What makes the internet such a leading;marketingtool is due to the simplicity of finding things thatwe are interested in finding,and thereare somefantasticsearchengines likeGooglethatmake thatall possible.The Googlesearchresults allow potential customers to find products on the internet,and thisis where stockphotographysitestarget all theirmarketingpower. Yousee the verykeywordsthatpeoplepop into the searchbox willleadthem directlyto yourimagesand you abilityto optimumkeyword managementwillsendpeopleto yourdigitalimagesstored on the stockphotographysites.

The key to reaching a broaderpublic is to expandyourkeyword categories, and reallythe more keywordsyou use the better,but sometimes;using more that6 can leadto suspicious marketingtechniques. To get a clearpicturelet’s say we want to market a pictureof a digitalcamera, you shoulduse photographyand digitalcameras,but also"travel"as most travelersown a digitalcamera.

This rule can be applied to any nichemarket, wherebyrelevantkeywordsshoulddescribe the subjectmatter and alsoon a broaderhorizon.You can alwaystakea quick lookat otherimageson stockphotographysitesand checkout which keywordsotherstockphotographersare implementing.

You are almost reaching the point of startingyourfirst digitalphoto marketingcampaignand all you need to do is justdownloadedyourphotosto yourPC and then straightup on to stockphotographysites. You aren’t far away fromhavingthe abilityto get an easyregularincome, and all fromjustshooting awesomedigitalphotos. Youjustneed a few shortcuttipsand you willbe converted into a successfulstockphotographerand who knows,you may have found yourreal first job thatyou reallyactually enjoy. Get further guidance on how easyit reallycan be to sellmore photoson stockphotographysites.

Take safe techniques

Mastering such adventure techniques as basic techniques of climbing will help us have control over the location. You don’t have to be as good as a professional athlete who practices regularly to master the techniques perfectly. Mastering some basic techniques is enough as our “ammunition” in adventure photography (note: the shooting day is not under extreme circumstances.
In photographing rock climbing or mountain hiking, photographers at least have to master ascending and descending technique to put themselves on the high position. Traversing is one of climbing techniques that photographers need to know to take him to high zone. Next thing to do is optimizing your physical condition to reach higher position.If you think you are not ready yet with your technical skill, you can ask a guide to accompany you during the shooting day.
Just prepare your mental condition to take part in this high-risk activity. However using a guide will restrict our movement. It is better to spend some time to practice. Mastering the technique of adventure will improve your self-confidence and our mental condition while working outdoor. Climber’s technique quality influences the moment In photographing rock climbing, climber’s experience can determine the quality of the climbing action.
Photographing climber who has good technique quality such as national or international athlete has a bigger chance in resulting amazing moments. They are able to explore advanced technique than the entry-level climbers. Focus on the purpose of photographing Sometimes we forget the purpose of photographing because we are amazed by the nature. To climbing enthusiasts, the challenging rocks look tempting to be climbed. Keep on your mind that our prime purpose is photographing. Do not waste your energy for
unnecessary activity that drains your physical condition. Set your best time so we can enjoy our good time after the shooting session is done. Use your break time as efficient as possible, especially a nightlong sleep.
Reserve camera, storage media & battery If there is no electricity source during the journey, estimate precisely the journey duration with the availability of the electricity source for the camera. Bring some reserve batteries, or bring others energy source to charge the battery such as solar source. Photographing under unpredictable natural condition is very risky.
We need camera reserve to anticipate if some troubles occur to the main camera. For that reason bring not just one camera, bring DSLR, prosumer, or compact camera, and analog camera as well.
It is important to make sure that the camera is ready for photographing, and avoid to miss precious moments from the journey. Put your gears in such safe place as camera bags designed for outdoor activities.

