Howcast

How to Photobomb

Howcast — Tue, 17 May 2011 04:01:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find an photograph Find an opportunity for a photobomb. Look for people posing for a picture, where your presence would be grossly out of place.
TIP: Weddings and parties often provide many photobombing opportunities.
Step 2: Prepare to photobomb Get in position to sneak into the picture. Estimate the photographer’s likely field of vision to ensure you’ll make it all the way into the photograph.
Step 3: Time it right Choose the exact moment to photobomb. Watch for the photographer to count down, or the subjects to pose or say cheese.
Step 4: Make it memorable Right before the shutter clicks, move into frame. Make expressions or gestures to upend the photo’s context.
Step 5: Flee the scene Leave the immediate vicinity to avoid the victims’ revenge. Once you’re safe, be on the lookout for the next carefully planned photo setup to disrupt.
FACT: A 1997 Seinfeld episode revolved around one of the characters being hired by someone he’d unintentionally photobombed years earlier.

You Will Need

Photograph in progress
Timing

How to Avoid Red Eye in Photos

Howcast — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:45:35 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Don’t use a flash Turn off your camera’s automatic flash to eliminate red eye. To compensate for the loss of light, go outside, turn on lights in the room, or use a slower shutter speed or camera setting that is intended for low-light photography.
Step 2: Use the anti red-eye function If you need to use flash, turn on the anti red-eye feature on your camera if it has one. Look for an image of an eye among the flash settings, or consult your camera’s instruction booklet to find the setting. The short flashes of light cause pupils to constrict and diminish the red-eye effect.
TIP: Have your photo subjects look directly at a light right before posing for the picture if you do not have an anti red-eye setting.
Step 3: Look away Instruct your subjects to look slightly to the side of the camera lens. Looking to the side changes the angle of light that your retinas reflect and can reduce red eye.
Step 4: Use an external flash Mount an external flash to your camera using a bracket that sets the flash off to one side. This technique changes the angle of reflected light and minimizes red eye.
TIP: Place a thin white cloth over your camera’s flash if you can’t use an external flash. The cloth diffuses the light before it gets to your subject’s eyes, which decreases red-eye problems.
Step 5: Touch up photos Once you’ve taken the picture, remove red eye with basic photo-editing software included with your computer or with a more expensive, professional program. If you have the time and skill to edit photos, you can get rid of most blemishes with no problem!
FACT: Although singer David Bowie looks like he has a brown eye and a blue eye, he actually has an enlarged pupil in one eye, making it appear as though his eyes are 2 different colors.

You Will Need

Camera
External flash
Photo-editing software

How to Take Photos of Food

Howcast — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:45:34 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Set up Set up everything you need — lights, setting, garnishments, etc. — before bringing out the food. Food changes after being cooked. For example, sauces congeal, or cereal gets soggy. Leave yourself time to get the perfect shot of the food rather than setting up equipment.
Step 2: Study the food Study the food. Ask yourself what it is about the food that is appealing to you or what makes it unique. The texture, color, and shape of the food should be considered.
TIP: Place food against a contrasting background, like black beans on a white plate, to make them pop rather than fade into the background.
Step 3: Use a tripod Use a tripod, because photos of food should be taken at close range. In low light situations, the tripod will enable you to take longer exposures.
Step 4: Consider lighting Play with different ways of lighting the subject. Use small lighting equipment so you can easily move it around for different shots.
TIP: On bright days, wear white or neutral colors so that light reflects off of you and back onto your subject.
Step 5: Shoot from several angles Use a lower angle for single plates of food and a higher one for large spreads. Make sure the the food always fills your frame. When you get done shooting from one angle, go to another.
Step 6: Pay attention to details Prepare the plate with great care. Pay attention to details. Every little mistake will be visible in the picture, so keep the plate itself simple and don’t overcrowd it.
Step 7: Use garnishes Use accessories like flowers or flatware to help set a mood for your photo. You can suggest a location to your audience with a few simple props. And if you follow these tips correctly, they will wish the plate was in front of them.
FACT: The first photograph of a person was taken in Paris in 1839 by Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre.

You Will Need

Camera
Lighting equipment
Garnishments
Table or other setting
Plate
Food
Tripod
Attention to detail

How to Take Photos of Christmas Lights

Howcast — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:31:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick the right time of day Pick the right time of day, after sunset and before it gets totally dark. You will have a 10-minute window of perfect lighting conditions.
Step 2: Include the sky in your photos Include the sky in your photos for a nice backdrop.
TIP: You may need to crouch down or get on your knees and aim up. This approach may lead to some interesting shots.
Step 3: Set your white balance to tungsten Set your white balance to tungsten. It will show more true white color, so your photos won’t look yellowed.
Step 4: Set your shutter speed Set your shutter speed anywhere from one quarter to one second. You will need a faster shutter speed on windy nights, because the wind will cause the lights to move.
TIP: Use a tripod, enable mirror lock-up, and use a shutter release or the camera’s timer to prevent camera shake.
Step 5: Adjust the aperture and ISO Adjust the aperture and ISO accordingly to correctly compose the photo.
Step 6: Practice Practice shooting until the light is just right. Your eyes will not be able to tell the difference, but the results will show on your camera’s screen. Soon you will see a perfect mix of the ambient light and the Christmas lights. When this happens — shoot away.
FACT: Frankenmuth, Michigan is home to the the proclaimed largest Christmas store in the world, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Over 100,000 individual Christmas lights shine in the store every day.

