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What are this year's best entry-level DSLR cameras?

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  Janique Goff Madison encourages new photographers to invest in a good DSLR camera. While it can be a bit pricey, a quality camera will help a beginner master the skills in a short amount of time. A good model will also last for years. Here are some of the best entry-level DSLR cameras for 2021: Image source: Unsplash.com Canon EOS 850D Canon has always been trusted by photographers. Whether it's with the camera models or equipment, many await the brand's new releases. This new unit in the Rebel series is a nice match for beginners as it is fast and reliable. Aside from being a good camera for taking still images, it also has a 4K video mode that is just as good. Easy to carry and navigate, it will allow photographers to enjoy learning and exploring the craft. The long battery life is also a plus. Image source: Unsplash.com Nikon D5600 While this is quite an older model, it is still a good investment for the year 2021. Nikon cameras are known for being sturdy a...

Essential skills beginning photographers must develop

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  Many think it is easy to break into the world of professional photography. Some consider equipment to be the sole basis of being a professional photographer—it could not be further from the truth. And stroke of luck won’t bring one too far. Professional photography requires exceptional skills and more, including qualities that are not necessarily exclusive to the artform. Image source: pexels.com Image source: pexels.com Technical skills are undoubtedly the most important weapon a photographer can possess. Beginning photographers must note that their ability to shoot relies heavily on their attention to detail, composition, and understanding of lighting. It is also important for one to be adept with using their own camera. Being familiar with one’s gear enables them to shoot comfortably and swiftly no matter how much conditions change, says San Diego-based student photographer Janique Goff Madison. Being artistic and creative affords one the capacity to create shots that a...

Amazing tips for dog owners everywhere

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  The common misconception of people who haven’t owned a pet about owning a pet is that it’s easy. It’s not. Owning a pet is a big responsibility. And like every worthwhile and fulfilling endeavor in life, it’ll take a lot of time and effort. Fortunately, there are ways to make things easier. Image source: lifehack.org On that note, here are some life hacks dog owners can use to have it easier. page . Make dog food at home instead of buying outside. Dog food is expensive enough. To cut down on this expense, owners can make their own doggie treats. To make homemade pill pockets, all you need is milk, crunchy peanut butter, and flour. There are a lot more recipes online. Janique Goff Madison Turn old furniture into doggie furniture. Image source: lifehack.org A lot of first-time pet owners discover they lack space for their bed or a place where they can rest. A simple solution to this is to repurpose old furniture to fit these doggie amenities, such as convertin...

Knowing the best times for outdoor photos

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  Janique Goff Madison , a photography student, advises that to develop our skills in photography, we should be flexible or adaptive to any given situation, especially when taking outdoor pictures. For beginners, he suggests the following times of the day as a starting point for creativity. Image source: borrowlenses.com Dusk and dawn This is twilight in simple terms, says Janique Goff Madison. Often referred to as the blue hour, twilight is when the sky has a blue tint before it gets completely dark. Because of the low and soft light at this period, a higher ISO, a slow shutter speed, and wider aperture is particularly needed. Golden Hour This is the short period of time after sunrise and then before sunset. Janique Goff Madison says that this only lasts for about 15 minutes. It is when the sun is near the horizon, casting off warm and soft light. You may also need a higher ISO, slower shutter speed, and wider aperture than in midday. Pointing the camera toward the su...

More pet photography ideas for stay-at-home photographers

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It's still safer to stay at home. During these times, photographers need a creative outlet that will allow them to upgrade their skills even if they can't go out of the house often. Photography enthusiast and pet lover Janique Goff Madison shares some ideas for photo projects that will keep furry friends and their owners occupied indoors. Image source: Unsplash.com A day in the life Showing what a pet does the entire day can be a good creative exercise. Instead of shooting from the human's point-of-view, it would be better to use the animal's perspective to make things look funny and interesting. One can capture their pets taking a bath, grooming themselves, eating, playing, sleeping, or hanging out with their owners. Focusing on their expressions will also add to the storytelling, says Janique Goff Madison . Image source: Unsplash.com Bring the pets closer to nature No need to go to the park for this activity. Photographers can just take their pets to the bac...

Post-processing tips and tricks for the newbie photographer

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Image source: neilpatel.com  Not all photographers are keen to use post-processing software on their computers to enhance the images they capture. Sure, most of the work still has to depend on how one composes images through their lenses. However, a little help from editing can make one a better photographer. See photos on a larger screen for instant feedback on one’s own work, says Janique Goff Madison . Getting images on the editing software helps a photographer check the potential in photos. Straighten and resize images for a more professional look . It's important to ensure that the horizon is straight to prevent viewers from noticing something off with the scene. Avoid thinking of post-processing to alter the reality of the photo, rather a way to become a better photographer. When photographers are not mindful of their camera's white balance settings, a distorted subject caused by bad lighting conditions is often the outcome. Shoot in RAW to quickly correct the...

Kids and photography: Building their interest in the discipline

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  Photography has become largely accessible to children of all ages, all thanks to the advanced camera technology present in smartphones. While photography is within their reach, true love and appreciation for the discipline may take some time to develop in a child’s consciousness. Image source: sharpshotsphotoclub.co.uk One way to kindle a child’s interest in photography is by surrounding them with great photography, shares Janique Goff Madison. Kids are generally intrigued by animal photos, which makes it a good starting point. Once a child is familiar with the concept of taking images, encourage them to take their own photos and explore. Take it slow the techniques and methods. Allow them to discover the discipline on their own. Following their own exploration, teach the child about background and foreground. Framing starts with scanning the surroundings of the subject. Image source: claremurthy.com Teach them the proper way to handle all kinds of cameras. Kids these ar...