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Being a rather traditional amateur photographer for the last number of years I have to admit that I wasn’t too thrilled when digital cameras came on the scene. Little did I know it but all of that was soon about to change.

Many of the earlier ones were clunky, sporting poor quality lenses. In general, early on, digital cameras just left a bad taste in my mouth. I initially use them to share pictures of merchandise I selling with other people around the globe.

Although I started to find digital cameras useful I still found them awkward and lacking the precision of a film camera. As time and technology marched on, however, my outlook on digital photography began to change. Digital camera models emerged with greater resolution in the high numbers of megapixels, which was initially unheard of. Needless to say, however, these fine instruments were priced well outside the reach of most any amateur photographer.

Let’s fast-forward to today. High megapixel models can be found for under $300 is absolutely amazing. I haven’t ventured out in purchased one of those models yet. Actually, I’m still toying around with my 1.2 megapixel digital camera that I bought some years ago for right around 500 dollars.

I originally purchased this 1.2 megapixel digital camera to use to take pictures of products I was selling and place those pictures on eBay. It’s very simple to use, and believe me even though it was somewhat cumbersome it was still a lot easier than using a scanner to digitize actual photographs of products taken.

One year while on vacation, I decided to take the digital camera along with my regular photography rig. I found it so convenient, and so easy to use, that I started to find myself getting hooked. I finally took a leap of faith and decided not to be a photography snob and give digital photography a fair shake. Before I knew it I was taking some pretty artistic photographs with my simple digital camera.

What happened next surprised even me. I loaded the files of the digital photos into my computer and then clicked on each one just to get a glimpse of what they look like. Even with my simple 1.2M pixel camera the pictures exploded on the screen, and I was then forever hooked on digital photography.

So if you’ve been fighting the urge to explore digital photography I’d suggest that you get off the fence and give it a try. You’ll be very glad that you did.

For more information on better Photography as well as great Photography, tips, tricks, and techniques visit MaxPhotography.info located at http://www.maxphotography.info.

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Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking photographs of natural subjects. Unlike with studio shots where you control the lights and the shadows, taking photos outside is a little bit more complicated. In addition to not being able to control your subject, you also have to take into consideration the elements especially the lighting.

Of course for the seasoned photographer, natural light is no longer a hindrance. In fact, most photographers use light to create great effects and put color into an otherwise drab picture. Hence there are photos that play up the shadows or those that capture the different colors of the sky. This is especially true with landscape shots or those that capture flowers and other objects in the environment.

Light can have a lot of sources. In the morning, there is the sunlight while in the evening, there is the moonlight. There is also what photographers call the natural light, which is not as direct as the two previously mentioned. One can use any of these sources of light. The trick is to know how to use it by angling the camera and the subject to achieve the exposure that you want.

This is often done by studying the effect of the light and its corresponding shadows to your subject. For instance, if you want a more dramatic effect, some photographers will use shadows as their main light instead of the natural light.

There are four main directions that photographers must learn in order to take advantage of the light outside. Overhead light for instance has high contrast and harsh shadows. This is achieved when the light is directly above the subject like when it is noontime. Using lights at the front will result with a flat shot.

This is usually seen with shots that use flash in the camera. Often, pictures shot in this direction will lack depth and dimension. Light at the back, on the other hand, may require an additional fill or reflector at the back to bring out the color of the subject. Often, with a light at the back, the shadows may ruin the photo.

Shooting with the light at the side is perhaps the most recommended when it comes to the direction as this will bring out the texture and the shape of the subject that one is using. For instance, with a light on the side, there will be parts that will be highlighted and parts that are not.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Photography, please visit http://photography.articlekeep.com

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Africa has always been known as one of the best destinations for wildlife photography, or nature photography in general. All serious professional wildlife photographers have quite a portion of their file filled with photos from Africa. Why is this? It is because Africa presents you with opportunities for wildlife photography like no other place in the world.

Abundant wildlife

Africa’s wildlife is legendary. There are countless beautiful species, each unique. These species can still be seen in vast areas of their natural habitat, all over Africa. In some places, natural migrations that cover thousands of kilometers still take place unhampered by human civilization. You will not find this rich diversity anywhere else in the world.

Some of the species make such a brutal and captivating living, preying off other species that they get admired by every naturalist. Who would not like to see a lion kill? Who does not dream about finding a leopard in a tree, with an impala ram that it has just taken down? And cheetahs stalking gazelle in long grass? Obviously you would like to experience these things, even capture it on film. Unfortunately it can happen only in Africa.

Amazing photography

Good wildlife photography usually involves capturing some action in the golden light of dawn or dusk. As I explained above, if there is someplace to see wildlife in action, it is Africa.

The golden light does not get more golden than in Africa. Believe it or not, but this is due to dust in the air. Most of Africa is dry, and particularly in the dry season it gets very dusty. This causes the sun to be very red as it leaves or approaches the horizon, causing a beautiful golden glow on any subject bathed in sunlight.

In the dry season, the bushveld is also a lot more open (not too dense) and then you can spot your subject easier and compose it with less interference (branches and leaves sticking into your photograph uninvited)

Other considerations

Africa is very dusty as I said. Now, this can interfere with your photography as your camera’s digital sensor must be spotlessly clean for it not to show dust on the photograph. I would therefore recommend that if you cannot afford to bring different camera bodies for each of your lenses, to either just use a broad zoom lens or only to change lenses when there is no dust around, and to not change lenses often.

Most wildlife photography in Africa happens from inside a vehicle. You can try handholding all shots, but you will delete at least half you photos if this is your approach. Rather try using beanbags or a window bracket for camera support. These will ensure you get that sharp shot.

Conclusion

Africa is an excellent destination for wildlife photography. Why don’t you come and see for yourself. One warning though! If you visit Africa and spend a night or two under African skies, you might just be hooked for life. Even worse, if you get back home and see the award winning photos you have taken, you might just make a permanent move to Africa Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Dries Cronje makes a living from nature photography in Africa. He gives his fellow photographers some useful advice on his website http://www.africa-nature-photography.com.

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