"5 Holiday Photo Tips, Long Exposures, Camera App," - Photography Podcast 406

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: 5 holiday photo tips; on the Nimbleosity Report - Testing the new version of Camera+ for the iPhone; from the Photo Help Desk: long exposures - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - 5 Holiday Photo Tips - If you're lucky enough to be able to spend time with family and friends during the holidays, here are a few photo tips to keep in mind.

  • Think portraits as well as activities. Yes, it's fun to photograph Uncle Bill opening his present, but get a portrait too. In the coming years, those informal, environmental candids will become more valuable.
  • Reduce flash exposure. Most cameras emit too much flash indoors. Go to Flash Exposure Compensation and set it to -2/3 or even -1. Then increase your ISO to 400 or 800 to reduce dependency on the flash.
  • Get a group shot. Yes, everyone will moan and groan. But group shots tell a big story in just a single frame.It's worth your while to set one up.
  • Photograph food and decorations. Be sure to capture the food table before everyone digs in. Keep an eye out for decorations and place settings.
  • Share your images. The more people in the family that you share pictures with, the better the chances they will survive the decades. Believe it or not, sending email attachments are often the most effective because the recipients don't have to do anything to receive them.

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report (www.thenimblephotographer.com): Camera+ for iPhone - There are many good camera apps for the iPhone. And the latest version of Camera+ should be counted among the best of them. Here's why it's one of my favorites.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk (www.photohelpdesk.com): Holidays are a great time of year for long exposures. Be sure to pack a micro tripod in your kit. If your camera has built-in WiFi, you may be able to trip the shutter using a companion app on your iOS or Android device. If not, remember that the self-timer can serve as safe way to initiate the exposure without jarring the camera. And don't forget to keep the ISO low for long exposures...

Photo Assignment for December is High ISO.

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