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1500 questions
23
votes
4 answers

How can I best pose myself for a headshot self-portrait?

I need to do some headshots of myself for a gig I have coming up. My initial thought was to use a plain light background (as you see in many studio shots), but I've had some advice to use a dark background, which sounds like an interesting idea. …
alastairs
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23
votes
7 answers

How can one deal with midday light in street photography?

Firstly, of course, photography is all about light, but for doco/street style photography (which is what I like), it's really about being in the right place at the right time. However, I've been really struggling for years now with taking pictures…
andy
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23
votes
8 answers

What makes this Eggleston picture great?

What makes this Eggleston picture great? I'm being a little provocative here, I actually like the picture, but... It is just a rusty toy; you can find one like it almost everywhere. Ok, the perspective is a bit unusual, but the framing is not…
Paolo
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23
votes
9 answers

How do I remove dead pixels from a digital photo?

I have a Nikon D90 and until recently it has been working just perfectly. While viewing a set of photos I had taken I'm starting to find these little nasty dead pixels: alt text http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7391/d90noise.png They only show up…
Geoff Dalgas
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23
votes
6 answers

What is the practical difference between phase-detect and contrast-based autofocus?

What are the main differences in field use between phase detect AF and contrast based AF? I understand the technical differences, but I am not sure what the implications from a photographer standpoint are. Is there a noticeable speed difference?…
subsub
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23
votes
5 answers

How to capture the scale of a scene?

My framing in the following photo completely failed to capture the sheer height of the waterfall. If you don't know I was standing at the top of the waterfall, and the "splinters" at the bottom are full-size tree trunks 2 feet in diameter, you…
Karl Bielefeldt
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23
votes
2 answers

Are flashes really subject to a "use it or lose it" problem?

I was just reading the manual that came with my new flash and stumbled over this warning: 14.3 Flash capacitor forming The flash capacitor built into the flash unit undergoes physical change if the unit is not switched on for a prolonged period.…
cabbey
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23
votes
2 answers

How do event photographers balance "spontaneous" snapshots versus well-executed shots?

I am not a professional photographer, but I often play at "event photographer" for family events and sometimes informal work events. I find myself struggling with a desire to capture candid snapshots of the events that is contradicted by a desire to…
Laura
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23
votes
15 answers

What are must have accessories?

Taking good photos is about more than just the camera. What accessories are you sure to take with you?
mmccoo
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23
votes
4 answers

What should I consider when purchasing a macro lens?

What should I be aware of when buying a macro lens (other than that it will fit my camera)? What features should I look for? What specs should I pay close attention to? What factors affect macro lens price (beyond than the brand name)? Are there…
Dan McClain
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23
votes
7 answers

How to take a good landscape picture against the sun?

I like hiking, and usually take my DSLR with me. I often find myself in front of beautiful landscapes, with the sun really high or directly in front of me. The resulting pictures are usually pale, ie they lack contrast (I don't know if I'm clear).…
Wookai
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23
votes
4 answers

Are small on-flash softboxes useful, or a gimmick?

There are a number of "mini-softbox" products on the market. These are meant to mount on a hotshoe flash (usually with an elastic band). Lumiquest Softbox III Are these worthwhile portable and low-space light modifiers, or are they more gimmick…
mattdm
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23
votes
7 answers

Which scenarios are better shot with a prime lens versus zoom lens or macro lens?

What scenarios are better shot with a prime lens? A zoom lens? A macro lens?
Dan McClain
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23
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30 answers

Photo Competition 2022-06-06: Reflections

Theme: Reflections The theme of this contest is simple: photos where mirrors, windows, water, or other reflective surfaces were used to get reflections. This theme was suggested by Eric S. Voting Rules View the submissions sorted by active to give…
scottbb
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23
votes
6 answers

What are the best (ethical) ways to keep insect still for outdoor macro photography?

What are the best techniques to improve the details of my insects macro shots ? I don't want to kill them, and ideally, would like to use some focus stacking. I shoot handheld (with a Laowa 2X), with flash, and achieve decent results... but VERY…
GhislainCote
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