Three Top Digital Photography Tips from BetterPhoto Instructors

1. AVOID CONTRASTY SITUATIONS
by Jim Zuckerman
Extremes in contrast are a problem for both film and digital photography, but it is especially a problem when shooting digital. When the highlights and shadows are too extreme, the detail in both areas are in jeopardy of being lost. Even you try to "average" the exposure, a compromise between the light and dark areas, the shadows tend to go black and the highlights are washed out.
With digital photography, even a subtle difference in contrast can mean the complete loss in detail in the highlights. A light area on the bridge of the nose, for example, that would show detail in a negative can easily be blown out on a chip.

Therefore, try your best to avoid contrasty situations. Patchy lighting is a classic example of what to avoid, but I've seen portraits done on overcast days (it was a bright overcast) that show a loss of detail in skin tone because the contrast was just a little too much for digital cameras to handle. Note: Jim Zuckerman teaches many more digital photography tips in several BetterPhoto courses: Mastering Light; Making Money with Your Photography; Eight Steps to More Dramatic Photography; Creative Techniques in Photoshop; Fundamentals of Photography, and many more.


2. REDUCING YOUR FLASH OUTPUT
by Brenda Tharp
If you have problems with the flash on your compact digital camera being too strong, here's a solution. First, if you can program your flash to output less (by setting it to -1, or -2, etc.) do that. But if you find that it's still putting out too much light, hold your index finger partly over the flash head when it makes the picture.
It would seem illogical, but flash output is so powerful that this actually does the trick. Not only has this been very successful in knocking down the light output for me, it has also warmed up the light of the flash. The light of the flash going through your finger will be softer, more subdued, and much warmer.

3. REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS
by Susan and Neil Silverman
It's easy to change white balance, ISO, etc., in your camera settings, all within the same photography session. But it's not always so easy to remember to change those settings back - especially while in the heat of the excitement! We take care of this problem with a piece of colored gaffer tape, which we move into an area that can be seen easily as a reminder that we have made a change to the original settings.
This is critically important when using exposure compensation. After returning your setting(s) back to normal, then we place the tape in a spot where it does not get much attention. This tape can be reused in this manner many times and will still adhere well and does not leave any residue.

Digital Photography Business

So you bought a digital camera and now you want to start a digital photography business. With all the software for posting photos online, this makes a digital photography business more realistic today than ever before.

In fact, anyone who has, or is looking to start their own digital photography business can now use the Internet as a solution to selling more of their digital photographs. Digital photographs can be uploaded and you, as the photographer can sell your photographs to anyone with an Internet connection, anywhere in the world. This concept has greatly increased the digital photography business for photographers around the globe while increasing their sales in their digital photography business.

It does not take much to start your own digital photography business. In fact, you can get started with just a simple digital camera and an Internet connection and the desire to own your own digital photography business. For those who want to start a digital photography business can do so from their home. A home based digital photography business is ideal for college students, stay at home moms and retired individuals looking to supplement their income. In fact, a home based digital photography business is one of the best home based business one can start.

There are some things, however, to consider such as the type of business you will set up. Whether a sole owner or a LLC, you will need to know the legal aspects of setting up your digital photography business as with any business. Once you have all the legal aspects in place, the next step in your digital photography business is to start taking digital photographs, submit them online and start making money.

Internet Fax

Internet Fax - Does Your Business Have It?
Titus Hoskins

If you own or operate any type of company or business, there is one thing you know for certain: you have competition. You are constantly competing for sales, market share, customers... you also know it's a battle you have to win if you want your business to fully prosper in these demanding times.

One of the best ways to stay competitive is to have the latest and most efficient business tools at your service. Businesses must stay abreast of the times or fall behind the pack - it's that simple.

Internet Fax is a perfect example; it is a business communication tool you simply must have.

Why?

Because your competition will have it and if you're competing against them, you must have it just to stay in the game. Especially if your business relies upon receiving and sending faxes then Internet Fax must be considered for your business.

Internet Fax has many names: online fax, email fax, e fax, electronic fax, mobile fax, even phone fax... regardless of what you call it, Internet Fax is using your email system and the web to send and receive your faxes. It's relatively cheap, it's paperless, it's inkless, it's more secure, and much much more convenient than the old traditional way of faxing.

Moreover, you can access your faxes anywhere anytime, wherever you have Internet access and these days that's almost everywhere. It is completely compatible with cell phones, laptops, PDAs... a truly portable faxing service which your company can benefit from using.

In order to get Internet Fax you have to sign-up for an online fax service where you receive a local or toll-free fax number. You will get an online site (interface) where you can check, send and receive your faxes. You can also store your faxes here.

Generally, your faxes are sent as email attachments, usually in TIFF or PDF formats. Your online fax service acts as an intermediary on your behalf to process your faxes, whether they're coming from traditional fax machines or other Internet Fax users. You simply check into your site or use a desktop application to send or receive your faxes.

Basically, Internet Fax simply ties in or brings all your faxing chores into the computer/internet age. It is the modern way to fax.

Now since this is a "long-term" business service it pays for any company or business to shop around before picking any one service. Do your homework now and it can pay huge dividends over the long haul.

Some of the major Internet Fax Service Providers are: MyFax, eFax, TrustFax, RingCentral, Send2Fax, RapidFax, MetroFax and Faxage. All of these online fax services have slightly different plans and monthly rates so check them all out before choosing a fax service that will meet your company's needs.

Costs for an Internet Fax service usually range from around $10-$15 a month, but some go for as low as $4 a month or if your faxing needs are a bare minimum - around $20 bucks a year.

Again, price shouldn't be your main concern as you will want a reliable fax service with good 24/7 support. This quality service and support should be your first criteria in choosing any fax service. You will also want one that is completely scalable to meet any demanding business fax needs should they arise.

However, since most of the major fax services give you a 30 Day Trial Period, you can try before you buy. Finding an Internet fax service to match your needs shouldn't be that difficult.

For the most part, Internet Fax has many advantages: it is paperless, inkless, very portable, very convenient, more secure and more economical than the traditional way of faxing. Besides, as mentioned before, even if you're not using it, you can be assured your competitors are using it. Can you stay competitive if your business depends upon quick fast communication on a daily basis. Can you really afford not to use Internet Fax?

It's your call.

For more information on Internet Fax Services use this handy online Comparison Guide to get your own: www.onlinefaxguide.com Or if you want more detailed information on Internet Faxing try here: www.internetfaxguide.org