You Will Need

Camera
Christmas lights
Tripod (optional)

How to Achieve Artistic Lens Flare

Howcast — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:46:17 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose the right time of day Choose the right time of day so the subject of your photo is in the right position. Point the lens of your camera into the sun and position your subject facing you.
TIP: If your subject is a person, positioning them is easier, since they can move. Positioning is harder if you are shooting a building, landscape, or monument and you want to capture a certain side.
Step 2: Crouch down Crouch down so you are shooting up at the sun while adding interest to your subject. Make sure the flare will not cover your subject’s primary features of interest.
Step 3: Set your camera to manual mode Set your camera to manual mode so you can choose the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Experiment with all three. Remember to keep the aperture at a large setting in order to blur the background, keeping the viewer’s eye on the subject. A low ISO of about 200 should be sufficient due to the large amount of sunlight.
TIP: If you keep your camera on automatic mode you will end up with a silhouette of your subject.
Step 4: Take photos Take your photos, experimenting with different settings until you get the look you want.
FACT: Sharp introduced the first camera phone in Japan in 2000.

You Will Need

SLR camera
Sunny day
Subject

How to Choose the Right Lens for Your DSLR Camera

Howcast — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:45:43 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Know that a kit lens is inferior Know that if you bought your DSLR in a kit that included a lens, chances are the lens is not going to be as good as any lens you can buy separately.
Step 2: Learn about f-stop Learn that the f-stop on a lens indicates how much light passes through the aperture to the sensor of the camera. A low f-stop means a wide aperture, which means less light is needed to take a picture. F-stop also affects focus. A wider aperture keeps your subject in focus and the background blurry, but a narrow aperture keeps everything in focus.
Step 3: Understand focal length Understand focal length, which is measured in millimeters. The bigger the number, the higher the magnification. An 18 millimeter lens is very wide compared to a 250 millimeter lens.
Step 4: Budget Determine your budget for lenses, and start with the basics. Buy a standard prime lens. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. A 50 millimeter prime lens is the perfect starter lens.
TIP: Use your old SLR lenses on your DSLR camera if both cameras have the same lens mount.
Step 5: Get a telephoto lens Get a telephoto lens, like an 85 millimeter, to take portraits or to get closer shots of distant objects without moving the camera.
Step 6: Take landscape pictures Take landscape and wide pictures with a wide-angle lens. For very wide, go with an 18 millimeter lens. For just a little wider than the 50 millimeter lens, use a 35 millimeter prime lens.
Step 7: Zoom Zoom from a wide shot to a close-up with a zoom lens. Unlike prime lenses, zoom lenses let you change focal length. A good zoom lens is a 50- to 250-millimeter zoom. Understand, though, that you lose light and sharpness with a zoom lens.
Step 8: Take pictures Use your new lenses to get the shots you want using all of the technology available.
FACT: In 2006, Carl Zeiss of Zeiss Lenses, built a telephoto lens that weighed 564 pounds with a focal length of 1700 millimeters, making it one of the largest telephoto lenses in the world.

You Will Need

DSLR camera
Budget
Standard lens
Telephoto lens
Wide-angle lens
Zoom lens
SLR lenses (optional)

How to Take Great Winter Pictures

Howcast — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:01:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Put on layers Put on several layers of warm clothing before heading out to photograph Old Man Winter. Make sure you have warm, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and a coat — you can’t take pictures with frostbite.
TIP: Wear thick mittens over thin gloves, so when you’re ready to shoot your pictures, you can pull the mittens off to get a better hold on the camera.
Step 2: Get equipment Use a camera that can withstand cold temperatures. Keep your camera in a camera bag until you’re ready to shoot and carry extra batteries in the camera bag.
Step 3: Use the magic hour Use the time just before sunrise and just after sunset, also known as the “magic hour,” to your advantage. These beautifully lit times of day are longer in the winter, giving you more time to capture winter’s beauty.
Step 4: Find color Find splashes of color in the often gray winter landscape. This will help brighten your photos and draw the viewer’s eye to them.
Step 5: Adjust exposure Adjust your camera’s exposure to help it capture the bright whiteness of the snow. If you are using a standard digital camera, look for a sand and snow setting.
Step 6: Find winter scenes Find interesting subjects, like people engaging in winter activities, ice, and surviving plant life to make your photos the most wintry, wonderful frozen moments.
FACT: Winter at the north or south pole of Uranus is 42 Earth-years long.

