Hot Photography How-Tos
How To: DIY your own SuperMacro lens with working aperture
In this video, learn how to take apart any old lenses you may have a fuse them together into the ultimate SuperMacro lens. This absolutely gorgeous tutorial will show you, step by step, exactly how to create this fantastic eye piece and take incredible photos with it.
How To: Create mood with the Gaussian blur tool in Photoshop
Learn how to use the Gaussian blur tool to add mood to your digital photos while maintaining sharpness and detail. Meet the Adobe Photoshop pen tool! Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to use the Gaussian blur filter when touching up a photo. For more information, and to get started using the Gaussian blur tool yourse...
How To: Create an easy photo montage as a Photoshop beginner
Create stunning montages the easy way. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial from Pro Photo Life. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to create your own custom photo montages, watch this graphic designer's guide.
How To: Set up and take a portrait with a digital camera
Taking really professional-looking portrait is a tricky business, which is why so many people are so well-paid for doing so. If you want to create similar results without hiring the professional, this two-part video will give you some handy tips for how to do it. It includes how to frame the shot, some equipment and props that you will need, and other techniques. Never pay hundred of dollars for a professional Christmas card photo again!
How To: Develop black and white 120 roll film
This four-part video describes, in great detail, how to develop black-and-white 120 film. With photo labs becoming rarer by the day, knowing how to do this yourself will become increasing important if you want to continue to take and develop pictures with film. Developing 120 is a bit different than developing 35 millimeter, so if you can already do that still watching this video! Thankfully, the presenter demonstrates the process in full light. Bear in mind it will be very dark when you do t...
How To: Develop C41 black and white or color film at home
With photo labs around the world closing in the wake of the digital camera revolution, knowing how to develop your own film at home is more important than ever. This video teaches you how to develop one type of film, C41, at home using a kit. Even when there are no more photo labs left, you will still be able to make beautiful still prints from film at home after watching this video.
How To: Develop black and white film in the dark room
Developing black-and-white film is an arcane, but very rewarding and useful process if you want to make really good-looking prints from your film. This two-part video goes over the entire process, from chemical measurement and selection to the actual process of developing the film. A must-watch for any would-be film photographer.
How To: Process large-format sheet film in trays
In the digital age, old fashioned film processing and developing may seem outmoded and obsolete. However, for professional and aspiring professional photographer who want o make classic-looking prints, this is far from the case. This three-part video describes how to do tray processing yourself for large-format sheets. It breaks down the equipment you will need, the advantages and disadvantages, and of course how to go about processing you own film sheets. The dark room is back!
How To: Shoot directly from your camera to your hard drive
Sick of transferring megabytes and megabytes worth of photos into your computer, only to send them to your hard drive? Skip the middle step and learn how to shoot directly from your camera to your hard drive with help from this video by Pro Photo Life. Get your photos to your hard drive quicker and easier with the tips and tricks given here.
How To: Create realistic sun rays in Photoshop
Trying to design that perfect beach scene in Photoshop? Master the look of summer with help from this Photoshop lesson. In this video tutorial by Yanik's Photo School, learn how to create realistic sun rays or sunbeams in Photoshop.
How To: Photograph a Fireworks Show
As Fourth of July nears, you might be considering a fireworks show or two. Capturing the beauty of a firework spectacular on camera can be a tricky feat but luckily, there's help out in the world. In this Cameras Brookwood tutorial, learn how to photograph a fireworks show the right way.
HowTo: Transform a Boring Image Into Amazing 3D Magic
Andrew Odewahn of O'Reilly Answers posts a HowTo on creating 3D(ish) images through simple processing. Odewahn employs the practice of stereoscopy (a technique for creating the illusion of depth in a 2D image):
How To: Get a magazine cover text effect in Photoshop CS3/4
Are you an aspiring art director for editorial work? It's important that you know how to lay-out text and especially how to lay-out text on a magazine cover. In this tutorial, learn how to achieve a magazine cover effect in Photoshop CS3/4.
How To: Do basic photography lighting setups
Lighting is very important to photography. The proper lighting can make your subject or scene appear in a totally new way. Whether you are adding, or eliminating shadow, using light to manipulate the way something looks, or just setting up for a flattering portrait, you will need to know some light basics. In this tutorial, Mark will show you how to set up lighting for a fantastic picture. You will learn seven different setups to make sure you have the right arrangement for your particular ne...
How To: Take advantage of depth of field in photography
The great thing about photography is that you're able to capture a moment that will be frozen in time forever. There are many different techniques that can be applied to capture specific moments in time, you just need to know which one works best for you. This tutorial describes the depth of field in photography and how to take advantage of it. Enjoy!