My job as a designer of outdoor-activity equipments demands me to participate a lot in adventuring and interact with several adventurers’ communities. From these my interest for capturing the action of adventure began. At the beginning, I was only doing a research, looking for inspiration to develop product and testing the properness of the product’s performan-ce before being sold.
However, through those experiences I found many unpredictable moments that were too pity to to miss them. The purpose of photographing changes a little bit in me. It is not only for research documentation but I also learn the adventure photography seriously. Capturing the perfect moment while photographing the action of adventure is a tempting challenge.
Different adventure activity will lead to a different challenge too. It is said in adventure photography that the more extreme the action the higher photo value you got. It requires a lot of hard work to catch the perfect moment. Another challenge is that sometimes we are not familiar with the location. That is why we need to prepare ourselves.
A well-done preparation will help us in dealing with all sorts of possibilities. Enjoy the Adventure Photographing adventure means that we will take part in the adventure itself. If we already prepare ourselves, we will be enjoying the adventure. Physical preparation must be done before we depart, especially if we are going to endure long journey.
Photographing adventure demands us to be such “four-wheel-drive photographers” as we will face uncertain natural condition. We already know that photographing requires high concentration. When photographing adventure we have to concentrate on how to manage our journey (for instance how to set the equipment and our supply during the journey), how to survive, or how to capture a perfect moment in a difficult zone.
Good stamina will support our performance while shooting outdoor. Routine and regular exercise will help to keep us stay healthy. I usually add my exercise session at least one month before the shooting day. If you are going to take picture of rock climbing, your exercise must be focused on your climbing endurance on short climb track (bouldering).
This exercise is required because we will need to find the point of view from the high zone, whether by climbing or ascending on a single rope. To take photos of mountaineering, exercise is focused on your endurance to walk along a slope with upward direction.
Such exercise is very useful as in capturing hiking activities photographers have to move actively to catch moments from various directions.
Sometimes photographer’s mobility exceeds the climber’s. Since photo value represents the dramatic moment of the adventure, it is directly proportional to the difficulty level of the adventure.
The determining element is not only on the action itself, but it could also be acquired from the adventurers’ strained faces while facing danger and difficulties, or their happy moments expressing the passion of adventure. Those elements could be the points of interest of the photos.
However, the most important is the essence of adventurer’s intention to do those difficult and dangerous activities – that is an eternal spirit to explore the limitation of human ability. This should be recorded in photographing the moment of adventure.

If you are new to photography or you are an avid photographer looking to get some recognition and put your work out to the world, entering a photo competition is a great way to start. Some companies run these competitions on a regularly basis. Some focus mainly on local talent, others international and some might only focus on a certain type of photography.

Photography contests may seem intimidating to new photographers and when you start looking at past winners of particular contests. Do not be put of by this because this is a great platform to boost not only your confidence but also your skill set. For the established photographers entering competitions outside your usual niche will also develop your skills as well as expand on your portfolio.

Entering Competitions:

Should you enter offline or online photo contests? This is a personal decision. With many companies moving submitting to photo contests online has become relatively popular. Ensure you select reputable websites and join photography sites that will build on your portfolio.

Read the instructions, rules and criteria for entering the photo contest. As you enter more professional competitions your photographs will be judged on many qualities (lighting, angles etc). Ensure that you fully understand what the judges are looking for.

Stick to the title but also show some creativity. Some photo contests may be looking for your best shot of a sunrise. Submitting a plain shot of your daily sunrise may not be utilizing your creative juices as a photographer. Think outside the square and do what ever it takes to get the best photo shot you can

Don’t get distracted by the prizes. Some companies offer amazing prizes and great avenues for emerging photographers to be recognized for their work. Focus on taking the best photo, making your work unique and add a personal touch or signature.

Good luck with your photo competition entries. If you need to find a website that lists the latest photo competitions visit Photo Art Gallery at www.photoartgallery.com. They also have information on  competitions run by other reputable online photography sites.

Start creating with simple concept. Pay attention on your mood when photographing or editing. So don’t be afraid of doing experiment. Try to shoot in all sorts of circumstances, when we are happy, sad, raining, dry season, daylight, night, opposing the sun, etc. Open your eyes, open your heart while you are walking on the street so you are able to sense the neighborhood, and able to interact; and also in order to capture the moment, and wait for Having finished burning tens of incense in front of the house, a middle aged man started to utter a long spell in Mandarin.

This man called as “the connector” was invited that night to be a mediator between God of Night and the family who invited him, because that night was the God’s anniversary. The family would like to hear about fortune, good news or bad news, and marriage matters as well. The mediator who was said in trance explained to the family what he heard about their fate for the future.

Believe it or not, destiny, fate, fortune have a close relation to Chinese culture for thousands years. Ironically, in China itself this kind of tradition has been left behind because of the culture revolution led by Chairman Mao. Fortunately, in some countries which have Chinese colony this kind of festival is still held frequently. In Penang, or Pinang Island, Malaysia, we can find Chinese ethnic groups living in harmony with Malayan, India and Arabian ethnics without having conflict among them.
All kind of culture expression is not banned, in fact, they support each others.

The Top Photo Contest Tips – Avoid having your entry rejected

In the past, I’ve organised, run, managed and judged many photo contests, and this has given me a great insight that I’m about to share with you.

Some of you will have your entry rejected as soon as it’s submitted, thus removing your chance of the judges or voters even considering your photo.

Give yourself a real chance by using these tips to avoid the many mistakes that entrants make.

