Team BetterPhoto

An overcast day? Don't get depressed...

 

© Renee Doyle

Beware of white skies.  An overcast day? Don't get depressed. Soft light can be perfect light for working on a small photographic canvas - colorful details and people portraits. Caution: A bright white or gray sky can overwhelm everything else in the photo and make other parts of the scene look dark in comparison. So on a white-sky day, choose compositions with very little sky or, preferably, no sky at all. Photo Tip by: Jim Miotke

Photo Credit: Renee Doyle

For more, visit renee-doyle-photography.com

 

Nature Photography: DSLR Lens Choices!

By Kerry Drager

Rob Sheppard is one of BetterPhoto's top instructors ... he's also the former editor and current editor at large for Outdoor Photographer magazine. Says Rob: "I am a big believer in buying lenses based on what you find you cannot do well with your existing gear - in other words, based on what you need."

Read Rob's expert thoughts and suggestions in a terrific photography blog over at BetterPhotoJim:

DSLR Lens Choice for Nature Photographers

Have fun with your photography!

Note:
- Like these ideas? Then check out my new book (co-authored with Jim Miotke): The BetterPhoto Guide to Creative Digital Photography, which focuses on composition, color, and design. This book - the latest in the best-selling BetterPhoto Guide series - is due out in Fall 2011.

My Favorite Recent Flower Contest Entries!!

Country Garden II
© Nadine A. Lewis

I love this garden photo!  The colors and textures in the shot make it very interesting.  I think the composition is what makes it really stand out though.  It's just perfect.  Thanks Nadine for sharing this with us and good luck in the contest!

Beauty Queen
© Cathy Barrows

This is absolutely stunning!  The selective focus and colors are so pleasing to the eye.  It feels like the flower is about to pop out of the photograph!  Thanks Cathy!  I am sure we will see this in the winner's circle this month!

Lighthearted
© Val  Feldman

What a beautiful, soft and serene floral capture!  The tones and lighting are so pleasing and the soft focus is perfect on this flower.  This is really a work of art.  Thanks Val! 

 

My Favorite Recent People Contest Entries!!!

~ Walking in a Row ~
© PRONAB KUNDU

I love the expressions here!  You can see the joy despite the circumstances.  The colors are beautiful as well...so earthy with the striking green grass.  Also, the composition is perfect.  Thanks for sharing this with us Pronab!!

The Apprentice
© Lester A. Garcia

This capture is gorgeous and I especially love the lighting here.  The sunlight is hitting in all the right places.  The colors are also stunning and again, we see perfect and interesting composition which often makes the picture. Good luck Lester!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling
© Mary Beth Aiello

This is one of the most beautiful portraits I have ever seen!  The detail and clarity of this adorable girl are stunning.  I almost feel as though she is lifted out of the picture and standing right in front of me.  In other words, this portrait really feels alive.  You have a great piece of art here Mary Beth!  I am sure we will see this in the winner's circle this month!!

What was your Latest Creative Project?

 

"What was the last creative project you did?"

This was the question asked of me by Jim during our Creative Confidence Webinar Weekend. My answer, "glued junk jewelry to a mannequin head".

Wow, did I just say that out loud? Am I really blogging about it? Sure, why not. Today I feel more confident.

My answer led to a very interesting discussion about meeting our creative needs and taking steps to make the most of our days. I met some really wonderful people during our weekend and today I'm feeling both exhilarated and tired. We shared a lot, and all came away with a plan to Live in Accordance with what we Declared we would do. Defined our values and worked hard together. We shared big challenges and were guided with small steps to initiate lifelong change.

It was fun and memorable, and while I typically stay in "producer" mode, I got involved with this inspiring group. Thanks for being a safe place to share gang!

My dogs don't know why I did this project and they can't ask. I have no answer except that it let me feel free and gave me a feeling of delight.

What's delighting you lately? What was your last creative project?

Vacation Photography: Get Creative!

Imagine taking your vacation photography from forgettable to memorable!

At BetterPhoto's digital photography school online, Denise Miotke is offering an awesome new 4-week course: Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places.

In an excellent blog over at ScribbleManiac, Denise shares her thoughts, insights, and background:

I’m teaching a new class at BetterPhoto.com!

Travel Photography with a personal view...

© Denise Miotke   

Put your seat in the fully upright position and secure your camera straps!

Our newest travel course starting today!

Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places with Denise Miotke

Denise Miotke is the quiet co-owner of BetterPhoto.com and has been developing the site as well as photographing with Jim Miotke for over 15 years. Denise comes out from behind the lens to share her view on making travel photography fun and more meaningful. Not-to-mention having a brag book worthy of an art collection!

If you want a great travel companion this summer - look no further. I know from personal experience that travelling with Denise is a delight and her images capture a sense of place and space that will enhance your memories.

© Denise Miotke   

© Denise Miotke    

"Imagine capturing glorious photos that will make you proud and make your friends drool with envy. In this 4-week online class, Denise Miotke shares her insights into what she looks for when photographing. You'll learn techniques for developing an artistic eye and for finding awesome images - whether you are on a trip or shooting in your own backyard. Her critiques will encourage and help move you forward with your photography. Plus, Denise will help you understand light so you can make the most of different times of day."

More about Denise...

Denise H. Miotke loves visiting and photographing lovely places, writing, eating delicious foods, the very idea of creativity, raising her three darling children, and exploring the connection we have with people and places throughout the world. She writes about her travels and her explorations of famous literary and artistic figures on her blog: ScribbleManiac.com

Space is still available for Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places 

Summer Photography Courses - Sale Continues!

We're leaving the sales banner up so the Summer Photography Course Savings continue! We've gotten so many emails from people who missed our midnight deadline that we re-activated the Summer11 promo code so everyone can save! Simply put Summer11 in the Gift Card Field during checkout and SAVE $20! Classes are filling up quickly so grab your seat today! Check out our 4-Week Online Photography Courses here: http://www.betterphoto.com/online-photography-short-courses.asp View all 8-Week Online Photography Courses here: http://www.betterphoto.com/online-photography-courses8wk.asp