You Will Need

Warm clothing
Camera
Camera bag
Batteries
Snacks (optional)
Water (optional)

How to Take Great Spring Break Photos

Howcast — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:53 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Bring 2 cameras Take 2 cameras on your trip. Bring one that takes good quality photos and has lots of storage, like a digital SLR, and another that’s portable, like a disposable film camera or camera phone, so you never miss a shot.
TIP: Pack a spare memory card and battery if you have them so you won’t have to worry about deleting pictures to make room for new ones, or running out of power during your trip.
Step 2: Put a subject in Make a good photo of a cathedral or beach better by putting people in the foreground. Without expensive and heavy equipment, your photos of scenery can disappoint, but you’ll still cherish them if they feature a loved one.
Step 3: Take action shots Take a mixture of posed and candid photos, but don’t forget to capture lots of action. Photos of people moving tend to be more creative and memorable than still shots, so instead of telling your subjects to say “cheese,” tell them to “jump!”
TIP: Set your digital camera to burst or continuous mode, which takes several pictures in rapid succession, so when there’s action you’re bound to capture a good shot.
Step 4: Be aware of the lighting Be aware of the lighting before you take an important shot. Move your body around the subject until the light is coming from behind you, and remember to use a flash at nighttime and for indoor shots.
Step 5: Place subject off-center Make your subject slightly off-center in the camera frame, whether it’s a face or the horizon. It’s a truism of photo composition that a little asymmetry makes more pleasing photographs.
FACT: As of 2010, flights to Cancun dropped 22 percent during the spring break season, while flights to domestic locations like Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando all increased more than 25 percent.

You Will Need

2 cameras
Subjects
Action shots
Perfect lighting
Spare memory card (optional)
Spare battery (optional)
Burst mode (optional)

How to Spot a Photo That’s Been Retouched

Howcast — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:43:35 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Look at the lines Look at any square images in the photo, like road signs. Natural photos don’t contain perfect 90-degree angles–but computers even them out.
Step 2: Find patterns Look for recurring images–like the same cloud pattern or a group of people that is repeated elsewhere in the crowd. This indicates that a part of the picture has been replicated to cover up something else.
Step 3: Study shadows Study shadows to make sure they’re consistent. If two people in a photo are looking at each other, but the shadows on their faces indicate they’re both looking directly at the sun–bingo! You’re looking at a composite image.
Step 4: Inspect seams Look closely at where body parts meet. When a head has been placed on someone else’s body, it often appears at an odd angle and/or at a weird distance from the neck.
Step 5: Use Photoshop Import the image and view it in Photoshop, if you have it. Click on ‘image,’ then ‘adjustments,’ then ‘hue/saturation.’ Set hue to ‘low’ and saturation to ‘high.’ Now scroll the light bar back and forth. Splotches of discoloration indicate photo tampering.
FACT: During John Kerry’s 2004 presidential bid, someone merged a picture of Kerry at a 1971 peace rally and Jane Fonda at a political rally one year later to make it seem as though they were protesting the war together.

You Will Need

A keen eye
Photoshop (optional) (optional) (optional)

How to Take Great Pictures of Cats

Howcast — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:46:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose the correct aperture to blur a busy background.
Step 2: Get down on their level Get down on the same level as the cat. Avoid shooting your photos looking down at the cat.
Step 3: Capture personality Capture the cat’s personality. If you have a fat, lazy cat, set up your photo session in their favorite napping spot. If your cat is younger and full of energy, add their favorite toy and take action photos.
TIP: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action.
Step 4: Avoid using a flash Avoid using a flash. It may scare or distract the cat. Take the pictures using daylight.
TIP: It may be necessary to use a flash when photographing black cats because their black fur tends to absorb the light and the images will be underexposed.
Step 5: Catch them in the act Catch your cat in action. Try to be inconspicuous. If they are unaware of your presence, you will be able to capture the most natural images. Stalk your cat and when they are least expecting it, shoot away.
FACT: Cats are the no. 2 most popular pet in the U.S., coming in second to fish.

