By Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, Authors of The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

Here are 10 easy ways to greatly improve your digital photographs and avoid the pitfalls that are common with today’s automatic cameras. Professional photographers Michele and Tom Grimm offer these and many more tips in their brand-new handbook, The Basic Book of Digital Photography.

1. Pay Attention to Composition. Too often a picture lacks impact because your subjects seem too far away. Move closer or zoom in to concentrate attention on your main subject and to avoid unwanted ... Read More »]]>

By Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, Authors of The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

Here are 10 easy ways to greatly improve your digital photographs and avoid the pitfalls that are common with today’s automatic cameras. Professional photographers Michele and Tom Grimm offer these and many more tips in their brand-new handbook, The Basic Book of Digital Photography.

1. Pay Attention to Composition.
Too often a picture lacks impact because your subjects seem too far away. Move closer or zoom in to concentrate attention on your main subject and to avoid unwanted elements that are distracting. Make certain you see nothing in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen that you don’t want in the final picture. Be especially alert for cluttered backgrounds. Finally, just before you shoot, check that the horizon appears level in your camera’s viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

2. Vary the Format of Your Pictures.
Cameras make pictures that are rectangular, not square, so you should remember to turn your camera vertically for appropriate subjects, such as portraits of people. In other words, don’t be so lazy that you always hold the camera horizontally. Appropriately, horizontal images are in the format called landscape, while the format for vertical shots is known as portrait.

3. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot.
If you used to shoot with a film camera, break the old habit of just making one or two exposures. The memory cards that are substitutes for film in digital cameras will hold hundreds of pictures and you can easily erase the images you don’t like. So shoot away until you get the perfect picture. A big bonus is that you won’t have to spend extra time at your computer fixing up mediocre shots with image-editing software.

4. Press the Shutter Release Button . . . Don’t Jab It.
More pictures are ruined because of camera shake than for any other reason. The main offense is jabbing or snapping your finger down on the shutter release (which jars the camera). It’s easy to avoid blurred pictures: Just remember to arch your shooting finger and slowly press or squeeze the shutter button. Also, be sure to hold your camera with two hands to help keep it steady.

5. Shoot with Flash Outdoors.
Pictures taken outdoors, especially of people and pets, are frequently better when you use your camera’s built-in flash. That’s because direct sunlight often causes annoying shadows on faces, particularly around the eyes. Flash “fills in” those shadows to provide uniform illumination and a more pleasing portrait. Also, to keep your subjects from squinting in bright sunlight, ask them to turn their backs to the sun. That puts their faces in shadow, which you’ll then illuminate with the flash.

6. Memorize the Shooting Range of Your Flash.
Although they are convenient, built-in flash units are not very powerful and underexposed flash pictures in dark places are often the result. To avoid underexposures (or overexposures) with your flash, memorize its operating range. How distant (or close) can your subject be for a proper exposure? The flash range of a point-and-shoot camera may only be 3 to 12 feet. Caution: the flash range will change as you adjust your camera’s zoom lens; check the instruction manual.

7. Set a Higher ISO for Sharper, Non-blurred Images, and Greater Flash Range.
Keep in mind that adjusting your camera’s ISO to a higher number, such as ISO 800 instead of ISO 100, automatically sets smaller lens openings for more sharply focused images, as well as faster shutter speeds for stop-action, non-blurry pictures. It also extends the maximum distance range of a built-in or dedicated flash unit. Unfortunately, a very high ISO, such as ISO 1600 or 3200 (if available) may cause unwanted effects in digital images called artifacts. Take some test pictures at different ISO settings to compare the results.

8. Read and Reread Your Camera Manual (and our Digital Photo Book).
Most new camera owners look at the instructions only once or twice, if at all. But modern digital cameras, whether point-and-shoot or SLR (single lens reflex) models, are not as simple as their advertisements suggest. Study the instruction booklet until you’re familiar with all of the camera’s buttons, symbols, and picture possibilities. If you lose the instructions or forget to bring them on a trip, log onto your camera manufacturer’s Web site and download a copy of the manual.

9. Compose Pictures with Your Viewfinder, Not the LCD.
Unless you’re taking close-ups, it is easier, faster, and steadier to compose pictures by using your camera’s viewfinder (if available) instead of the LCD screen. There is more support with the camera pressed to your face as you look through the viewfinder instead of trying to hold it steady at arm’s length while composing subjects on the LCD screen. Also, you won’t be bothered by bright light that makes it difficult to see images on the LCD.

10. Don’t Let the Date and Time Deface Your Pictures.
Make sure your camera is not set to automatically print the time and date of your shots on the front of your pictures; it will ruin their appearance. Besides, you should be aware that the time and date are embedded in every photo image file as hidden metadata that can be viewed at anytime with image-editing software on your computer.

©2009 Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, authors of The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures
Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm, authors of The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures, are a husband-and-wife photojournalism team who have spent nearly four decades traveling the globe; the couple has visited every continent and more than 130 countries in search of the perfect photographic image. Their photographs and articles have been published worldwide in magazines and newspapers and on the Internet. The Grimms are authors and illustrators of thirteen adult and children’s books.

For more information, please visit www.TomGrimm.com and www.amazon.com.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! The most romantic day of the year is upon us in a few weeks! Have you already found the perfect gift for your Valentine? Well, if you haven’t, I HAVE the perfect gift!

There is an up and coming trend in the photography world called “boudoir photo shoots”. It started in the bridal industry, brides wanting to take a few intimate photos for their soon-to-be hubby as they are getting ready for the wedding, what they could expect AFTER the wedding, or what they may have on UNDER that wedding gown. ... Read More »]]>

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! The most romantic day of the year is upon us in a few weeks! Have you already found the perfect gift for your Valentine? Well, if you haven’t, I HAVE the perfect gift!

There is an up and coming trend in the photography world called “boudoir photo shoots”. It started in the bridal industry, brides wanting to take a few intimate photos for their soon-to-be hubby as they are getting ready for the wedding, what they could expect AFTER the wedding, or what they may have on UNDER that wedding gown. Do you see where I’m going with this? They end up being these amazing intimate photos and an absolutely unforgettable gift.

So, women, as well as photographers, are taking this one step further by offering “boudoir photo shoots” that is stepping out past the realm of bridal and into the “everday’ world”. Why not? It’s a great opportunity to do something “out of the ordinary” for your companion, a.k.a Valentine, for the upcoming sweetheart holiday, a birthday, or even an anniversary.

The first step: you need a good reputable photographer that has experience in these types of shots. I say that, because a good photographer will take it beyond the sterotype of “trashy lingerie photos” and turn the photos into beautiful works of art! Another reason that you want an experienced photographer for something like this is, they will respect the intimacy level of these photos, do everything they can to make you comfortable, and will let YOU call the shots to what level of comfort you are needing in regards to setting the scene, what you choose to wear, etc. Sure, the photos can be sensual with varying degrees of lingerie, but, have FUN with it too! My hubby loves cake, which is why I did a shot of me eating a cupcake. I did sexy lingerie, but, he also loves cars, so I did a few photos that incorporated that too. Take who you are, think about what your companion loves… mix the two together and you will have some wonderful works of art!

As it’s been revealed with this article, I did a boudoir photo shoot for my husband with a fantastic photographer (in Tulsa) by the name of Jesse Reich. I can’t believe I’m “letting the world” know about this. Eeks! But, it was important to share about the feelings and emotions I had from doing something “out of the norm” for me. I have to say, it was the most amazing experience! I had worked with Jesse on some other projects and he was sharing with me this new avenue of business. It started out to be this fun, “out-of-the-box” gift for my hubby’s birthday. But, it turned out to be this really great gift for me too.
I know, you are wondering what in the world am I talking about. But, it really was an amazing gift for me too! It gave me a renewed confidence within myself. I scheduled my appointment, picked out my outfits, thought about the type of shots I wanted, and headed to my photo shoot. When I arrived, I was SO NERVOUS! During the first part of the shoot, I thought my heart was going to come right out of my chest. I have done photo shoots before, but, nothing on such an intimate level (especially knowing they were for my hubby). I was FREAKING OUT! But, Jesse was amazing and he calmed me down, respected me, and told me to have fun!

As we turned the music up and I started to relax, I found myself having a ball with it! Knowing they were for my hubby, it gave me this little kick of adrenaline. I can’t really explain it, but, I was having so much fun! All of a sudden this air of confidence came over me. I didn’t care that my skin is/was not perfect, that the “dimples” on my thighs and bum were shining through, that my teeth were crooked or not glowing white…it didn’t matter. None of it mattered! At that moment, I felt like I was the most beautiful woman in the world and I left the studio feeling like I could really “kick some a**”! My apologies on the choice of words, but, it’s the only way to describe this level of self-esteem and confidence that had come over me from doing something that I thought I could NEVER do and stepping “out-of-my-box”. It was an amazing feeling of confidence that I can’t ever really explain in words. I left feeling like I could conquer the world!

This gift that started out for my husband turned out to be a gift for myself. It was a perfect way to surprise him (he was TOTALLY blown away) and I surprised myself too. It is a gift that we will both cherish!

I’m telling you ladies, it’s a great way to surprise your Valentine and do something for yourself too. You may be wondering WHY I shared this idea with you? It is a personal one. But, I think it’s important to see the “moral” of the story. I walked away with a whole new level of CONFIDENCE that I didn’t even know that I had. Style, your own personal style, isn’t just about what you put ON your body, it’s about how you feel on the inside too. Confidence is HUGE when it comes to personal style! A person’s aura is entirely different when you are filled with confidence! Try this, I’m telling you, you won’t regret it! And, even if it’s not a boudoir photo shoot, every once in awhile, do something that you thought you would NEVER do. When you accomplish it, you will feel so empowered!

Visit  www.jessereich.com

In such a ho hum environment where people go about their morning routine, ... Read More »]]> While wasting time one morning last summer, I found myself sitting in a Waffle House having coffee. An unexpected and unusual trip landed me in a booth with a birds-eye view of the whole joint. I felt comfortable in the retro vibe and lured in by the odd aroma of bacon cooking and the lingering smell of cleaning agents.  There was such a somber mood shared by the staff and patrons alike. We were all in one small place and yet completely alone in our own little worlds.

In such a ho hum environment where people go about their morning routine, I began to dream of how a chance encounter of two young lovers could breathe life into an otherwise lifeless restaurant and warm it from within.

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I believe love can happen in the strangest of places. Could this have really happened here in the past? Regardless, it was taking place in my mind and I knew I had to give “their” story life through a photographic essay form- my favorite! Adding in the skillful eye of a videographer created the avenue to share this story with others.

A special thanks to the perfect couple, Phil and Somer who shamelessly showed their love to the world. To my friend Sean for helping produce my vision and taking it on as if it were his own. And yes, the Waffle House for allowing us to use their restaurant as our stage. Love in a Waffle House

I was an avid amateur photographer before I had my son in October 2008, but I’m a little embarrassed to admit just how many times I’ve clicked that shutter since his birth.  Kids are beings that just BEG to be photographed – they’re adorable, messy, and delightfully candid.  Are the photos you’re taking of the kids in your life worth a thousand words?  Here are a couple of tips and tricks for taking amazing pictures of kids:

Quantity CAN equal quality. My son is one of those kids who smiles for pictures- AFTER the flash has gone off.  Missing ... Read More »]]>

I was an avid amateur photographer before I had my son in October 2008, but I’m a little embarrassed to admit just how many times I’ve clicked that shutter since his birth.  Kids are beings that just BEG to be photographed – they’re adorable, messy, and delightfully candid.  Are the photos you’re taking of the kids in your life worth a thousand words?  Here are a couple of tips and tricks for taking amazing pictures of kids:

Quantity CAN equal quality. My son is one of those kids who smiles for pictures- AFTER the flash has gone off.  Missing that toothy (or toothless) grin is no fun.  If you have a “multiple shots” or “burst photography” setting on your camera, use it!  It will let you hold the shutter release button down on the camera and continue taking pictures until you let it go.  A good DSLR can shoot at up to 4 frames per second, ensuring that you capture that random grin your 4-week-old gives you.  Or maybe that was just gas.  Adorable either way.

Deep-six the flash. The flashes on most cameras are too bright and will totally wash out your subjects.  Whenever possible, shoot in natural light – outside, near a window, or in a well-lit room.  You’ll be amazed at the amount of detail in your shots that you would otherwise obscure with the flash – the true colour of your little guy’s eyes, or the delicate, downy hairs on the cheek of your newborn.  Without the flash, everything has so much more depth to it.

Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty. Wear comfortable clothes when photographing kids – it’ll be easier to crawl around on the floor/grass/mud to get down to their level.  Too many pictures of kids are taken from a standing “adult’s point of view”, with your little darling tilting her head up and smiling for you.  It’s when you get down to a child’s point of view that the best photos are captured.  Let them do their thing in their natural habitat (I just realized it sounds like I’m talking about photographing primates), but don’t be afraid to get nice and close.   You can create a lovely shallow depth of field if you capture a picture at eye level, making your little guy or gal’s face just pop out from the background.

Fill your frame. Let’s face it – a lot of empty space in a picture is boring.  Filling your frame with your subject’s face, or even a part of the body, creates an appealing picture with plenty of texture and colour.  Don’t be afraid to get abstract when using this method – I have the most amazing picture of my son’s eyelashes and cheeks when he was 10 weeks old.  I took it on a whim and it’s hanging as an 8 x 10 print in my Mom and Dad’s kitchen.

There’s no wrong way to photograph children, but you’ll be amazed with what can result if you push the envelope and step out of your comfort zone.  Have you taken a photo of your child/children that you’re particularly proud of?  Find me on Flickr so you can show me your handiwork!

Allison Empey,

Guest contributor

Allison Empey is a 29-year-old medical transcriptionist from Ontario, Canada.  She is happily married since 2006 and is having an obscene amount of fun being a mom to her 15-month-old son, Hayden.  Allison is an avid amateur photography with a penchant for portraiture.  She loves to write, and to make people laugh, and has combined the two passions by regularly updating her blog.   Allison’s other loves?  Reading, board games, medicine, cheesecake and wine.

Check out Allison’s websites:  www.flickr.com/allygalore for photos, www.galore.tumblr.com for hilarious (and modest) blog, and www.twitter.com/AllyEmpey to follow her on Twitter!

As if decking the Halls, and scheduling everyone’s holiday schedule isn’t stressful enough, it’s that  time of year when all of us seem to be scrambling to find the perfect gift for the people we love, the ones we only get to see once a year if we are lucky! Can I get an Amen? Hopefully, I can help you out in your quest, and you may be surprised that you can find everything you need in a shoebox in the closet and a computer.

It’s no secret how I found my profession and passion. I remember it well, a spring ... Read More »]]>

As if decking the Halls, and scheduling everyone’s holiday schedule isn’t stressful enough, it’s that  time of year when all of us seem to be scrambling to find the perfect gift for the people we love, the ones we only get to see once a year if we are lucky! Can I get an Amen? Hopefully, I can help you out in your quest, and you may be surprised that you can find everything you need in a shoebox in the closet and a computer.

It’s no secret how I found my profession and passion. I remember it well, a spring day 12 years ago I had this overwhelming urge to get the family together for a family photo. No one could juggle their schedules to get together and the issue was dropped. It really bothered me but what can a girl do? Three days later my father died suddenly of a heart attack. I realized at that moment that every “thing” I was ever going to get from my father I owned, and every photo I had of him was already taken.

A few years later, my cousin presented me with a photo of me and my father embracing.  Obviously nothing fancy, but priceless!

You guess it! My gift giving ideas are all about photos!

The digital age has transformed the way we view our photos and has made it incredibly simple to reproduce and share.

One of my favorite sites for digital cards is www.smilebox.com.  Their creations can turn your photos into a mini slide show while having the look and feel of a greeting card. I use this company for every birthday and special occasion.

One of my “go to” companies for professional slideshows is www.emotionmedia.com. You can upload your photos directly from your computer, select your music and it will arrive on your doorstep within the week! E Motion Media will do all the work for you.

For online slide shows visit www.vimeo.com.

If you want to turn a photo into jewelry www.kimbrastudios.com is a wonderful place to visit. For men they have belt buckles, money clips, and key chains. For women, there are necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and so much more! Their designs are made out of sterling silver so need to worry about the “cheese” factor! Simply beautiful craftsmanship!

www.flashbags.com is a great place to make your own photo bags. Want to give someone a tote or a purse with special photographs? Flash Bags are wonderful and don’t break the bank.

And one more idea just for you, if you are giving a book you can turn the pages into a treasure trove by using photo splits to affix old photos throughout the book. Not only is the book a real page turner the photos are a nice added touch.

Turn your photos into gift tags. When you use photo gift tags there is no reason to read the tags just look at the photo. You will be amazed at how much people comment on the gift wrapping. Suddenly, your tag is a gift for the gift!

Let me know your ideas and what you like to do with your photos.

Coming soon a article just for decorating with photos at Holiday time!

Looking forward to getting to know each other better!