Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » merry xmas

merry xmas

Question:

I will be out of town for awhile and would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. — GARY ARNOLD’S AUTOMOTIVE

Response:

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas http://www.ag.wakwak.com/~nishikigi/xmas/ Hiromi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I will be out of town for awhile and would just like to wish everyone a > Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. > — > GARY > ARNOLD’S AUTOMOTIVE

Response:

>Wishing you all a Merry Christmas >http://www.ag.wakwak.com/~nishikigi/xmas/ >Hiromi

Very nice Hiromi, I hope that you have a great Holiday Season also. —

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. > Great post, Eric.  Thanks. > Sincerely, > Joanne

Let me know if any of my advice helps… Eric

Response:

> 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range.

I disagree.  The digital zoom on my camera is great. I couldn’t do finches without it. Luk

Response:

> Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot?

You can’t beat sunlight (though obviously this isn’t the best time of year to get access to it).  Makes all the difference. Flash is brutal.  Try it on yourself at the same distance you’d use it on your birds. You won’t enjoy the experience. Luk

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Gwen, > When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so > good??? > A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers > can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention > to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video > professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how > well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. > The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject > in a pleasant position within the picture.) > I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that > won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the > little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, > shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy > that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have > an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. > You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness > backgrounds. > Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the > color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, > complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. > Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so > it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not > get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, > the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good > lighting. > If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a > softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash > won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This > will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting > shadow edges "softer". > Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The > camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) > Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to > flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try > taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. > It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using > fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a > picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are > doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. > Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. > Since you have a digital camera: > 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution > of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom > range. > 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white > piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal > home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT > use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what > white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the > picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of > white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow > lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with > the semi-transparent material noted above. > Eric

Great post, Eric.  Thanks. Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! Gwen

Response:

And a Merry Christmas to you, Gwen.  I too have a new camera and I have not had the guts to post anything to Photopoint because all the photos are of such poor quality. I am thinking it is the camera.  If the birds move, the whole thing is fuzzy.  And I have to have a good amount of light.  Good luck. I will be watching to see if anyone has any ideas for you (us). Andee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

Gwen, When you say they don’t "turn out well", in what way are they not so good??? A few comments below. The biggest thing new photographers/videographers can do to get away from "amateurish" pictures/videos is to pay attention to lighting. I have had the pleasure of working with a video professional with a 3 camera studio and learned a little first hand how well lighting can play a HUGE role in getting a good picture. The second one is to pay close attention to framing (putting the subject in a pleasant position within the picture.) I would try taking their picture in front of a dark(er) background that won’t reflect the flash from the camera. That will tend to expose the little dear’s so they are brighter. If they are already too bright, shoot them in front of a light(er) background (once again non glossy that won’t reflect the flash). I think most auto-exposure camera’s have an exposure compensation for brighter or darker than normal backgrounds. You might experiment with that instead of trying different lightness backgrounds. Try to find a SIMPLE uncluttered background that contrasts with the color of the bird. Since the birds you are taking pictures of are small, complex backgrounds will make it harder to find the bird in the picture. Try to set the zoom and/or position the camera in front of the bird so it takes up at least a third to a half of the frame. Be careful to not get so close that the camera can’t focus. Also, if you get too close, the flash will behave funny (weird big shadows) and you won’t get good lighting. If your flash tilts, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling. It gives a softer light (bare flash gives a harsh "noon day" look.) If the flash won’t move, try covering with a thin semi-transparent material. This will take the harshness away from the flash and make the resulting shadow edges "softer". Don’t try to light the subjects with normal incandescent light. The camera needs the whiteness of the flash (a VERY WHITE light indeed!) Incandecents will provide a "yellow" cast to the picture if you try to flood the picture area with them. If you want a real good example, try taking a picture indoors without the flash and with incandescent light. It will only take one example to prove my point! Don’t try using fluorescent light either… It tends to give a greenish cast to a picture. Use just enough of your house lighting to see well what you are doing and to keep the little dear’s from freaking out in the dark. Make sure the camera is focused on THEM and not the background. Since you have a digital camera: 1) STAY AWAY FROM THE DIGITAL ZOOM!!! It takes away from the resolution of the picture. Stay within the limits of the camera’s optical zoom range. 2) >>IF<< your camera has a white balance mode, then you CAN use a white piece of paper to let the camera determine what "white" is using normal home lighting (either incandecent or fluorecent) but then you CAN NOT use the built in flash in the camera!!! You can’t tell the camera what white is using one "color" of light (house lighting) and take the picture with a light of another "color" (the flash). The advantage  of white balancing to your home lighting is it will get rid of harsh shadow lines from the flash if you can’t "soften" the light from the flash with the semi-transparent material noted above. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone….I’m mainly a lurker here and haven’t been able to visit > lately.  I’m hoping to get some of that wonderful wisdom you guys are full > of.  I’m trying to get a good picture of my parakeets with a digital camera. > It’s not going so well.  They aren’t scared of the camera at all, and > actually I think they enjoy the attention.  They just don’t turn out well. > Any suggestions on how to improve my chances of a good shot? > Thanks in advance and Happy and SAFE holidays to you all! > Gwen

Response:

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