1. Photo requirements and specifications are a major factor, most contests will have a set criteria that you need to meet. See the list below for examples.

a. The size of the photo is common, some contests require that the photo be a certain size or within a range, they may also require that the file size does not exceed a specific amount, so making sure you size your photo correctly will ensure your entry is not rejected.

b. You need to place close attention to any rules regarding modification, some contests are very specific about what you may and may not edit. Some will only permit you to modify colour balance and exposure, crop or resize the photo, some will permit full modifications, and other will not permit any at all. What ever they stipulate, make sure you adhere to this.

c. Keep a close eye for the format they require. Many competitions have specific rules on the format of your entry, be it film, digital. be it printed or submitted by email or whether it’s JPG – Gif.

d. Some contests will permit you to enter one photo only, but others allow you to enter multiple photos, if you’ve read all the details relating to the competition you could find out that you can submit as many entries as you wish, this can increase your chances of winning, so look out for this.

2. If the competition you are entering has a theme, make sure you understand exactly what it is the judges are looking for. Themed competitions will normally have a brief, which if read fully will normally give you clues and information as to what the judges are looking for. Now, although the best advise would be to follow the theme exactly, you shouldn’t let this dilute your creativity, and stop you from producing something unique, so the advice here is to read the brief fully and keep within the boundaries of the theme.

3. Eligibility, make sure you are eligible to enter the competition, check to see if there are any age restrictions, or if you have to be from a specific geographic location and check for experience, some contest are only open to professional or amateur photographers.

4. Terms and conditions (T & C’s) , who reads them? not many at all. Why would you? They can be long and boring, but, this is one of the main reasons entries are disqualified even before the judges have seen them. Terms and Conditions contain important information regarding your entry in to the competitions, and they should inform you of your rights and what you are giving them in return. You never know, but by entering the competition you could be giving them the keys to your home, so make sure you read the terms and conditions fully, and if you don’t understand something, contact the organiser and ask for clarification or seek advice.

5. When your photo was taken can also be an important factor for having your entry accepted. Some contests have time restrictions, such as, the photo must have been taken within the last two years, so make sure you follow their rule on time restrictions

6. If there are judges in the competition, and they are named, then give yourself an advantage and do a little research on each of them, find out what they like and what they dislike, this can be used to identify if your entry would appeal to them.

7. Choosing your entry should be based on the tips above and you should always submit your best work. Make sure it is strong in composition, exposure and focus. Try different perspectives and angles and don’t be afraid to break the compositional rules from time to time.

8. It’s always a good idea to seek others advice before entering a competition, maybe use some of the many photo forums around the net to get critique and feedback, or if you prefer ask family and friends their view on your photo, but remember they may be biased, so I’d recommend the former.

Photographycompetitions.net

It’s unimaginable how huge the universe is when we look at the sky, starring at the stars. Yet, not all of us know that behind the dark sky lies millions of undiscovered deep sky objects (DSO). Unfortunately, not all the beauty of the object’s configuration and colors can be seen due to our sense of sight’s limitation and the long distance from our place. By mastering photography techniques, digital image processing and astronomy, the beauty of DSO could be unveiled and recorded through a photograph. In order to photograph such DSO asplanet, galaxy, cluster, or nebula; it requires an astronomical knowledge about the position of DSO on the sky above.

As a consequence of the earth’s rotation, the position of DSO relatively changes, so the DSO is not always stay in the position where we observe it. DSO Photography Method There are some methods that can be applied to photograph DSO, such as rigid camera mounting and star tracking. The first one is the easiest way to record the beauty of DSO with wide field of view, using a tripod and wide angle lens with focal length of 17mm to 200mm. It needs a camera with manual setting so we can set the duration of the exposure. There is a time limit of the exposure duration in this method to avoid star trail (as a consequence of DSO relative movement).

Using a longer focal length requires a shorter duration of shutter speed which delivers only a small data recorded. Yet if you want to record star trail then you need to have a longer shutter speed, so that the object movement will be recorded as a long and beautiful star trail. For star tracking method, we use a special tripod mounting (German Equatorial Mount/GEM) supplied with RA motor drive, to compensate DSO relative movement, but first we must do what’s called as polar alignment. Polar alignment is a process of adjusting the GEM tripod position so its axis is in the same line with the earth’s axis.

It will make the object position on viewfinder look the same. This method gives us more space to set the long exposure, the moment patiently. Master the techniques of photography properly. Street photography does not mean that we are shooting without techniques. There is the moment when we break the rules to give deeper meaning; shooting blur image, for instance.