You Will Need

Cat
Camera

How to Photograph Natural Phenomena Phenomenally

Howcast — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:45:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pack light Pack light — less is more when you’re communing with nature. All you need is a camera with manual settings — an SLR or an advanced point-and-shoot — a tripod to help stabilize your shots, and extra batteries and memory cards.
Step 2: Get phenomenal light Skip the snooze button and bypass cocktail hour; 2 of nature’s most phenomenal displays — and the trickiest to capture — are sunrise and sunset. Because the intense light in the sky is often overexposed, try different exposures, starting with a fast shutter speed and working down to slower ones. If your camera allows it, adjust your white balance to “cloudy” or “shade” to better capture the warm tones of the light.
TIP: For other photos, shoot during the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset — the “magic hours” that produce more texture, warmer colors, and a softer quality than at midday.
Step 3: Shoot reflections Standard shots of babbling brooks are fine for grandma, but for a really interesting take on a body of water, look for reflections of the surrounding landscape. To get the best angle, get close to the water and low to the ground. Set the focus on the reflection, and wait for the water to be still and smooth before snapping your picture.
Step 4: Catch the wind Sure, nature’s purdy, but your friends will only look at so many landscapes without yawning. Add some action by photographing objects blowing in the wind. Set your camera to a fast shutter speed, with an exposure approximately 1/250th to 1/125th of a second, to freeze the object in motion and an f-stop between f/8 and f/11.
TIP: Use a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second or faster to freeze the motion of water and isolate individual droplets.
Step 5: Work a slow shutter speed Feeling extra artsy? To blur grass or leaves blowing in the wind or make running water look silky, set an exposure time to between 1 and 5 seconds. Close your aperture as much as possible, using an f-stop between f/11 and f/22 to limit the amount of light entering your camera during the long exposure, and stabilize your camera on a tripod.
TIP: Hang a sandbag from your tripod to stabilize it in windy conditions.
Step 6: Don’t trash the place Fulfilled your artistic vision for the day? Don’t be a jerk; remember to take all your trash with you so nature remains just as phenomenal for the next shutterbug.
FACT: In 1985, a mountain in Yosemite National Park was named after acclaimed nature photographer Ansel Adams.

You Will Need

SLR or DSLR or advanced point-and-shoot camera
Tripod
Extra batteries and memory cards
Sandbag (optional)

How to Get Pictures from Video

Howcast — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Download a video software Download a free video still extractor program. For Windows users, VLC Media Player supports all video file types. For Mac users, imToo Video to Picture supports all video file types.
Step 2: Install software Install the software that you have downloaded and save it in your program files.
Step 3: Open video file Open the extractor program and then open the video file that contains the frame that you want a snapshot of.
Step 4: Play the video Play the video until you locate the moment in the video that you want to capture and pause the video at that point.
Step 5: Select SnapShot from Video menu Select the video from the main menu bar. Then select SnapShot from the drop-down menu. Mac users will use the capture function.
TIP: If you’re using VLC Player, images will automatically be saved in your My Pictures folder.
Step 6: Locate image Locate the file and rename it, or move it to another folder to keep track of it. If you’re using a Mac, you will need to save from the capture screen, and you can name the file anything you want. Now turn all of your favorite video moments into photos!
FACT: In 2002, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones became the first feature film entirely shot using digital technology.

You Will Need

Saved video file
Internet access

How to Take Self-Portraits

Howcast — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:45:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Mount the camera Mount the camera on the tripod.
Step 2: Create a composition Create the photo’s composition using yourself as the model by employing elements of design such as lines, texture, and patterns. These will draw the eye to yourself as the composition focal point.
TIP: Include personal belongings in the composition to express personality.
Step 3: Ask a friend to serve as a stand-in Ask a friend to serve as a stand-in, or place a stuffed animal in your position, while you focus the camera and adjust lighting.
Step 4: Set the timer Set the timer and hop back into position to shoot your self-portrait, or use a triggering device to take the photo after you return to position.
Step 5: Try alternative methods Try alternative methods to take photographs of yourself, like shooting your reflection in the mirror. You may find that the photo you take not only reveals your personality to others, but causes you to discover something new about yourself, too.
FACT: George Eastman’s Kodak camera launched the amateur photography craze in 1888.

You Will Need

Camera
Tripod
Stand-in
Mirror
Timer or triggering device
Personal belongings (optional)

How to Make a Bokeh Lens

Howcast — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:15:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make the lens hood Cut a strip of the paperboard and wrap it around the lens to make a lens hood for the camera.
Step 2: Trace the lens Place the lens on the paper, trace its outline, and cut out the traced circle.
TIP: You can cut the circle to fit the size of the filter thread on the camera lens and skip making a lens hood.
Step 3: Cut out the bokeh shape Cut out the desired bokeh shape in the center of the circle of paperboard.
Step 4: Attach the bokeh shape Attach the circle to the lens either by taping it to the lens hood or by threading it onto the filter thread.
Step 5: Open the aperture Open the aperture of the lens all the way.
Step 6: Take pictures Aim the camera at a source of light, and adjust the focus until the light blurs and forms the bokeh shape. Take plenty of pictures using your newfound technique.
FACT: Did you know? Before the famous photographer Ansel Adams dedicated his life to photography he was a concert pianist.

