Mastering Digital Photography Lighting
<
When you are taking photos and the lighting conditions are perfect, then digital photography lighting is not a problem. Unfortunately, most of the time, the conditions are not ideal so photographers have to learn to use light to get the desired results. The first thing you want to be concerned with is the main source of light on your subject. Ask yourself questions such as where the light source comes from, do you require artificial light, is there enough natural light and will your tripod need stabilizing because of low light? You need to master digital photography lighting to get the clarity and detail in your image. Sometimes a flash is all you need, while other occasions require different lighting. Remember that a flash does not benefit all situations.
You do not want a flash to interfere artistically or socially, such as during someone’s wedding vows, as you will end up with a flat digital image. This occurs frequently on digital cameras with a built-in flash and they also only light the subject from the front. Because of this the digital photo depth is compressed, which really decreases and detracts from the digital image. One way to avoid this is by watching exactly where the light falls. Once you learn and understand about digital photography lighting, the task becomes easier as you learn exactly what does and does not work when using a flash. Use a higher ISO to help alleviate a low light problem - this is a sensor that is light sensitive - but remember that there is an increase in noise when using the ISO. Fortunately, some good software programs available on the market today do reduce the noise. Adjusting the ISO to a higher level also works great in situations where a flash is not acceptable, such as someone giving a speech, where a flash would be disruptive.
If you take many sports photographs, try experimenting with and without a flash and your camera settings, to learn what works best. A built-in flash is more effective up close, where an external flash is more powerful. Many sports stadiums remain well enough lit to take pictures without a flash and many do not allow a flash, because it distracts the competitors. One digital photography lighting technique that works well for taking still subjects in very low light is image stabilization. IS or image stabilization allows you to lower your shutter speed, which works great, but this is not suitable for fast-moving images. In any case, read your camera manual, as many digital cameras have a built-in mode for taking sports pictures. This controls the amount of light admitted, the ISO and the shutter speed, so you end up with the best photograph possible, under the lighting conditions you find yourself working in.
By: Terence Roberts
About the Author:
Canon 2400 Digital SLR Camera Case Gadget Bag + Tripod + LP-E5 Battery + Accessory Kit for EOS Rebel XS, XSi & T1i
Kit includes: 1) Canon 2400 Digital SLR Gadget Bag; 2) Deluxe Camera Tripod with Carrying Case; 3) Spare LP-E5 Rechargeable Battery; 4) USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigital Card Reader; 5) Digital Image Recovery Software; 6) Memory Card Storage Wallet; 7) LCD Screen Protectors; 
Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece DSLR Cleaning Kit ♦
Made from rugged, water-repellant Nylon, and outfitted with a non-slip reinforced handle, this compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories. A mesh pocket inside the top flap provides for easy access to film, memory cards or batteries. Large zipper pocket inside the front flap protects filters, pens, cleaning supplies, and lens caps. Additional zippered side pockets for storing extra accessories. Travel is made even easier and safer with the slip-resistant shoulder strap. Tripod carrying straps. The best feature however is its large (9.5 x 7 x 6 in.) padded storage and compartment space. Removable velcro divi (more...)
Canon 200DG Digital SLR Camera Case Gadget Bag + Tripod Accessory Kit for Canon EOS Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T1i, 50D, 40D, 5D, 7D Digital SLR Cameras
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Canon 200DG Digital SLR Camera Case - Gadget Bag
♦ 2) Precision Design Deluxe Camera Tripod with Carrying Case
Protect your valuable camera investment with this Canon Brand camera carrying case.
Made from rugged, water-repellant Nylon, and outfitted with a non-slip reinforced handle, this compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories. A mesh pocket inside the top flap provides for easy access to film, memory cards or batteries. Large zipper pocket inside the front flap protects filters, pens, cleaning supplies, and lens caps. Additional zippered side and front pockets for storing extra accessories. Travel is made even easier and safer with the non-slip, detachable and adjustable shoulder strap.
Whether you use this case for your Digital or your 35mm SLR, the Canon Compartment Case will hold all of your most essential accessories.
Key Features:
♦ Holds 1-2 SLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses and accessories
♦ W (more...)
