• Quick Tips on How to Take Great Pictures of Waterfalls
• Analyze This...The sunset
• Upcoming Photography Workshops
• Sample Photo Guidelines: Student Traveler and Flak Magazine
• Quick Travel Tip: Do Your Research
• Photo Contests: Photos of the Year and BR Pub

How to Capture the Essence of Waterfalls
(Quick Tips)
 

1. Use a slow shutter speed (1/2 to 1/15 second) to blur the water and create an illusion of movement.

2. Use a faster shutter speed (1/60 to 1/125 second) to freeze the water and make it shimmer.

3. Use a tripod to avoid camera shake.

ANALYZE THIS

What makes a photo saleable? What are stock agencies looking for and why don't pictures of sunsets sell?

A simple sunset will not sell, but add a couple holding hands and you have a "dominant point of interest" that adds a feeling and mood to the photograph. It becomes more than just a sunset, it becomes a story. The sunset shot has been done countless times over. Why would a stock agency want to buy yours? No matter how nice it is, if it's just a picture of the sun alone it's nothing that hasn't been done before. You must make your photo stand alone, unique, and give the buyer a reason to take a second look.

MORE TIPS ON THE SUNSET:

When taking pictures of the sun, it's important to remember that every moment that passes is lost and cannot be replaced...but it can change the look of your photo if captured before it's too late. You must plan ahead, because you can't pause a sunset or reposition a point of interest if it's there naturally and not placed. Your point of interest should be viewed in such a way that it conforms to the rules of good composition. For instance, giving something a silhouette look could make it much more appealing.

In some cases, you could even involve yourself in the shot or take along a friend. Just be sure the person looks natural and not posed. You might convince a stranger to help you by asking them to walk by in a certain direction, or by asking a couple to hold each other as they cross the beach, or even by asking a farmer to drive across his field if that would add depth to your sunset shot. When you tell them what you're doing, most people are pleased to assist you. 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

Join us in Paris, May 24-27, 2006...and bring your camera!

For more details, visit:
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/paris2006/

"The workshop was enjoyable and very informative. I think everyone would benefit from taking it, no matter what level of expertise they have." -- Nancy Cappo, Seminole, FL.

"Rich's technical expertise in camera use and Photoshop combined with his artistic expertise and practical comments made him an effective instructor."-- Robert Horacek, Weymouth, MA.

"If you're serious about photography at all, REGARDLESS of experience with a camera, you don't want to miss these 'Getting to Know Your Camera' sessions. The tips and suggestions from these professional photographers are invaluable." -- Gary Waldrep, Texas.

These members have had the pleasure of learning from the best. Now it's your turn. So grab your camera and join us this May for an exclusive workshop in, beautiful Paris, France. For more details, visit http://www.thephotographerslife.com/paris2006  or call 1-866-879-2924 or 561-278-5557 and ask for Barb. Space is limited.
 

SAMPLE PHOTO GUIDELINES:

Student Traveler, a new magazine geared toward worldwide travel for students, is on the lookout for outstanding travel photographs. You can send scanned images or a link to photos you have online. Send inquiries and photo submissions to jeff@studenttraveler.com. Learn more about the publication and its submission guidelines at http://206.245.174.113/submission.php.

Flak Magazine accepts photo submissions. They look for artistic photos that make the viewer look at something familiar in a new way. Each photo submission must be accompanied by a description caption that includes the date and location. Captions should be brief and clear. Email 800 x 600 pixel photos to Abbey and Andy at photo@flakmag.com. View the complete photo guidelines at http://flakmag.com/guides/photoguide.html.
 

QUICK GEAR TIP: Research First, Then Travel

Be sure to do your homework before a trip. By reading up on the variety of places to see and things to do, you'll have better chances of capturing unique and saleable shots. The web is a good place to start. You can even find magazines or books devoted to your place of travel. Take a look at what kind of photographs are already out there and start thinking about what you can do differently to improve upon them.
 

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PHOTO CONTEST:

Photos of the Year - This site offers seven free contests, some annual, some monthly, some bi-weekly. Categories vary from free study to people photography to nature photography. Plus, they offer a free gallery where you can submit up to 12 photographs for public critiquing. For the complete guidelines, visit:
http://www.photos-of-the-year.com/digital-photography-contest/.

BR Pub - This site offers a free annual contest. The subject matter for the contest is outdoor landscapes from all seasons of the year. For more information about submission guidelines, visit: http://www.brpub.com/contest/contest_info.htm.
 

Photos for Profits is a FREE weekly newsletter from the American Writers & Artists Inc., available to AWAI students and friends.

© 2006 American Writers & Artists Inc.
245 NE 4th Ave., Ste 102
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone (561) 278-5557
Fax (561) 278-5929
memberservices@awaionline.com

To LEARN MORE, visit:
http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com and http://www.thephotographerslife.com