You Will Need

Large aperture lens
Sheet of black cardboard
Scissors
Tape
Pencil

How to Photograph Landscapes

Howcast — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:01:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Scout the location Scout your location to get a feel for the landscape. Explore the best spots and angles to shoot.
TIP: For popular landscapes, check out the photographs that have already been taken.
Step 2: Focus on a point of interest Select a point of interest. Think about the qualities of the landscape that speak to you and make them the focus in the picture.
Step 3: Observe the lighting Observe the light in the location over the course of a day to determine the best time to shoot. The sun provides the most attractive lighting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
TIP: Turn off your flash and use the natural lighting available for the landscape.
Step 4: Add depth and scale Create a sense of depth by putting interesting objects in the foreground. Add people to the picture to communicate the scale of the landscape.
Step 5: Use the rule of thirds Follow the rule of thirds. Imagine the shot is split into three horizontal lines and three vertical lines. Frame the shot with the points of interest along these lines.
Step 6: Look for lines Look for lines that are a natural part of the landscape, such as roads and rivers. Use these lines to lead the eyes of the viewer toward your point of interest.
Step 7: Start wide and move in Begin photographing a wide view of the landscape, and then move in for closer shots of interesting objects.
FACT: In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell created the first color photograph after combining three photographs of a subject taken through red, green, and blue filters.

You Will Need

Location
A camera
Other people

How to Take Cute Baby Pictures

Howcast — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:01:48 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Take sleepy pictures Take pictures in the morning after the baby has been fed for sleepy, contented-looking shots.
Step 2: Use natural light Use indirect natural light. For example, take pictures by a west-facing window during the morning hours, or outdoors about an hour or two before sunset.
TIP: Stay low and close to your subject to fill the frame with baby, not background.
Step 3: Get the baby’s attention Get the baby’s attention and a prompt smile for happy pictures by playing “peek-a-boo,” singing, making faces, and shaking rattles or other toys.
Step 4: Set up props Set up props. Bowls, tubs, and baskets are perfect for babies to play in. Simple, muted colors work best to keep the focus on the baby. You can also use the baby’s favorite stuffed animals, toys, and pets to create a joyous, playful atmosphere in the pictures.
TIP: Keep the camera with you and find moments instead of creating them to capture spontaneous moments of incredible cuteness.
Step 5: Use a shallow depth of field Use a shallow depth of field to draw the focus to the baby, not the background.
Step 6: Convert the pictures to black and white Convert some of the pictures to black and white using any basic photo-editing program to even out any splotchy skin and give the pictures a timeless, classic look.
FACT: The first snapshots of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s twins reportedly fetched $11 million.

You Will Need

A baby
A camera
Natural light
Props
A basic photo-editing program

How to Make an Aerial Photography Rig with a Disposable Camera

Howcast — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:01:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the clothespin and pushpin Using the rotary tool and the cutoff wheel, trim 1/2 inch off one side of the closed end of the clothespin. Cut off the metal tack of the pushpin, leaving only the plastic casing.
Step 2: Attach the clothespin to the camera With the camera facing you, hot glue the clothespin so that the cut-off end lays flat beside the shutter button and the non-cut end is directly above the shutter button.
Step 3: Complete the shutter button mechanism Clamp the binder clip onto the end of the clothespin so that it holds the clothespin open. Hot glue the wide end of the pushpin to the upper, open end of the clothespin, so that the pushpin’s narrower end is positioned directly above the shutter.
Step 4: Bend the paper clips Bend both of the paper clips into an “S” shape. Bend one of the “S” shapes at the middle so it forms a 90-degree angle.
Step 5: Attach the paper clips to the camera Hot glue the 90-degree paper clip to the top and center of the camera so that the corner of the paper clip is flush with the front edge of the camera, above the viewfinder. Glue the other clip so that half of it is on top of the first paper clip, and the other half is extending over the back edge of the camera.
Step 6: Attach the rig to the kite string Position the camera about a foot down the kite string from the kite. Wrap the kite string around the overhanging end of the flat paper clip, then bend the edge of the paper clip around the string to secure it. Repeat with the kite string and the 90-degree paper clip.
Step 7: Test the rig Lift up the camera rig by the string to make sure it’s securely fastened. Tie one end of the twine to the binder clip. Test the mechanism to make sure that when you pull the twine, the binder clip snaps off and the clothespin pushes the shutter button down. Make adjustments as needed.
TIP: Make sure that the string, paper clips, and trigger mechanism do not obstruct the camera’s lens. If they do, adjust them as necessary.
Step 8: Fly the kite On a breezy day, take the camera rig and kite into an open space away from any trees or power lines. Make sure you have a little more slack in the twine than in the kite string. As you give the kite string more slack, also increase the slack in the twine.
Step 9: Take a picture When you’re ready to take a picture, pull the twine to release the binder clip. To take another picture, lower the kite and reset the camera rig. When you’re through, develop the film and marvel at your aerial photos!
FACT: The world record for longest amount of time flying a kite is 180 hours.

