One classic technique that digital cameras make very easy is blending more than one exposure together for contrast control, increased dynamic range, or creative purposes. A variation on this technique is to apply different RAW-conversion settings to a single RAW file and then combine the files into a single image. Let’s explore both approaches and look at the proper camera technique behind the scenes.

Without overwhelming beginners, this tutorial takes you through a crucial first step in a good portrait retouching workflow: color and tone adjustments. Curves adjustments layers are used to create restrained but effective improvements.

On-site instruction on how to take an HDR photo set (3 photos each with different exposures) using a Nikon D50 digital SLR camera. Includes a walkthrough of the settings you should use to take the photo.

So, this is based purely on trying to recreate the look in the picture that you posted, so I'm not sure if you're only looking for a tutorial on that or on negative images in general, but hopefully this helps.

In this tutorial we will take a look at HDR photography. HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) was originally used in 3D and is now in full force in photography. Basically it's the process of taking multiple exposures and merging them together into a single 32 bit image. Let me explain: A camera is capable of capturing a limited amount of tones in a single photo. Typically we sacrifice elements in a photo when we press the shutter. For example there is a powerful cloudscape and some cliffs. If we expose for the clouds the cliffs become dark. If we set the camera's exposure to capture detail in the cliffs, the brighter sky is blown out and detail is lost. This is because the human eye can see a larger range of tones than the camera can capture on the chip or film in a single photograph. The solution is to take more than one photograph and bracket the photos. Shoot normal exposure, then under-expose a shot to capture highlights and over-expose a shot to capture shadow detail. Finally, merge these photos together to produce a single image with a larger range of tones that can now show all the details in the shadows and highlights. This tutorial will show you how to complete this process with the minimum fuss.

Offering tips on different ways to insure your photos will be sharp and clear; includes information on stabilizing your camera using certain stances or equipment.

What happens when we select a certain ISO value in our digital camera? What is the best ISO setting for our particular camera? Can we change it light-heartedly or does it deserve a more careful consideration? Read on to learn how we can improve our photographs through the right selection of the ISO setting. Let me give you the bad news, first. Camera manufactures do not disclose strategic and sensitive information such as what happens internally when the user select a certain ISO value. Anyway, through sound reasoning and a little of reverse engineering we can speculate on it and come to meaningful conclusions. In particular, reverse engineering is best performed on RAW file format, rather than JPEG, because JPEG compression introduces artifacts and algorithms complicating the process.

As a frequent Photoshop CS, CS2/3 user (we teach it at work) I tend to like the speed of raw conversion using the as shot camera settings and the colors from NX, so I use NX as my primary processing program. Nothing can replace Photoshop, however, and I consider it a must have tool to be coupled with Nikon NX. One area of confusion that occurs at times is the sharpening settings in NX. You really can't transfer the exact settings from PS or other programs into NX. The strength and ranges do not match up. Because of this I have compiled some information to assist in output print sharpening of images that I find useful in Nikon NX.

Hummingbird photography is addictive!! Stimulates your creativity, not only challenges you but takes you to great places, and hopefully rewards you with some great pics of these little gems. Almost everyone likes Hummingbirds. They're so small and fast moving, it's hard to get a good look at them. When you show pictures of hummingbirds, people are impressed, because they can see all of the wonderful details. Details like the iridescent feathers, the long sharp claws, and the tiny black eyelashes become more visible than when they are buzzing by the yard, showing flashes of color and character. I get asked lots of questions on how I set up, I thought it would be best to try and compile all the info together so others may have reference to it. Right, wrong or indifferent this is how I set up. So what does it take to capture a hummingbird in flight in detail? First and foremost HUMMINGBIRDS, LOL, mainly patience, and a little setup which I will use pictures to better explain and lastly feeders to attract them.

The following presents one method for accomplishing so-called “eye popping” or selective eye sharpening or that sparkle look using Capture NX or NX2. This post processing step should be one of the last steps and certainly after any general image sharpening.

This is an excellent Photoshop action for converting color photos to black and white.

Wildlife photography is comprised of several different groups. The two primary groups are birds and everything else. Everything else consists of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. We won’t include insects, or flora. Their photography methods are unique and generally not included in the term wildlife. Wildlife or non-captive animal photography can occur in all aspects of our world, including your own backyard. Taking shots of your rabbits, squirrels and backyard birds is a great way to dive into the world of wildlife photography.

The built-in flash on a digital camera is compact, simple to use, and often effective in providing the extra illumination needed to assure adequate exposure of a subject when ambient light is insufficient. In some instances, the internal flash is able to soften shadows in harsh light as well. So why then, would the average, non-professional photographer need or want an external flash for their camera?

Learn what it takes to take perfect photos in winter. Extreme weather conditions are challenging to photograph. High contrast scenes and bright snow throw off your auto exposure. Cold weather and condensation can damage your equipment and batteries drain faster. Whether you are trying to capture the beauty of icy winter landscapes or your children’s fun on the slopes, the challenges of winter photography require preparation. In this short essay, I am going to give you advice to help you coping with those situations.

So – you love photography and have been asked by a friend to take pictures at their wedding. Why is it that it seems like every professional photographer will recommend you don’t do it? Are they a bit biased? Maybe they don’t want to be blamed for encouraging you to take the photos if you make mistakes and ruin the wedding photos. I’m a wedding photographer that realizes every professional started out by photographing a “first wedding” at some point. While I will still recommend you give the couple a monetary gift so they can hire a professional photographer, if you are going to go ahead and do the photography yourself, I want to help you do the best job possible!

Composition and good photography go hand in hand. Anyone can (with practice) perfect the technical skills to take a well exposed photo. It is your flair for composition that will set your photos apart from the crowd. The difficulty is, while technical photography can be taught using concrete rules and numbers, composition is a little more 'artsy.' A lucky few are born with a natural sense of visual style and balance. For the rest of us, it takes plenty of time and experience to develop a talent for composition.

OK. The real title should have read: 10 Steps to Perfect Smooth and Silky Waterfall, Cascade and River Shots but that was just too long! I just love taking photos of water, especially moving water. And autumn is my favorite season to shoot waterfalls, streams and cascades. The weather’s cooling down, the trees turn to fire and it’s cloudy more often. And since autumn is upon us, I thought I would share with you what you need to do to get that perfect waterfall shot.

So you are about to purchase a digital camera, you are getting excited about the prospect of having that slick new camera in your hands and you are now off to the store to buy that digital camera you want, right? No, wrong. There are 10 steps you must consider to purchasing a digital camera, read this article then by all means pop down the shop and make your purchase because you will already be wiser.

Landscapes are amongst the most popular subjects for photography, and with some of the best scenery to be found in the U.K, it's not surprising why. Many of us enjoy a day out in the countryside, and to take along the camera is often second nature. Coming back with some nice record shots can be satisfying, but how do you turn your landscape scenes into truly inspiring images? One of the first things to remember about landscape photography, is that lighting is key. It can't be emphasized enough just how much the quality of light can affect your pictures.

Last Friday DPS had its first ever photowalk in Las Vegas. I’ll share some shots from those who attended next week - but one of the ways that the walk challenged those who attended was that they were taking shots at dusk with the end of the walk happening in fairly dark conditions (or as dark as it gets in Vegas). The following video tutorial gives some night photography tips for DSLR owners.