Great Advice for Printing and Displaying Photographs

One of the best things about digital photography is the sheer quantity of images you can take, but one of the downsides of digital photography is how often those images remain locked forever on your phone and/or computer without ever seeing the light of day!

This great roundup of posts From the Archives will help you get the motivation and knowledge you need to get your best images printed and out into the world in physical form.

Comparing Online Photo Printing

For this two-part series, I sent the same series of digital images to several companies that offer photography prints. Part one, Where to Print Your Photographs, lays out the retailers used as well as the basic services and prices for each one.

Part two, Best Options for Printing Your Photographs, provides the head-to-head comparisons of the prints that I received. Find out if your favorite retailer makes the cut!

Beyond Prints: Photography Gift Ideas

There are so many other ways to share your photographs than just basic prints. This post, Photography Gift Ideas, lays out a wide variety of other media to consider with your photographs (think cards, canvases, calendars, and more)!

Find Time for Photo Books

Photo books and albums are another great way to share and preserve your photographs. This post will help you carve out the time to make high-quality photo books no matter how busy you are! Find Time for Photo Books.

Inspiration: Photography Displays

Now that you know where to print all your fabulous images, find out how best to display and showcase them with this post on 5 Inspiring Ways to Display Photographs!

Want more? Click here for more great collections of posts From the Archives.

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.  * Now available in print as well as eBook! *

Best Flower & Macro Photography Advice!

What's better than flowers and playing with close-up or macro photography? Not much! This post rounds up a collection of great advice From the Archives to get you off and shooting well.

5 Tips for Better Flower Photographs

Move beyond snapshots with these easy-to-learn tips for better flower photographs. From composition to settings advice, this post has you covered.

Cheap & Easy Macro

Interested in macro photography but not ready to make the pricey jump up to a full macro lens? This post, cheap and easy macro: comparisons and recommendations, has you covered. Find out all about the different ways to easily achieve macro-style shots with minimal cost!

Tips to Improve Your Macro Photography

Now that you're set for macro photography, check out these tips to improve your macro photography. Learn what to look for, how to best compose your shot, what settings to use, and more.

Focus Stacking for Macro Photography

Focus stacking is a post-processing technique that combines several photos into one super-sharply focused final image. Find out how to shoot and how to process these images with this useful post.

Macro Fakery: Background Creation

Now we're getting sneaky. Want the secret behind fabulous macro flower shots? Pick some flowers and bring them inside! This post lays out ideas for macro fakery and creating your own backgrounds.

Want more? Click here for more great collections of posts From the Archives.

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Finding the Perfect Type of Camera for You

Congratulations on your upcoming camera purchase! You've made it through the Is it Time for a New Camera? post and are ready to get serious about finding the perfect camera for you. Below are some questions that will help guide your decision.

Questions When Considering a New Camera

Biggest Question: what are your current photography needs? Where is your current camera lacking?

• If you tried the exercises in the Time for a New Camera? post, you should have a good sense of where your current camera is letting you down. Is it too slow? Poor quality? Too heavy? Lacking options for customization and control? Etc.

• I am a list person, so I found it very helpful to actually sit down and make list of some of my likes and dislikes about my current gear. The more specific you can get, the better you can determine the right camera for you, rather than just "a good camera." 

Price Point: how much are you looking to pay for your new camera?

• You can spend a LOT of money on any category of cameras, but broadly, prices break down in the following ways:

• Point-and-shoot or all-in-one cameras
• $100-300, such as the Canon PowerShot or Nikon CoolPix lines (click here for more examples)
• Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (includes micro 4/3rds)
• $500-1000, such as Sony A6000 series or Olympus OM-D EM10 (click here for more examples)
• Entry-level DSLR cameras
• $800-1200, such as the Canon Rebel or Nikon D3000 or D5000 lines (click here for examples)
• Intermediate or Professional-level DSLR cameras
• $1500 and up, up, up, such as Canon 70d or 60d or Nikon D500/600  (click here for intermediate examples)
• Pricey, such as Canon 5D or Nikon 5D  (click here for professional examples)

• Keep in mind the "hidden" costs of buying a new camera or new camera system: lenses, backup batteries, extra memory cards, a case, and any additional accessories like a tripod, filters, etc. (Read up on all Must-Have Camera Accessories here.)

Once you have a reasonable understanding of your price point and your needs, you are ready to start shopping and comparing options, so that you can make the best choice for you.

Camera Category Comparisons

The following chart gives you a visual guide to some of the big differences between the broad categories of types of cameras. This is a good starting place for narrowing down your search, based on your personal camera criteria.

Think back on your answers to the flowchart of questions from Time for a New Camera?

• Looking to upgrade from your phone or basic point-and-shoot for something with higher quality and more creative control? Consider a mirrorless or entry-level DSLR camera.

• Looking to print larger photographs for display and need more megapixels and quality? Consider a higher quality mirrorless or DSLR camera.

• Planning a trip or other major life event? For travel, consider a higher-end point-and-shoot or a mirrorless camera for portability. For backpacking or more rugged travel, consider a weather-sealed version. For new baby and child photography, consider an entry-level DSLR with a prime lens. For wedding photography, consider an intermediate to professional-level DSLR with high-quality lenses.

• Is your current camera reaching the end of its functional life? Consider whether you want to make a sideways move (i.e. buy a similar camera to what you had before) or an upgrade. 

• Looking to upgrade based on the limitations of your current camera? Consider moving up to an intermediate or professional-level DSLR, based on which specific limitations you want to overcome. Or consider investing in a high-quality lens for your current DSLR camera, if you are struggling with issues of zoom, sharpness, or other quality issues.

Narrowed down which type of camera you want? Stay tuned for the next post(s) in this series, which will help you figure out which specific camera is best for you!

