Digital Camera Storage

Some digital camera can store a few images in the camera's internal memory. When you fill up the capacity of camera, you simply download your files to a computer to free up more space.



If you can, be sure to buy a camera that utilizes removable media such as a CompactFlash, Smartmedia or other PC card. A PC Card allows you to store photos on an external device and expand the memory of your camera so that it will hold more pictures.

Much like a floppy disk, the card is activated as the memory storage area of choice simply by inserting it into the card slot.

Two important issues in regard to PC cards:

1. These cards can be fairly expensive. Depending on how many megabytes of storage are on the card, it can cost a lot of money.

2. When a camera manufacturer invests in a PC card slot, it does not invest much in internal storage. This means that in order to get more than, say, 7-10 high-quality pictures in the camera at any one time, you need to buy an PC card up front and this adds to your initial cost.

There are many different PC card formats out there but the most popular seems to be CompactFlash. There are two types commonly used - the thin Type II flash RAM cards that most consumer level cameras use, and the thicker Type III mini hard drives that most high end cameras use. These Type III drives can be less expensive per megabyte but may also be more fragile since they do have moving parts, a spinning drive inside.

Whichever way you choose to store your images, both the internal memory in the camera and the memory in a card or drive store information in a way that allows you to free up more memory by erasing files; when you erase an image, regardless of where that file is on the memory space, you are rewarded with more space available for additional images.

For more information on Digital photography be sure to check out Photography by Lloydlee Heite at www.lloydlee.com.

What resolution should my digital camera be?

Resolution and digital cameras!



If you are going to be printing your images, you will want to get as much resolution as you can afford. This is often expressed as MP (megapixels) or as a figure such as 1024 x 768.
Unfortunately, this aspect is the one most closely tied to the price of your camera because this aspect is dependant upon the high costs of electronic chips. The more resolution the higer price of your camera.

Now days most digital cameras have at least 5 mp, which is a great amount for those family snapshots, and even printing 8x10's. You can even possibly print up to 11x14's For a bit more money you can move up to a 6 mp or even higher mp count and print even larger photographs.

If you are one of the lucky few who are only going to be using your camera for Web site imaging, emailing, or other web applications, you can relax; most of the under 5 mp cameras will offer more resolution than you will ever need.

File Size:

File size is just another way of estimated the quality of the camera's output; if the camera can capture more information, odds are good that the quality will be better, especially when printed. You want a larger file size to capture more information, to print better photographs.

As you can see that both resolution and file size are important to printing great larger photographs.

However, resolution and file size are not the only factors in image quality. In order to make outstanding images, you need a way to store lots of photos, a good lens, good software or compression algorithms, burst rate, sensitivity options, and battery consumption... among other camera features. We will soon be going more into these factors. To check out our website just go to photography by Lloydlee Heite at www.lloydlee.com. Talk to you soon!

How to buy a Digital Camera

Questions to ask when buying a digital camera!


The first step is to figure out which digital camera will best meet your needs. You can do that by considering the following:
1. What do you want to accomplish?
2. What are your goals?
3. Do you want to take photographs of your family, friends, or nature, for example?
4. Do you want to become a professional photographer or digital artist?
5. Do you want to print your images? How large?
6. If you are going to print, what kind of printer.
7. Do you only see yourself publishing your images on the Web or emailing them to friends?
8. Will you be taking this digital camera on family vacations?
9. Is your computer ready to handle all of this new photography work?
10. Will you be taking photographs close up of your friends or do you need a longer lens for sports?
11. Will you be taking pictures of small items like stamps, coins, bugs, flowers, etc?
12. Do you have photography software?
13. Do you prefer shooting digital photos over reworking them on the computer?
14. Will you be shooting at night, at concerts, indoors, or in other low-light situations?
15. Will you be shooting sports, fashion, or anything else that moves quick?
16. What kind of batteries does this camera use?
17. What kind of memory storage should i have?
18. How much money do you have to spend?
Consider these questions when you select your digital camera. I will be going into more of each of these soon. For more information on photography please check out Photography by Lloydlee Heite at www.lloydlee.com.

Lets get familiar with your digital camera

Getting Used to Your Digital Camera!

If you can avoid it, don't buy a camera the day before you want to photograph an important event such as a family wedding or your holiday. Even seasoned photographers take a while to get used to a new camera.

The important thing to do to start with is simply to play around with your camera and find out how all the different things on it work. You need to have the camera manual handy, and to look at it to find things out. Getting StartedOften manuals come with a simple section near the start called 'Getting Started' or something similar that takes you through the basic operation of the camera. Generally it is a good idea to read through and do what it says.

Every camera is at least a little different from every other model, so giving you the details for your camera would be almost impossible, but there are some useful general tips and things that manuals don't usually tell you.

Start by finding out from the manual how to do the really basic things:

1. How to see what picture your camera will take - on compact digital cameras this will either be a direct vision viewfinder or an LCD screen (or both.)