How To: Select a camera tripod that fits your needs
In Part 6 of a series of video clips, `ClickHerePhotography` gives tips on how to select the right tripod for various outdoor environments and conditions like snow, rain (hail and thunderstorms), mud, dirt (dust) and waterbodies (river,streams or oceans). It is important to use a sturdy tripod designed to withstand the elements. After using the tripod for the day, it is essential to clean it. For instance, sand or salt water will weardown the legs of the tripod if left for long periods of tim...
How To: Understand your lens & its affect on depth of field
In this Fine Art video tutorial you will learn how to understand your lens and its effect on depth of field. The lens in the video has some inscriptions which are interpreted like this. 50mm is the focal length of the lens. The aperture is from f1.4, which is the widest lens opening to f16, which is the smallest lens opening. The higher the number the lesser the lens opening. Aperture determines the amount light that comes through the lens. Aperture also decides the depth of field. With a wid...
How To: Protect your camera lens
This video shows us the method to protect your lens. This can be done by putting the lens caps. The cap for the part of lens going into the camera can be screwed on to the lens. It stops dust from getting on to the lens surface. The front part of the lens can be protected by a lens cap which can be put into the position and pulled out when needed. You can also put a filter on the lens. The filter can be used to protect the lens in case you drop it in the sand and any other similar condition. ...
How To: Use a tripod to improve your photography
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a tripod to improve photography. There are many different tripod manufacturers, but the operation of most tripods is similar. Look for a tripod that is easy to use. Make sure that the tripod can tilt forward, backward and side to side easily. It should be able to rotate at a 360 degree angle. This video also provides 4 different types of tripods in an image. Each tripod has different functions, size and movement. This video will benefit those v...
How To: Discover if your camera the correct size for your trip
This video is about determining the right camera for the tripod.The video begins by explaining the ways of doing this, that is by ensuring that the camera is neither too large nor too small for the tripod and also by ensuring that the tripod is able to withstand the weight of the camera.When the camera is placed on the tripod it should be a right match for the base ply of the tripod and should not be lager or smaller than the base ply.This video is excellent for those who want to select the r...
How To: Relate the information on your camera to the lens
This is a video tutorial showing its audience how to relate the information that is displayed on your camera lens to your actual camera. The first step is to grab your camera and begin studying your lens. Next look at the mm reading on your lens and the aperture reading. These settings will assist you with setting your depth of field. Next look for your focus ring. Your focus ring will allow you to focus your photos in manual mode. Next look for the focus reading, this will tell you how far a...
How To: Use snow shoes for your camera's tripod
This video teaches how to increase the surface area of the support under your tripod by using snow shoes. You can get snow shoes from various manufacturers. The bottom of the snow shoe has a very wide surface area. You can compare this with the width of the tripod base. The snow shoe makes the tripod more stable on the ground when you are using it on mud or snow or on sand. The snow shoe stops your tripod from sinking into the ground. On top of the snow shoe, you have a little rubber strap an...
How To: Properly clean glass camera filters
Dirty filters ruining your shots? Glass filters, as useful as they may be for protecting your SLR or DSLR lenses from external damage, can grow dirty over time, reducing image quality. Learn how to properly clean your single-reflex camera's glass lens filters with this free photographer's guide.
How To: Use a UV or haze filter for SLR cameras
As any SLR or DSLR owner knows all too well, the price of lenses can often approach or even exceed the cost of your camera. As such, it's important that you take the necessary precautions to protect them. With this free photographer's guide, you'll learn about using UV (that is, ultra-violet) filters to protect your single lens-reflex camera lenses from sun damage.
How To: Choose photography backdrops
Interested in taking professional-caliber portraits but aren't sure what sort of backgorunds to buy? When choosing a background, your biggest consideration should, of course, be the backdrop's primary application: browns and blues, for example, are great colors for standard portraits. For more information on selecting your first photo backdrops, watch this free photographer's guide.
How To: Understand & use depth of field (DOF)
To understand and use depth of field you should realize that depth of field is the area behind and in front of your focusing point - the thing or object you are shooting. Depth of field is determined by apreture or f -stop, the shutter speed of your camera and the focal length of the lens. If you have the right combination of shutter speed and the f-stop, your picture will have the right exposure. If you change either the f-stop or the shutter, you need to remember to adjust the other! Differ...
How To: Properly use a light meter
If you want to get a good exposure on a shot, there's nothing so useful as a good light meter. But, as useful as a light meter can be, it won't do you any good unless you know how to use it properly. Learn how with this free video photography lesson from Kerry Garrison of CameraDojo, which will walk you through the fundamentals of using the device.