So dare to be different. Don’t feel inferior with your tools,so we can record a low light level. On star tracking method, the camera can be placed in some ways, such as: Camera and lens (all sizes), applied directly to GEM tripod. Camera and lens can be applied on top of the main telescope, so both will follow the telescope direction. This method is called “piggyback”. Camera is applied to focuser telescope directly by using an adapter. In this case, the telescope replaces the camera lens.

It is called “prime focus” but it only can be done with SLR/DSLR or CCD sensor/web cam. Camera is applied on the back of eyepiece telescope using an adapter, so the image projection which is seen through eyepiece can be recorded by the camera. This is known as “eyepiece projection”. As a tool to help us in observing, we may use a telescope. As long as the position of the telescope can replace camera lens/web cam (by using an adapter), then it can be used for astrophotography.

There are some types of telescopes that commonly used, namely: Refractor with lens as the prime optical components. Reflector with a parabolic mirror as the light collector. This type of telescope is called Newtonian Catadioptric which is the combi-nation of both above because it has a lens optical component and mirror. The performance of a telescope is not merely measured from the focal length, but also from the aperture’s size – the diameter of optical component used for collecting light. The larger diameter (lens or mirror), the greater the light can be captured and will result in higher resolution. In the same level of magnification and same optical quality, 8-inch telescope will deliver a detailed image with higher contrast than 5-inch telescope.

Astrophotography is a challenge, requires a patience, opens a wide insight about astronomy, and can be enjoyed as one branch of photography, as well as glorify God for the great amount of natural beauty, even far away from where we belong. Just be confident! Even a compact camera can deliver such a stunning photograph.

Is it Important Mastering Basic Astronomy? Having sufficient astrophoto-graphy equipment is not enough for shooting session. The basic knowledge of astronomy about sky map, coordinate, and cons-tellation is needed to recog-nize the name, type and position of the objects. Understanding the sky map and coordinate system will give us information about when and where DSO entering view zone, the estimation of position, then followed by observation using telescope to find the exact position when it’s already on the view zone.

It is not difficult, the information of DSO position can be acquired by using sky map software available freely on internet and can be accessed from a desktop/laptop, PDA, or smartphone.

After we discover the DSO position, then we can start shooting. A catalog contained of DSO list and detailed information about the objects can be found easily. For instance, Messier Object catalog consisting of 110 objects, such as galaxy, cluster, and nebula with various position and magnitude level.

Constellation is the easiest guide for discovering objects, because commonly DSO position is connected with the constellation where the object can be found. For example, Orion Nebula (M42; Messier Object number 42) lies on Orion Constellation. How do we find Orion? Use a star map or star chart application, so we will find its position and configuration. Where is the Perfect Location for Shooting? As long as the sky is clear without cloud, the perfect place could be anywhere, provided that it is free from light pollution. Out town, countryside, hill top and so on can be used as the shooting location.

However, it doesn’t mean that the shooting can not be executed in the city. It can be executed by using a filter with the ability to minimize artificial light (street light, building light, etc). If you don’t use a filter, the process of eliminating light pollution can be done on the digital image processing. How do We Take the Photograph? The photographing process in astrophotography for DSO with low light intensity is different from a common photography.

The duration of shutter speed is longer (more than 10 seconds to tens minutes, even hours), with ISO more or equivalent to 400, and must be taken in more than one shot then combined it with the process of stacking and aligning using a software for astrophotography. Each shot is called as subframe or subs. The greater amount of subs then noise resulted during the stacking process and aligning will be lower, besides that it gives a greater data accumulation to increase the detail of DSO. Commonly, all of digital or analog SLR can be used for astrophotography with the additional adapter and cable shutter release for bulb.

Does It Need a Digital Image Processing? In astrophotography, digital image processing is something that can not be ignored. A photograph produced by camera still needs digital processing before beingshown. Digital image processing is needed to give the perfect final touch. In astrophotography processing, the functions used in digital image processing is not different from other photography. It differs in the case of stacking and aligning process which only can be done by special application for astrophotography (Iris, Registax, AstroArt, DSS, MaximDL, and others).

I do not care if my photos will later be judged as one of those artistic products or not, professional or just amateur. I take shots without any burdens. I take shots merely to enrich the vocabularies of my visual language.

I always record any new “words” that I found using my camera. Hence, every moment is always meaningful. Later, I digest and interpret the collected images from my shots, to reveal any “plausible” characters and meanings that are still “encrypted” in those images. Thus, I interact with the characters in my photos indirectly – when they have been captured in the images. I use images to make jokes.

I share ideas, experiences and knowledge. I express greetings, loves and praise God. I make satires and critiques, or even express angers and condemnations with the images. Through Analogies and Metaphors I use photographs – the digital ones or their alteration products – as personal media to visualize anything I want to express; from emotional feelings to rational opinions and from simple stories to complex issues.