Joby GP1-EBEN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Blue)
Amazon.com
The Joby Gorillapod makes taking digital photos more fun than ever. Designed with self-timer photography in mind, the Gorillapod lets you mount your camera just about anywhere you want so that you can include everyone in your automatic shots. All you need to do is use the universal 1/4-20 screw to attach your camera to the standard tripod mount, then wrap the three flexible segmented legs securely to a nearby tree branch, fence, park bench, or anything else that's convenient. Say goodbye to holding your camera at arm's length to take a photo of yourself and your friends--now you can be free to pose however you like! Durable and innovative, the Gorillapod weighs just 1.6 ounces, or 45 grams, and can support cameras weighing up to 12.5 ounces, or 335 grams. Measuring just under six inches in length, the Gorillapod fits easily into any purse, backpack, or even jacket pocket.
The Joby Gorillapod firmly secures your camera to just about a (more...)
Sony VCT-R640 Lightweight Tripod for DSCV1/P41/W1/P93/P73/P92/P100/P150/F88/F828 Digital Cameras
From the Manufacturer
Imagine the creative shots youll take when you stow along a Sony tripod. Simply mount your SONY digital imaging product (check for compatibility) on one of these extremely portable tripods and soon youll be snapping timed exposures or detailed close-ups without any jiggles. Expands from 21" to 56" in height
Get steadier, professional-looking footage with this lightweight tripod. Its three-way pan head lets you follow the action left, right, up or down. The quick-release function lets you go mobile in a few seconds. It features expandable height from 21.5 to 56 inches.
Vidpro Gripster Flexible Camera Tripod for Compact Digital Cameras, GP-10
When your digital camera needs support for unique photo shoots, an ordinary tripod might not be able to tackle the job. The Gripster is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today. Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gripster will firmly secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface ? anywhere and everywhere! Gripster is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your pocket or backpack and you'll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gripster serves all the functions of a traditional camera tripod - steadying your camera under low-light conditions, taking timed group shots, etc. - it is the only tripod malleable enough to provide you with the perfect shot while wrapped around a tree branch, hanging from a pole, or perched on a jagged rock. The possibilities are endless!
Sony VCTMTK Travel Tripod for Compatible Sony Cameras & Camcorders
From the Manufacturer
This portable tripod is perfect for those who need a steady hand for picture and video taking. Its metal alloy finish, expandable legs (up to 7-1/8'') and carrying pouch not only makes this a stylish addition to your accessories but also provides the steadiness you need to produce beautiful works of art. Features and specifications include: Compatible with: DCRPC101, MVCCD350/500,DSCP8/10/32/52/72/92 digital cameras High tech construction adds unique style Compact design for easy portability Compact design for easy portability Extendable legs allow for a maximum height of 7 inches Portable Tripod specs: Dimension(Approx.): Max. Height 180, Min. Height 135mm (7 1/8 , 5 3/8inches) (Min.Height=Leg Close) Weight: (Approx.) 130g (4.6oz) Material: Zinc / Brass / ABS / Elastomer Color: Silver Spec & Remarks -1: Maximum Load 1.2kg(42.4oz) Cleaning Cloth specs: Dimension: (Approx.)Width 150mm x Length 150mm (6 x 6inches) Dimension(Approx.) Width 1 (more...)
Joby Gorillapod Focus GP8 Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras
The strongest, largest Gorillapod yet, the Gorillapod Focus is designed with the professional photographer in mind. Its machined aluminum sockets offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment. Best of all, it supports a whopping 11 pounds! Like Jobys entire lineup of Gorillapod tripods, the Focus is cleverly designed to help you capture the perfect time-lapse, available-light, night-time or long-exposure image. Wrap it around a railing, hang it from a tree, or stand it on a table in the studio; the Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a professional tripod at a fraction of the size, weight and price. Wherever your journey may take you, we believe the Gorillapod Focus will quickly become your favorite new travel companion. Gorillapod Focus Highlights Sturdier aluminum-reinforced sockets support professional equipment and help you get a steady shot in virtually any environment. Flexible joints bend and rotate 360 degrees (more...)
Sunpak 620-786 Mini-Spider Tripod
The Sunpak 620-786; Flex Leg Mini-Spider Tripod holds compact 35mm and digital cameras. It is only 5 inches long and weighs less than two ounces and Features individually adjustable, flexible legs.
Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head
Dolica¿s 62" Aluminum Proline Tripod is ideal for both indoor and outdoor photography It is perfect for events, sports activity, capturing that one amazing shot Designed for use with Point-N-Shoot cameras and / or Digital SLR cameras Tripod Features: Professional Aluminum alloy construction and able to support up to 13.2 lbs Base thread: 3/8" Ballhead, quick release plate, bubble level and compass 90 degree vertical platform Standard-wide angle, semi-wide angle, full-wide angle Quick release leg locks and non-slip rubber feet.