How To: Buy/select a camera tripod
In Part 8 on the series about Selecting a Tripod, ClickHerePhotography talks about main questions to ask when buying a tripod. First is to ask the dealer what tripod is recommended for the specific brand of camera that you will be using. Then probe further as to why the particular tripod is recommended. Details about the cost of the tripod should be inquired in relation to type of pictures that will be taken. Clarification should be sought on the functions of the tripod - how to adjust it, or...
How To: Buy a used or second-hand camera lens
First of all you have to search for a reputed dealer. Then ask him all necessary questions like what sort of lenses shall fit in your camera, what shall be the size of the lens to fit in your camera. If you are going to purchase it online then you have to ask whether the surface of the lens is scratched and marked in any way. Make sure that three is no mould or scratches on the lenses. You can also hold the lens towards the sun or a light source. Do not hold it directly against the sun. Now y...
How To: Take your own social network profile picture with professional tips
We all want to put our best face forwards on our social networking profiles. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and all the rest are the best places to show great photos of yourself. You never know who might be looking. Employers, potential suitors, ex-high school classmates.. they are all snooping to see what you're doing and how you look these days.
How To: Adjust your exposure with your ISO
Want a way to reduce or increase the exposure of your camera's sensor without actually having to adjust ambient light levels? Apart from changing the aperture of your lens, you can adjust your camera's ISO setting, which will increase or decrease your sensor's sensitivity to light. To learn more about ISO, and to get started using custom ISO settings on your own DSLR, watch this free photographer's guide.
How To: Take better time-lapse photos
Want to create a time-lapse video montage from photos shot on a DSLR? This tutorial presents a general overview of the equipment, settings and post procedures (e.g., cropping & color correction) necessary to create beautiful, finished-looking time-lapse clips. Get started shooting your own time-lapse segments with this free video guide.
How To: Calibrate a monitor
If you do any sort of graphic design, photo or video post-production work, it's imperative that your monitor display colors in an accurate, predictable manner. One way to ensure that this is so is through a color-managed workflow. This video tutorial will teach you how to use monitor color calibration & management.
How To: Make a cheap studio light with soft box for under $20
This video shows how to make a studio softbox light for under 20 dollars. It is made with items found around the home or easily acquired. The author takes us through the process in a step by step manner. It starts with a cheap camera tripod upon which a plastic electrical outlet strip is attached using either a screw or strong plastic adhesive. An electrical plug with a light socket attachment is plugged into the strip to allow the light to be attached. A small cooler with a hole cut in the b...
How To: Use neutral density or ND filters
Photography is a fast growing hobby with the relative drop in prices of high grade equipment. The use of different filters in photography is a very common thing, and different filters have very different uses. The neutral density (ND) filter reduces the amount of light reaching the film or sensor. This allows the photographer to create different effects with the available light, allowing slower shutter speeds and larger apertures. The video helps explain the differences in shutter speeds and ...
How To: Take a surreal photo of yourself for your profile pic
Take awesome myspace/facebook profile pics, follow this short guide to taking photos that look like they've been photoshopped without even touching the photo itself.
How To: Properly set and light a green screen backdrop
Setting up a chroma key backdrop contains various steps/ the support system and muslin consists of various parts like the support stands, shrink lamps and the muslin. Place the two stands 12 feet apart and attach 4 clamps to vertical section of each stand. Snap the crossbars together in a proper way and insert the muslin into the respective end of the crossbar and put the crossbar on the stands with the green end of the muslin facing out. The muslin should be attached using the clamp. And ens...
How To: Build a Bulldog 5x4 large format camera
First of all open the box and take out the kit, different parts and the instruction manual. You also need glue, epoxy adhesives, sand paper, 2 mm drill and a 4 mm drill. Start with assembling the outer frame of the camera by fixing in the slots. Use a screw driver to screw the bolts. Now use the glue and fix the inner parts of the camera. Now make the front portion of the camera. Fix it exactly as shown in the instruction Manual. Now drill in the holes on the sides of the camera's outer frame...
How To: Photograph from the sky with a homemade balloon
In this video, you will find some tips on making an aerial camera to take footage from the sky. To make your own aerial camera, you will need to follow these steps: Buy some metalized nylon from balloon kits.com. Use a hot iron to see the nylon pieces together. Check for any air leaks by using a shop vac's exhaust. Patch any holes with extra nylon or duct tape. Fill the balloon with helium. Attach a box to the balloon with some mesh tape. This box will hold your camera. Allow friends to hold ...
How To: Sharpen images in Photoshop CS3
There are many different approaches to sharpening images in Photoshop. This tutorial demonstrates multiple options in order to optimize the final presentation of your photographs.