Thus, photographs are visual language to communicate. I mostly talk through photographs using analogies and metaphors. It is like playing shadow-puppets. For instance, in one of my photos, I use letter “O” pattern of two bales of straw to make an analogy about oxygen or O2, and then use the chemical fate of O2 as a metaphor to illustrate the destiny of a couple of lovers who are not always together in this life. In another photo, in order to visualize the faith of a lover, I use a metaphor of a seat in a park, which will always be there waiting for her spouse faithfully, no matter how hot the sunlight and how cold the snow strikes her.

Freedom to Shoot The advantage I gain from using analogies and metaphors is “freedom” when shooting. I snap pictures without any concepts and preparations before. I take pictures without any defined targets. No specific “isms” or rules restrict me. I do not care about categories and styles that dominate my photos, since I consider such diversity as dialectical variability in my visual language. In some cases, what have been recorded in the original image are enough to visualize what I want to express. But, sometimes I have to make accentuation on particular elements of an image or even to combine some elements from different images through digital manipulation beforehand.

Ultimate Responses Ultimately, the best part of photography is to know others’ responses – what people say about my photos, not only how they see the visible parts, but also how they perceive the hidden messages inside. When I am at home, my kids and wife are my first respondents, before I share my photos with others.
This really creates entertaining interactions that could bond me to stick with this photography world.

Nowadays, when technology has been and is running across our everyday life, there is no more impossibility from the simplest to the most sophisticated things. Not only to give chances, technology is provided to make us easy. Distance, time and space; they are obstacles no more. Limitation vanishes due to little digital touches; converted to a faultless masterpiece. In the mid of this digital movement, we, who acclaim ourselves as photographers, should be able to cleverly deal with this because we are given both the benefits and disadvantages.

To fulfill everything, as a professional achievement or only a hobby, we had better – still – be what we are. Not to fully depend on that digitalization, but not to be an apathetical anti-technology one too. Ideas, concepts, themes, techniques, creativity, improvisation, originality; they should – still – remain in us, that digitalization is just a ‘beautifying palette’ to make more perfect – not a ‘digital dictionary’ to correct. Well Prepared To start a model/fashion photography, I always prepare everything “well-done” before the D-day. As a starting point, I conceptualize.

The concept, alike the theme, not necessarily be so complicated or hard to make true. I prefer the simple ones, as the real situation might often be different from what I have been thinking so far; especially the outdoor locations. Not necessarily complicated, as long as innovation and creativity is always there for us. Because eventually, this kind of situation tests us. To make everything easy on the D-day, I then have to find the right model to bring my concept to real, since great ideas or concepts would be useless without the right models.

When I am sure I have found the proper model for my concept, I will tell them A to Z on the previous day, so that on the D-day, what I should do is just shooting. This is also important to avoid misunderstanding the ideas or concept When photographing, model’s characteristic becomes very important. I always emphasize them that I want to express differences; thus, not everybody is capable of and willing to. Briefly, to get the best pictures, they should “feel” me. After finishing the conceptual preparations, it is now to think about the technical things. To support the theme, I have to prepare wardrobes and make-up, as to bring my concept to real too.

I am always serious every time I choose wardrobe and make-up artist. A good photographer should really understand his/her make-up artist whom he/she works with. Photographer’s psychological relationship with his/her make-up artist or designer should really be good to make a good harmonization; we will easily get what make-up or wardrobes suit us. Photography Techniques First When everything is done, the next thing is equipment. Usually, for outdoor shooting, I unwillingly take the heavy ones since they disturb me. As long as I get good sunshine, I rarely use flash. Otherwise, sometimes I combine them for the best results. If those things have passed by well, and the D-day has too, it is time to enjoy or review the results. For the inability to move against or block technology movements, of course, I review them through computer.

Though this technology movement or digitalization, or computerization is something we should get along with, I do not rely on digital imaging (DI). It is the capturing time; the time when I bring upfront my photography techniques, while there is no such thought to ‘correct’ those photos with DI if the results are far from what I have expected. Under or over-exposure, for example – I measure them all at the time of capturing. There is no “I can fix it with my computer,” because like what I have been mentioned before, DI, for me, is to make photos perfect, not to correct. Brush, patch and healing brush; only those tools I use to “retouch” my photos.

Finally, in such process, in every kind, there will be so many stories to tell. I have them too in photography, especially in model/fashion photography I am dealing with. For me, there are too many good and unforgettable experiences that I cannot tell which one is the best and the most unforgettable. The existence of photographers could be blessings for others, then, that also becomes what I expect, since photography is the breath of my life.