Free Web-based photo enhancements - do they work ?

Sometimes, I get asked if those free web-based photo enhancement sites like lookWow and PhotoFlexer are any good, and a reasonable alternative to using specialist photo software.

While I don't profess to using these services frequently, I have tested the results- and they are surprisingly effective if you are out and about, don't have access to your own computer, and are in a hurry to add a bit of 'style' or 'mood' to your prized image.  The effects that seem the most effective are the 'simple ones that apply to the whole picture - e.g. "Sepia" or "Black and White", rather than the localised effects "make smile brighter" or "lighten eyes".  Give it a go and see what you think. 

Better still, let us know and tell us what you think by adding a comment below ..

Cheers

Roscoe

Which Camera should I buy ?

A few years ago, I had already lost count of the number of weddings and portrait shoots where i have assisted, and people have come up to and asked me those immortal words "Which Camera should I buy?"

It's a sensible question, but a very open-ended one - and so I've tried to answer it in a lot less words than you normally find on the web..because it all depends on what you want to use it for ?

Different types of Camera

• •Cameras in mobile Phones and Tablets – some say these are taking over from compact camera for a lot of us .. Still limited to a poor lens and relatively hard to change settings..But they have the advantage of always being handy when you want to capture that 'magic moment'.  The Nokia N8 has stood out from the crowd from over a year now, although it is shortly to be replaced
• •Digital Compact cameras – Really handy for taking in your bag anywhere you go, switching on, and clicking .. They still allow for lots of additional creativity, and are faster focusing, easier to use, and optically superior to mobile phone or tablet cameras.  A good reference for current models are found here - this category is changing every day, so it is pointless listing the exact models.  For our personal use, particularly when we travel on holidays, we find the Canon G12 (enthusiast) is ruggedly built, and excellent if you want something more powerful, fast, and still lightweight and easy to use.  A little cheaper, and there are models galore, but this one - the Sony Cybershot DSC-WX7 is reviewed very well
  
• •Digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR) – The oldest system of cameras still being mass-produced today – they are flexible, have the widest range of lenses and other accessories and much cheaper than they used to be.  Still the most flexible enthusiast and pro cameras in the world today.  Excellent 'current' models include the Nikon D3100 (budget model), Nikon D7000 (enthusiast/semi-pro), Sony SLT-A55V .(budget model), Canon 1100D (budget model) and Canon 60D (enthusiast)
  
• •Micro Four Thirds – A mirrorless standard created in 2008 by Panasonic Lumix GMC-DH2 & