Digital Background – Digital Photography

By Wayne Rasku

Canon has some really great igital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. In fact there are two excellent Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras to choose from. They are the Canon Rebel 450D XSi and the Canon Rebel 500D T1i.

Usually, they are referred to as Rebel XSi and Rebel T1i, OR Rebel 450D and Rebel 500D. The lower number – 450D – is the older of the two cameras, meaning it was released before the 500D. Canon came up with a numbering system for their Rebel line of cameras which began in 2003 with the Rebel 300D. Each successive camera has been named with the addition of 50 to the name.

OK, so what makes these DSLRs good gifts? Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Great image quality. This line of cameras has always been rated at the top of the entry level category for image quality. The quality is nearly as good as the much more expensive models.
• Inexpensive price. These are not Point-and-Shoot cameras, so you must expect to pay more than you would for compact digital cameras. However, prices have dropped way down below the $1000 price tag of the original Rebels.
• DSLR capabilities. What more can be said. Every budding photographer dreams of the day he or she will be able to switch camera lenses to get the perfect picture. Photographers are like golfers when it comes to gear – the newest gear will improve their “game”.

Which of the two Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras you choose is really dependent on only a couple of things.First is price – there is approximately $150 difference between the two cameras. The T1i is the more expensive model because of two very important considerations. HD Video and Creative Auto.

Second is HD Video and Creative Auto. No, this is not a typo. The two features that make the Rebel T1i cost more than the XSi are the reasons for buying the T1i rather than the XSi. If that does not make sense, consider this. Almost all point and shoot digital cameras have video capability, and they have an LCD screen with a preview of the photo that is about to be taken. Not all DSLRs have these two features. In fact the Rebel XSi does not, but the T1i does have them. Actually, Creative Auto is a lot more technologically sophisticated than a live view on the LCD screen, but suffice it to say that the photographer you are thinking of will really appreciate it.

Hopefully, this brief overview of Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras will be of help in your decision. There is much more detail at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

The progress made in recent years by the printer manufactures allows professional photographers and amateur photographers alike to print high quality photos. Other than the savings to be made by printing your own photos, perhaps the biggest attraction is the endless possibilities to tweak and try different photo reproduction methods from black and white prints to advance superimposing, all from the comfort of your own home and all at your pace. Heavy weight professional photo paper such as A3 would of course cost more than your normal run-of-the-mill printer paper, therefore to get the best out of the paper follow out tips below.

5 Photography Tips For Printing Photos:

1. Profile Match – Quality paper should be offered with a settings profile file to match your specific printer model. Normally the profile file could be downloaded from the photo paper vendor website or from the retailer who sold you the paper. In rare cases where a profile isn’t available set your printer to the highest image quality settings.

2. Paper Match – Other than ensuring that the paper type such as Inkjet or Laser is the right paper, look the paper weight to ensure it will match your preferred reproduction work. Paper weight of 300gsm and above will normally be used for artistic prints and portraits, while the less heavy 250gsm to 300gsm paper will be used for enhancing image definition for photo prints. The paper should be compatible with your ink type be it UltraChrome, K1,DuraBrite, Lyson inks or any other pigment or dye based inks.

3. Page Setup – Before clicking ‘Print’ and sending your work down the printer on the professional paper, take the time to setup the page. In particular look to setup the page properties in terms of paper orientation and paper size. Once completed, head to ‘page preview’ option to see a visual representation of the image prior to printing.

4. Photo Handling – If the type of paper bought will not instantly dry, meaning the paper cannot instantly absorb the ink, safely place it aside to dry before storing the photo. When an image has been printed remove it from the printer’s tray so the next photo won’t stack on-top of it. Let the paper dry for a period of up to 24hrs before storing it. Of course if the paper you bought instantly dries up, you can skip this tip.

5. Photo Limits – Printing your own professionally looking photos must also be practical. If you will require a large amount of photo reproduction prints consider using a photo-kiosk or an online service. Start by naming your files, optimizing their size and finally saving the new files in another folder. Until you get the prints back, save the originals just in case.

Enjoy your project.

Joseph is the founder of Photo Paper Direct, an inkjet consumables store selling photo paper and Inkjet Ink Cartridges.

Digital Background

When opening a photography studio, you must make a significant initial, and then monthly, investment in your space. To justify these expenses to investors in your business plan, show how you will utilize the space to its fullest. It represents one of your major assets, and renting such a studio while explaining in your plan that your shoots will primarily be out on location shows poor planning on your part to funders.

Studio Shoots

Consider what customer markets you should pursue to keep the space booked up with your own shoots as much as possible. This will likely be the highest revenue-generating use of the space for you. Look for the customers that freelance photographers without a studio are unable to gain and market the strengths your space will offer. By investing in some additional backdrops or decorative elements to dress the space, you can expand the options of shoots you can accommodate in-house significantly.

Other Uses

Can part of your studio double as an office space during downtime? If you can limit your need for separate office space you may be able to cut down on your rent, if you can plan for this before signing a lease.

If your lease allows it, you can also rent out your studio to other parties while it is idle, as long as they are for legal uses. This can be for small parties and events or shoots by other photographers, for example. Be sure that those you rent to carry their own insurance to lower your risk and that your agreement with them further limits the liability you take on from their rental.

For every day you rent your studio out to another business or individual, you will bring in revenue, but you will also incur an unseen opportunity cost. For example if you rent your studio out for a day for $500 two weeks in advance of a date and then you must turn down a shoot that comes up for that day only for which you would net $1,000, you have effectively lost $500 rather than earned it. Only experience will teach you what rates are reasonable to cover the probability of last-minute shoots coming up.

Are you looking for more tips on how to start a photography business or advice on developing your photography business plan? Call 877-BIZ-PLAN to learn how Growthink can help you build your photography business.

Digital Background