2. How to control exposure (the amount of light reaching the sensor), usually by controlling both the size of the lens opening (aperture) and the time the sensor is exposed to the light (shutter speed.) Most cameras control this automatically.

3. How to of adjusting the lens for the distance between camera and subject - called focussing.
Most cameras have an autofocus system that does this for you.

4. How to zoom the lens in and zoom out - assuming your camera has a zoom lens.

5. Which is the button to press to take the pictures (the shutter release.)

6. How to to view your pictures on the LCD screen after you have taken them. Usually you can zoom in to see parts of the picture larger.

7. Most cameras now can be used in an auto mode that does everything for you except press the shutter, but many also allow you to alter or make settings manually. This give you more control over what you are doing, and also means you can sort things out when the automatic systems get it wrong. It's probably a good idea to start taking pictures in the auto mode, and once you are happy with this, start to explore what else your camera can do.

Once you have mastered these very basic camera features you will want to learn more! Your camera manual, books, or camera magazines, and this blog will help you learn more so that you can get the most out of your digitial camera experience! We also offer classes, workshops, personal coaching and field trips all designed to make you the best photographer possible!

Dont forget to check out photography by Lloydlee Heite www.lloydlee.com.

How To Avoid Camera Shake

How To Avoid Camera Shake

Ever have photos that look slightly out of focus? Well maybe they are but maybe they are caused by camera shake. Camera shake is the main cause of unsharpened pictures. You can take several simple steps to avoid it.

1. Stand still, legs slightly apart to take your pictures.

2. Hold your elbows in firmly against your chest, whether using a viewfinder at your eye or a viewing screen, especially when you have zoomed out the lens.

3. If possible, take a breath, not too deep, and then hold it until you have taken the picture.
Squeeze and release the shutter smoothly - don't jab at it.

4. If possible, lean against something firm to brace yourself. Supporting the lens on anything solid is a great idea. Some photographers rely on pocket 'table tripods', or even full size tripods.

5. If you can control shutter speeds on your camera, always set one which is 1/60 second or faster.

6. You will be able to use faster shutter speeds if you open the lens aperture more. Consider using monopod, miniature tripod and other similar devices.

7. An ISO of 400 is fine for most subjects unless you want very large prints. Use faster ISO for poor light. With digital, consider using higher ISO if your camera allows it.

If you follow these 7 tips then your photos will all be much sharper and will look like a pro took them! Check out Photography by Lloydlee Heite for some great photography! www.lloydlee.com

Photography Contracts, who gets what?

Get something in writing, anything!

I would like to begin by saying that I have never been one for getting things down in writhing. A hand shake or nod is all that I need to have a deal. Unfortunately now and then there can be misunderstandings on what everyone expects and a simple written agreement could prevent any misunderstanding at all.

You might ask why do I care... Well when it involves one of your dear friends and their family then things get a little more confusing. It all began when there was no clear idea of what this family was really wanting in there family portrait. They wanted something outstanding and I wanted to give them my best. They wanted a "large" finished portrait and I knew I could give them one. But because we had nothing down in writing, everyone's expectations were very different!

They didn't understand they would be getting proofs to choose from, my most basic form of image presentation. Why must they pay for proofs when they only one large image? They saw no value in proofs, but proofs were one of my major costs, other than time.

Their idea of a large portrait was something in the size range of 4 feet x 5 feet, someone else's idea of a large portrait is an 8 x 10 inch print. My Idea for this family was maybe an 11 x 14 possibly a 16 x 20. Their idea of a cost for a large portrait was no where close to accurate based on the size they were thinking. Again, something that could have, and should have been all straightened out at the beginning.

Very clearly my friends and I were on completely different pages. Why? Because I thought they already knew what my procedures were and they thought I knew they only wanted a large portrait. I would have thought they would have read over my prices and procedures. I was wrong!

Our friendship was being seriously being challenged. Something that wouldn't have ever happened if we had all sat down and just got our thoughts in writing. I began to feel that they were trying to rip me off and I am sure that they thought I was trying to get one over on them. Neither one was the case.

All of this turmoil was happening even before they had looked at the first image I had taken. We all sat down and looked at the Images and they absolutely loved them. I began working with them to get them that large portrait they wanted that would still fit into their budget. In the end everyone was happy and we remain friends to this day!

What I learned is, that getting things in writing is the only way to go. It is good for the photographer and it is good for the client.