Upcoming posts:

• Mirrorless vs. DSLR. Which choice fits you better?
• Mirrorless Camera Comparison Shopping
• DSLR Camera Comparison Shopping
• and more ... 

What additional questions do YOU have about camera buying?

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Time for a New Camera?

One of my most-read and most-discussed posts for Digital Photography School was the one where I asked the question, "Do You Need to Upgrade to the Latest Camera?" (Spoiler alert, my answer was no.)

But there's a big difference between upgrading to the latest camera simply because it is the latest camera and upgrading to a new camera because it fits a "need" or a gap in your photography arsenal. Since I am in the market for a new camera myself right now, I thought it might be interesting to revisit the question from the opposite angle: when is it actually time for a new camera?

When NOT to Upgrade

But first, some caveats. Upgrading to a better camera does not magically make you a better photographer. It's sad but true. New gear does not teach you composition, turn a snapshot into a memorable image, or help you better discover the "decisive moment." There are plenty of terrible images out there shot on expensive cameras.

Before you decide you "need" a new camera, spend some time thinking about the camera(s) that you already own. How well do you know how to use your current camera? How often have you referred back to the manual or investigated some of the bells and whistles that might already be at hand?

In what situations does your camera perform well? In what situations does your camera seem limited? Are these situations the result of a weakness in your camera or a weakness in your knowledge or experience? (Self-promotion moment: my book, Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is specifically geared towards DSLR owners who want to get the most out of the camera they have.)

If you are a casual, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of shooter (and we all are, on some days), then maybe what you need is a new commitment to pushing yourself and your current camera to the limits of its abilities. Go out late at night and shoot in low light. Crank the ISO up high and see how poorly (or not) your images turn out.

Find a speedy pup or cranky toddler and see how well your camera deals with moving subjects or the need to shoot rapidly. Test the limits of your zoom, the limits of your handholding without shake, or the limits of your burst mode. That should give you a much stronger idea about whether you might really "need" a new camera ... or not.

Once you've determined that your current camera doesn't meet your needs, then you are truly ready to move forward with researching and purchasing a new camera.

Signs It Might Actually Be Time for a New Camera

Think you're ready for a new camera? Try out handy-dandy flowchart to see for sure ...

Ready to make a decision? Check out the next post in this series, which will explain the different options in detail, to help you make the best choice for you: Finding the Perfect Camera Type for You.

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

5 Tips to Keep Your Gear & Photos Safe

It is critically important to maintain your camera and accessories in good working order. You also need a structured routine to backup your photos. Keep your gear and your images safe with these 5 tips From the Archives.

Keep Your Camera & Sensor Clean

It is essential to keep your camera clean both inside and out. This article on Keeping Your Camera and Sensor Clean provides preventative advice, tips for regular maintenance, as well as a case-study in what a dirty sensor means for your camera and for your images.

Avoid Memory Card Disaster

A broken or corrupt memory card will take all of your images with it when it goes. But you can generally avoid ever having this problem through basic care and maintenance of your cards. Find out how in the article on How to Avoid Memory Card Disaster: proper handling and care of memory cards.

But, if such a tragedy does strike, there are some actions you can take to try and recover your images. Get all the details in the article Memory Card Disaster: what to do about broken, corrupt, or damaged memory cards.

Backup Your Photos Regularly

In addition to taking care of your memory cards, you also need to take care of your memories! Frequent, redundant backups are critically important to making sure that you do not lose your photos if something should happen. Find out all the recommendations in Top Tips for Camera Memory and Storage.

Know How Long Your Battery Lasts

A final tip that will help you avoid all sorts of problems is to Know How Long Your Camera's Battery Lasts. Estimates and manufacturer's ranges are all well and good, but the best test is keeping track for yourself and your particular shooting style. This article provides a simple method for tracking battery life, ensuring that you'll never miss a shot again due to a dreaded dead battery!

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Stir Crazy? Try These Indoor Photography Ideas!

Need something new in your photography? Try these creative ideas From the Archives - all of which you can do in the warmth and comfort of the indoors!

Fun with Fizzy Fruit Photography

With a very basic setup, you can easily create these bright fun shots of bubbles on fruit. All the details are in the article on Fun with Fizzy Fruit Photography.

Water Droplet Refraction

Another fun idea with water is to create a repeated refraction effect. This super-easy technique creates amazing and mystifying photographs. All you need is a piece of glass or plastic, some water, and some colored paper ... Make the Shot: droplet refraction.

DIY Photography Light Tent

Take your indoor photography up another level by building your own light tent. Light tents are incredibly useful for all kinds of photography, especially if you are trying to feature small items or sell products on your blog. You probably have all the supplies you need lying around! Read on to create your own Foldable DIY Photography Light Tent.

Photograph Interiors

Finally, make the most of your time indoors by learning how to photograph interior locations better. All the details are in this article on Photographing Interiors. 

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Valentines Photography Fun

Valentines is just around the corner! Spice up your celebration with these fun photography ideas From the Archives.

Heart-Shaped Shadows

All you need is a light, a book (or other decorative surface), and a lens filter or other circular ring. Get all the details here for How to Master the Heart-Shaped Shadow.

Heart-Shaped Bokeh

You too can create fun heart-shaped bokeh. All you need is 5 minutes, a 50 mm lens, and some paper for 5-Minute Heart-Shaped Bokeh.

Flower Photography Tips

Wondering how best to capture your Valentine's bouquet? Look no further than these 5 Tips for Better Flower Photography.

Hearts On Fire (Literally)

For the adventurous, declare your love in matches and flame! (Or your angst, depending on how your day goes.) Either way, you can do so artistically - and safely - with these tips for How to Photograph Fire and Matches.

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Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.