You Will Need

A rotary tool
A rotary tool cutoff wheel
A wooden clothespin
A pushpin
A disposable 35 millimeter camera
A hot glue gun
A binder clip
Two paper clips
A roll of twine
A heavy-duty kite

How to Take a Family Portrait

Howcast — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:02:16 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Analyze the group Quickly analyze the group. Do a mental lineup according to family ties, height, age, and affiliations.
Step 2: Choose location Choose your location and backdrop, either in a cozy area or outside.
TIP: If you don’t have a professional lighting system, try to select a location that maximizes natural, even light.
Step 3: Arrange the family Arrange the family. Place immediate family members together, with children near their parents. Place the oldest toward the center. Place pets last.
TIP: If the children are older and married, place the children between their natural parents and their own spouse.
Step 4: Set up lights If you’re using lights, set them up and align them to your liking.
TIP: If you can, bounce the flash off the ceiling to get the softest, most diffused light possible.
Step 5: Place camera on tripod Place your camera on the tripod.
Step 6: Set up camera Select the appropriate film, aperture, and shutter speed that’s appropriate for your shooting conditions.
Step 7: Compose your shot Compose your shot, fitting the entire family within the frame edges.
TIP: A wider angle lens will allow you to squeeze in more family members, but be prepared for a little distortion at the edges of the frame.
Step 8: Meter on the subjects Using either your in-camera light meter or handheld light meter, meter on the subjects.
TIP: Set your camera on its self-timer or use a shutter release trigger to help avoid camera shake.
Step 9: Take as many shots are you can Take as many shots as you possibly can before everyone loses their patience and gets fidgety.
FACT: The Family Portrait is the name given to a picture of the Solar System taken by the Voyage 1 spacecraft.

You Will Need

A large group of family members
A camera
A tripod
A large space
Props of varying heights such as a couch
fireplace
or a stairwell
Extra fill lighting
Lighting system (optional) (optional) (optional)

How to Clean a Camera Lens

Howcast — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:49:32 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Brush first Use a blower brush to remove dust and dirt. If you don’t have a blower brush, use an ear syringe. Next, brush the lens with a camel hair lens brush.
Step 2: Wipe second Breathe on the lens; then wipe off smudges with a lens cloth or lens tissue. If that doesn’t work, put a drop of lens cleaner on the cloth and try again. Wipe gently in a circular motion, working outward from the center.
TIP: A microfiber lens cloth can be hand washed without detergent and reused. A lens tissue can be used only once.
Step 3: Clean other parts Clean the rear lens element, as well as filters and lens caps to avoid transferring dust to the lens.
TIP: Do not use rubbing alcohol or eyeglass tissues to clean a lens. Each contains added chemicals that can damage or leave a coating on the lens.
Step 4: Keep it clean Clean your lenses as seldom as possible. Every time you clean a lens you risk scratching it or damaging its coating. Always store your camera in a case with the lens cap on.
FACT: Did you know? The first photograph, taken in 1826 in France, required an eight-hour exposure.

You Will Need

A blower brush or ear syringe
A camel hair lens brush
A lens cloth or tissue
Lens cleaner

How to Light a Fashion Shot

Howcast — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:48:41 +0000

Instructions

: When shooting on location, special permits or permission may be required. Check with the property owner or governing body at your specific location for details and requirements.
Step 1: Scout for interesting angles and light Once you have a location, scout for specific angles and interesting natural light. You can do this alone and well in advance of your shoot date.
Step 2: Set up a date and time Set up a date and time far enough out to acquire your assistant, model, and any permits you may need to shoot in your desired location.
TIP: The hours right after sunrise and just before sunset are considered the ‘Golden Hour’ for photographers, because of the richness of the light. Try to set up your shoot to happen or encompass this time frame.
Step 3: Arrive first Be the first to arrive at the shoot. Bring coffee and breakfast items for the crew and models. You’re a professional, after all.
Step 4: Pose model Get the first model set up in the desired position.
Step 5: Position model to face light Position the model facing the main light source. If you’re using natural light, this is the sun.
Step 6: Fill light at shadows Have your assistant hold the light reflector to shine some ‘fill light’ wherever there may be shadows on the model. Point the reflector toward the darker areas by catching the natural light and reflecting it onto the model.
TIP: The lighter the portion of the reflector, the softer the light. Try the white before you go to gold or silver.
Step 7: Compose your shot Compose your shot.
Step 8: Focus on subject Focus on subject.
Step 9: Take light reading Take a light reading by metering the subject.
TIP: For simplicity’s sake, utilize all the natural light you can by placing the sun to either side of the model.
Step 10: Select settings based on readings Select your shutter speed and aperture, based on your readings.
TIP: To get very fashion-esque shots, try using a short depth-of-field, blurring out all but the model herself.
Step 11: Start shooting Start shooting while having the model gloriously showing off what is being modeled. Don’t be afraid to shout direction and ideas toward her.
Step 12: Keep shooting Shoot until you run out of disk space or film, and when you’re content you have the desired ‘shot.’
FACT: There are pending court cases on whether photographers can use private buildings as backdrops.

You Will Need

Camera
Model
Fashion items or accessories
Light disk or reflector
Natural light
And an assistant

How To Take a Group Portrait

Howcast — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:17:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Steel yourself Steel yourself; getting a large group of people to do anything is hard, and getting them to listen to a photographer is damn near impossible.
Step 2: Analyze the group Quickly analyze the group to be shot. Do a mental lineup according to height, affiliations, and order of importance according to whatever invisible law governs your group.
Step 3: Choose location and backdrop Choose your location and backdrop, if any. Try to maximize natural light if you can.
Step 4: Attach your flash Attach your flash and set your camera on the tripod.
TIP: Bounce the flash off the ceiling to get the softest, most diffused, most even light possible.
Step 5: Set up camera Set your camera’s ISO, shutter speed and aperture for the light condition.
TIP: A wide-angle lens will allow you to squeeze in more people.
Step 6: Gather the crowd Gather everyone together.
Step 7: Arrange everyone Begin arranging people according to your mental map, making sure anyone of greater significance is front and center.
Step 8: Compose the shot Compose your shot.
Step 9: Set self-timer Set your camera on its self-timer to help avoid camera shake.
TIP: Get everyone to count down together. This will make sure they’re focused on the shot.
Step 10: Meter and focus Meter on your group, focus on them, and shoot away.
Step 11: Shoot as much as you can Take as many shots as you possibly can before everyone loses their patience and either gets angry or wanders off.
FACT: Technically, the largest group portrait ever taken was of Earth by NASA.

You Will Need

1 A camera
1 An external flash
1 A tripod
1 A group of people
1 And a large room or space
1 Wide-angle lens

How to Make a Pinhole Camera

Howcast — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:04:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the box Clean out the inside of the oatmeal box, making sure no oatmeal dust or oats are left inside.
Step 2: Remove top and bottom Remove the plastic top and bottom from the oatmeal box.
Step 3: Glue the bottom Add a bead of white glue around the lip of the bottom and reattach it. This will ensure no light comes in through the seam.
Step 4: Paint it black Spray paint the inside of the oatmeal box with black paint and let dry. Repeat if necessary. Also spray paint the bottom. Let it dry.
Step 5: Paint the top While the top is off, add contact paper to the box top, then spray paint it black. Make sure it will still fit on the box.
Step 6: Cut a door Use the craft knife to cut a 3-sided rectangle—a long door—about 1.5 inches wide and half an inch tall into the side of the box.
TIP: Make sure the rectangle is roughly centered and parallel to the bottom of the container.
Step 7: Cut a square Cut a 2.5-inch square out of heavy aluminum foil.
TIP: For something sturdier, you can cut the square from the side of the soda can. But be careful, the edges will be extremely sharp.
Step 8: Poke a hole Using the No. 16 needle, carefully poke a hole into the center of your aluminum square—then sand the hole on both sides with the sandpaper to remove any burrs.
Step 9: Poke it again Re-drill the same hole, and re-sand it a second time.
TIP: Be careful not to touch the hole with your fingers, as natural oils from your skin can clog the hole.
Step 10: Glue the plate Dab a little epoxy on the edges of pinhole plate with a cotton swab, making sure not to come anywhere close to the pinhole, and place the plate on the inside the oatmeal box, with the pinhole centered in the rectangle you cut earlier.
Step 11: Tape the plate Add a strip of electrical tape on all sides of the plate to further secure it into place. This will also help it from sliding as the epoxy dries.
Step 12: Make a latch Add a small piece of tape to the outside of the small door that can keep it closed, then put on the box top.
Step 13: Load the camera When you’re ready to load your pinhole camera for a shoot, take it into a completely dark room. While in the dark, remove the photo emulsion paper from it’s wrapping, and place it inside the pinhole camera, curved around the edge, emulsion-side facing the pinhole.
Step 14: Close the camera Close up the box tightly, making sure no light can get in.
Step 15: Take your shot To shoot a scene, point the doorway toward your subject and open the door for about a 20-second exposure.
Step 16: Remove paper After you’ve taken your shot, return to a dark room and remove the paper, making sure to put it back in the lightproof bag it came in.
Step 17: Develop your film Either develop the photo yourself in a darkroom, or take your paper your local high-end camera shop to develop it for you.
Step 18: Eat your oatmeal Don’t forget to eat your oatmeal.
FACT: The Chinese mentioned pinhole cameras as far back as 500 B.C.

