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You can’t pose undomesticated animals per say, but you can capture the moment―even if it looks like you posed them.
Much of the same principles apply towards photographing animals as it does towards humans. Keep these basic principles in mind as you photograph animals:

1) Eye contact is important, but not always necessary. In some instances, a pose with eye contact from an animal works. In my opinion, this type of pose is equivalent to a traditional, formal portraiture. When the pose works, the body position is natural and shows the full-body.

2) The surrounding setting is important too. If there are a couple of background textures and tones which complement the animal and setting, this would be perfect! In this way, the animal and setting (the background) contain visual unity.

3) The camera’s flash fills in shadows and enhances the appearance of humans, as well as animals. Take a fill flash photograph and look for the shadows on and around the animal’s body. Now, take another photograph without the flash. Without the flash, part of the animal’s face is darkened and the shadows are not as pleasing to the eye. The shadows tell us about the form and shape of an object. Normally though, shadows can add beauty to forms.

4) Viewpoint perspectives can make or break a photograph. Sometimes, shooting down on an animal works and other times not. Photographers have to make needed adjustments for each situation. While maintaining eye contact with an animal, just as with people, the animal should not be straining his or her neck to look at you (or the camera). Make sure the pose of the animal is not disturbing to look at. The animal should look true to form and natural.

Basically, make sure the animal looks content and relaxed. Watch your background too. Sometimes, all you have to do is move to the side a few steps to get that memorable shot! (revised 2/15/2006)

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer
http://www.debjensendesigns.com

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Putting your photos on a dvd requires two software programs. You will need one for organizing your photos and one for burning them on to a dvd. In this article we will be covering Windows Movie Maker since it is a free program that comes with Windows XP users. You can also get it free through Microsoft if, you don’t already have it installed. Your computer must also have a dvd burner and software for the burning process. Since many new computers come with Nerovision Express 3.0 software we will be using this program in the following steps.

Let’s give it a try shall we…

Step 1. Bring your Windows Movie maker software program up on your computer screen.

Step 2. Look for the task tab, under the capture video category, click on import pictures.

Step 3. Drag and drop your photos in the storyboard arranging them any way you like.

Step 4. Under the edit movie category you can add video effects and transitions. Drag and drop them also in the storyboard. Try all of the them to see which ones you like the best.

Step 5. To add one of your favorite songs change the storyboard view to the timeline view. Under the capture video category, click on import audio or music. Drag your music into the timeline, under your photo scenes, where it says audio/music.

Step 6. When you are satisfied with your preview choose, save to my computer located under the finish movie category. Your video will be saved with a wmv extension.

Step 7. Bring up your Nerovision Express software program and click on make DVD - DVD Video. Under the content screen, click on add video files. Locate the video you just created in Windows Movie Maker. (Remember it will have a wmv extension.) You can add more than one video here. When you see that your video and or videos have been added click on the next button.

Step 8. In the select menu screen click on edit menu. This is where you can choose from a wide range of layouts, background pictures, etc. Play around with the different options you have. When you get the menu just the way you want it click on the next button. (Click on save as template for saving your menu.)

Step 9. Now preview your video by clicking the play button on the remote control. If you are satisfied with the results click next.

Step 10. From the burn options screen, click on burn to located in the parameters for burning box. Locate your dvd drive. Click on the burn button when you are ready. This process takes a while so you have to be patient. Try not to do anything else on the computer while the burning process is in effect.

Note: If you find that the software won’t let you burn, you may need to purchase an additional plugin. If that is the case, you should see a pop up window with instructions on how to get it.
Note:You will not be able to burn without it.

That is really all there is to it! Now wasn’t that easy?

Copyright © 2005 Lynn Quario - All Rights Reserved

Please feel free to reprint this article providing the links and author stay intact.

Lynn Quario is a groovy grandmother who loves to create family home videos.

If you want to learn how to be more creative with your videos check out her website at http://www.create-your-own-dvd-movie.com/

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As digital cameras replace film, more and more users are turning to web based photo storage services to manage their photo archives. There are a dizzying array of sites, all offering different services at different prices. Choosing a storage service can be a confusing process, particularly when you are choosing a company to entrust with your precious family photos. Here are some things to look for when you’re choosing a photo storage service.

First, take a look at the interface. How easy or difficult is it to upload photos to the site? Most of the major photo storage sites offer the ability to download software that will let you upload batches of photos, but some sites still rely on web interfaces that are slower and more clumsy.

Once you’ve checked out the interface, investigate the pricing structure of the site. Compare costs carefully using a standard print size, such as 4×6 for comparison. The difference in printing costs can vary wildly from one site to another, from as little as 12 cents at one site to as much as 29 cents at another. Don’t forget to consider traditional sources of photo-processing like drug stores. These companies are making it easier to place photo orders over the web by offering storage and customization of photos and frequently cost less than dedicated photo storage services.

Continue to investigate pricing. For example, is there a cap on the number of photos you can upload for free? How much does it cost beyond that? Compare priced for specialty items like calendars, greeting cards and enlargements. Finally, compare shipping and handling costs, which are often a hidden source of profit for many companies.

Of less importance than cost, but still an important consideration, is whether a photo storage service allows you to create custom items. Almost all sites allow the user to customize items like greeting cards, but some offer a wider array of products than others. If this is important to you, compare the number of products offered and the interface used to create custom items.

Finally, be sure you completely understand how long a photo storage service will host your photos. Some have a set time limit, tied to the last time a user logged in to their system. Never completely rely on an online photo storage system to store your photos. Always keep a backup copy of your photos on external media in case of problems.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Computers, Science, and
Education

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