Follow Up/ New Camera/New Dog

Ok..I got my new camera And a new puppy. There's so much I want to do but I have no clue where to start. First things first,get the manual and all instructions for your new camera and read it. I know, it goes against everything you believe in. That manual is only for when you run into big trouble. No..it's not. It will make things much simpler and you will find that your camera has bells and whistles on it that you have no idea about. Seriously, you will see how to change the time and language, if necessary. When selecting Menu you can find options such as converting the image to Black and White or Sepia. You can change the selection on the Quality of your image. If you shoot in the lowest quality you will have more noise or a grainy appearance to your picture. Personally, I always choose the Best quality because I want my pictures to look great! This selection will use up a bit more of your memory card but the pictures are worth it. Another option many cameras will have is a Video mode and it's a really neat feature, especially with puppies or small children. So, there's lots to learn from that little manual. In just a few minutes you will be better prepared to get some great photographs of your new pet.

Which Digital Camera is Best for My Pet Photography?

Yes, it's Christmas time and so many people are asking "Which One"? Meaning which digital camera is the one to buy for Christmas? There are so many different brands and models to choose from that it is indeed somewhat intimdating. I think the most important thing to do Before you go to even look at a camera is ask yourself what type of pictures you will be shooting most often. If you have a new puppy and want to take close up shots, movies and just general snapshots..and this is your first digital camera, then a smaller point and shoot could be just the thing. IF you are considering a trip with your pet, or child, and you might be photographing landscapes, maybe animals in the zoo, or things farther away, then you might consider a Digital SLR. My first digital camera was a Kodak Easyshare 3.2 megapixel. I still have it and use it sometimes. A big advantage of the SLR is that you can grow with the camera. You might decide to take a photography class and perhaps decide you like to shoot Macro..or very close up pictures of flowers, for example. You might decide to open a studio and shoot portraits of pets, or children. With the SLR camera you can add lenses to your initial investment and expand your photographic arena. With the point and shoot you do not have that option. Another thing to consider is Speed. The smaller cameras have a definite lag time after you push your shutter button down. No big deal..unless you are trying to shoot pictures of a puppy and he won't sit still..or if your daughter is already in the kitchen by the time you take the picture. With the SLR you can shoot 8 pictures in a second..more with some cameras. NO lag time.
I'll bet you are saying.."Sure, those cameras cost a thousand bucks"..They don't. My boss just purchased hers online yesterday. She was going through this same situation..unsure about whether to start small..or just go ahead and purchase the SLR. After comparing prices of the small Canon 10 mp camera to the Digital SLR with 10 mp..she found there was only about $125 difference. Her daughter is almost 3 yrs. old and very active and that was enough to convince her to go ahead and order the SLR. Check it out, do your research. There are some great cameras out there and the small cameras take awesome pictures too. Just be sure to consider what type of photography you will be doing today ..and tomorrow..and go try one out. Some small cameras do not fit well in your hands and you will not be happy with them. Find one that fits you and you will be out there taking great pet photographs!

Choices In Your Pet Photography

Here's a creative approach to some really nice Pet Photographs. For those of you with a digital SLR it can be pretty simple. I'm talking today about Depth of Field and F-stops. Sure it sounds initimdating but not today, I'm breaking it down! First things first, prepare everything you will need to photograph your pet. If you have a tripod that will be great too. An assistant could be a great asset since they can keep tabs on your subject while you are setting up your camera.
I've found that really close up shots of the dog's face make great photographs. After placing my camera on the tripod..or something sturdy, I look through the lens to check out the placement. This is a good time to make sure there are no strange objects lurking in your background. Now, if you want a close up of your pet and the rest of the background kinda blurred out..you can do it. There is a mode on your camera control called AV...This means aperature and it will control your depth of field..or in other words, what is blurring and what is sharp. In newer cameras there are digital numbers you can see when you look in the viewfinder. The smaller this number is..usually 2 is the smallest, the more blurry your background will be. No, this doesn't mean the whole picture will be blurred out. When you focus on your pet and he looks sharp, then he will be sharp in the photography. However, the background behind him will be out of focus. Now, if you "want" the background included because it is very pretty or somehow enhances your photograph then you can set your aperature to a bigger number, and your depth of field will include it all. Of course you could use an automatic exposure, or program mode, or that and it would probably be fine. This may all sound difficult or strange to you, but believe me, it is a very common technique used by Professional Photographers and will help you to create an aweome photograph of your pet.

Light Will Make Your Pet Photograph

I don't know how many times I've been told to keep checking my white balance and to pay attention to the lighting. You don't really think of that when you set out to shoot pictures of your pets, or your children for that matter. However, when you see the final result it is often very disheartening that your dog has an orange colored tinge to his coat, or that you daughter's face is a bluish gray. These problems can be fixed quite easily. It's ALL about the Light!
First off, if you have a point and shoot camera, get your manual out. Read the section concerning White Balance. It sounds intimidating but it really is pretty simple. Some cameras have a mode option for indoors, but you still need to set the WB for either fluorescent or tungsten lighting. Tungsten lighting is like a lamp, or just the single bulb and it is the one that gives you the orange tint. Fluorescent lighting is totally different and if set wrong you will notice a bluish, gray tone. So, read your manual and learn to set your camera for the two different types of lighting.
Second thing, when shooting indoors you will most often need a flash and perhaps even a side light. I know sometimes you may get by without one, but if you really want some good shots of your pets, you will need some good light. I always have my external flash,(different than the built in flash) and also I have an extra flood light. Personally, I'll try and bounce the flash, or turn it up so it isn't pointed directly at the pet, or child. This can help eliminate the red eye, or green eye problem. The side light I'll place at 45 degrees to the subject. This helps to provide an even light and take away shadows. It will also enhance the texture of things such as an animals coat. Definatley makes for a much better pet photograph.