Take a few extra minutes and get them to come in and sign something, e mail them with the estimated costs and what they get. Expect a response. Don't just think that you all know what the other is thinking. Put it down on paper! :-)

For More information on Photography by Lloydlee Heite Check out the website www.lloydlee.com

Halloween Photography Tricks and Treats, People Portraits

Halloween will soon be here and if you want the absolute best photo of your little ghost or goblin then you need to consider a professional photographer. Here at Photography by Lloydlee Heite we have been in the photography business for over 20 years. It is our desire to give you the best portraits possible. We offer several specials that are sure to provide your lil monster with one of the best portraits ever! However if you just cant fit us into your schedule this year here are a few hints for you to take better People photos at Halloween.
1. Take lots of pics! That way you have allot to choose from.
2. Get close! Zoom in on your subject, if they are a vampire show some teeth! Zoom in on part of their clothing.
3. Consider your location! Check your backgrounds to see what's in the photo that your composing.
4. Consider lightening! Try some photos with available light, try some with lower angles or higher angles.
5. Take a group photo of your lil clown or super hero and their friends.
6. Don't forget your pet! They need to be in the photo too!
7. Family Photo! Its not just the Adams Family any more its your family too! Have a Halloween family portrait taken. Use a tripod or a have a friend take the photo. Or better yet hire a professional photographer!
If you follow these 7 ideas your people photos at Halloween are going to be the best ever!
For More information or to check out the photography by Lloydlee Heite Website just go to www.lloydlee.com.
A special thanks to www.halloweenphotography.com. Check them out too!

Halloween Photography Shooting Jack-O-Lanterns

Carving your Halloween Jack-O-Lantern is as much a part of Halloween as the tricks and the treats and dressing up, but getting a great Photo of your Halloween pumpkin isn't an easy trick! First of all, you want to see it all lighted up and to do that it must be dark, but if you wait till its to dark you just end up with eyes a nose and a mouth! So how can you take a great photo of your Jack-O-Lantern? Its easier than you think! Just check out the following ideas.
1. Time for photos! The best time is probably just before just before its completely dark.
2. Location! Try taking your Jack-O-Lantern to somewhere other than your front step. Try sitting it in some bushes, or grasses, or framing it so the sky is your background. I once had a photography teacher that suggested sitting it near a campfire so that it would have flames in the background! While allot of us may not have a camp fire we all have some small candles that could be set behind your jack-O-Lanterns for a nice effect.
3. Camera settings! This is a time that full flash isn't a good idea. Neither is the automatic setting on your camera, switch to manual. You might need to begin with an ISO of at least 400. If your going to take the shutter speed below 60 then consider using a tripod. If your going to try available light you well definitely need a tripod! If you have a camera that doesn't feature these settings you can control the flash by how far you are from your subject. Back up more for a weaker flash or even put a small layer of tissue over your flash. Consider moving your flash off your camera and at a low power setting.
4. Shoot, shoot, shoot! In the Age of digital photography I would suggest shooting more than you need of this , change your exposure, change your shutter speed. Soon you will see the results you are looking for!
5. Change the light inside your Jack-O-Lantern! How about try putting in 2 or 3 or everyone 4 candles inside your pumpkin! The results will be pleasantly noticeable!
If you use these 5 tips for taking better Jack-O-Lanterns, you will have a wonderful photo of your carved pumpkin that you can cherish year after year! For more Photography information or to check out Photography by Lloydlee Heite just go to out website! www.lloydlee.com

Halloween Photography Tricks and Treats part 1

Getting ready for Halloween? Yea me too! Here at Photography by Lloydlee Heite, I want all your Halloween photos to be treats for you and your family, but to do that your going to have to learn a couple Halloween photography tricks! Today we will deal with just one specific area to make your Halloween photos the best ever! That's right How to photograph those little ghosts and goblins that come to your door! I have 5 tips for you that will make your Halloween "At The Door" photos the best ever!
1. Be fast and be ready! Those little monsters that knock on your door come and go mighty quickly, and why not Halloween is one time a year and there is lots of haunting to do, and treats to be gotten! Have your camera close by, make sure your batteries are fresh?, Make sure your memory is your card ready to go? Your camera set on automatic is the best choice till you become really comfortable with how your camera works. Make sure your flash is fully charged and ready to go to? This is a good time to definitely use your flash!
2. Shoot, shoot, shoot! Don't be shy or scared, jump right in there and capture your little masked guests as they first answer the door. Capture that expression as you hand them their treat! If possible get a couple shots of them and their friends. Have them take there mask off so you have a shot of them you can recognize! Tell the silly ones they will have to make silly faces, or the scary ones to show you their most scary face, before they get there treats and then "click" you have another great photo!
3. Put yourself in the photo! Have one of your Halloween helpers take the photo from behind your ghost or goblins and you can be included in the photo handing out treats too!
4. Try different angles! Don't always shoot from eye level! Hold the camera higher and shoot down, lower and shoot up!
5. Get in the Halloween spirit too! Dress up yourself!
If you use these 5 Tips, then your photos of those monsters who knock on your door will be the best ever! I know ill be using them!
Tomorrow I will be letting you know how to take those Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Photos!
Want to learn more about us.... just go to www.lloydlee.com

Welcome to Photography by Lloydlee Heite's Blog

Hello all of you out there in blog land! Be sure to check back often to see the latest in my world! www.lloydlee.com. Lots of great ideas, thoughts, and actions coming to you to get the greatest photography experience possible!