You Will Need

1 clean
7″ tall oatmeal box
Heavy foil
Craft or utility knife
Matte or flat black spray paint
Black contact paper
A No. 16 bead-threading needle
Epoxy glue
White glue
Handful of cotton swabs
Electrical tape
Ruler
Fine sandpaper
Photo emulsion paper
A completely dark room
A place to develop your film
1 Aluminum soda can

How to Light a Portrait

Howcast — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:16:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide portrait type Decide what type of portrait you want to take: headshot, bust, torso, three-quarter, or full length.
Step 2: Mount camera Mount your camera on the tripod.
Step 3: Arrange set Arrange the set to suit your preference.
Step 4: Position subject Choose where you want your subject either to sit or stand.
TIP: If your subject will be standing, take small pieces of tape and mark the floor for easy foot reference. This makes it simple to find the right position again after a break or stretch.
Step 5: Arrange backdrop If you’re using a backdrop, arrange it a minimum of six feet behind the subject so any shadows fall on the floor.
Step 6: Position lights Position your lights. Each light should be equidistant from the subject, and set on either side of your camera at a 45-degree angle.
TIP: Portraits can be taken using only one light, but the results may create harsh shadows on the face.
Step 7: Choose low-speed film Assuming your subject will be well-lit, choose a low-speed film, like 100 or 200. If your camera is manual, select a wide aperture. If it’s automatic, look for a portrait setting.
TIP: If your lights are strobe, check your camera’s owner’s manual to make sure your shutter speed will sync with them.
Step 8: Greet subject Greet your subject and bring them onto the set.
Step 9: Make sure subject looks good Make sure your subject’s wardrobe, makeup, and hair are to your liking.
TIP: For both male and female subjects, the use of facial powder may reduce any unwanted highlights or shiny reflections.
Step 10: Have subject take position Ask the subject to take his or her position on the stool or on tape on the floor.
Step 11: Focus on subject’s eyes Focus on your subject’s eyes.
Step 12: Compose your shot Compose your shot—whether it’s a headshot, bust, torso, three-quarter, or full length—in the viewfinder.
Step 13: Ask subject to relax Ask your subject to take a deep breath and relax. Then, on the count of three, shoot your picture.
Step 14: Take many shots Take as many shots as you and your subject are willing to do.
TIP: The more frames you shoot, the better your chances of getting just the right facial expression.
Step 15: Be spontaneous Once you’re sure you got ‘the shot,’ have fun with angles and expressions. Your subject might feel more relaxed, and who knows? A little spontaneity could yield an even better shot.
FACT: Annie Leibovitz, one of the world’s most famous portrait photographers, commands up to $100,000 a day.

You Will Need

Work or studio space
A camera
A tripod
A backdrop or natural environment
Lighting equipment (preferably two lights)
And a subject
Tape to mark the floor
A light meter
A stool

How to Take a Child’s Portrait

Howcast — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:05:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Take a deep breath Take a deep breath.
Step 2: Discuss images with parent Discuss with the parent or guardian what type of images they want.
Step 3: Introduce yourself to child Introduce yourself to the child making sure you use your sweetest, happiest, non-scariest voice that you can possibly muster.
Step 4: Arrange the set Arrange the set and props that you may be using.
TIP: Have the parent stay with the child during your set-up.
Step 5: Make parents pledge their help Reiterate to the parents that you’re going to need all the assistance you can get to help keep the child happy and their attention focused on the camera.
Step 6: Post the child With the aid of the parents, place the child on the set, in the position you want him or her.
Step 7: Check that child is clean Check that the child is clean and free of drool, vomit, or visible food stains.
TIP: Have a spare set of clothes for the child in case stains are indelible.
Step 8: Grab camera Grab your camera.
Step 9: Set up camera Select the appropriate film, aperture and shutter speed for your shooting conditions.
Step 10: Compose shot Compose your shot.
TIP: The general rule of thumb for composition is to place the main focal point of your subject using the rule of thirds. Meaning, if you were to dissect a frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, the point in which the lines converge is where you place your subject.
Step 11: Meter on subject Meter on the subject.
Step 12: Shoot quickly Shoot quickly, whenever the child is cooperating, and as much as you can.
TIP: If the child proves to be particularly difficult, try bribing them with a sweet treat or two.
Step 13: Shoot even more Change your memory card or film and shoot some more pictures for insurance.
FACT: The photographer Sally Mann gained fame—and created controversy—by using her own children in her work.

You Will Need

A child
A camera
Snacks
Infinite patience
A great big smile
Props
some suggestions might be bikes
balloons
dolls
pets
etc. (optional)
Lighting (optional)
Spare set of childu2019s clothes (optional)