can do this for you. At 28 or 35mm you can be including people in your frame, but if they look at you, your camera appears to be pointing elsewhere!
By engaging with reputable online digital photography courses you will learn in more detail about street photography and how to apply this knowledge in your everyday photography.

Technorati Tags: Online Portrait Photography Courses, temp, Tips & Techniques