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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
votes
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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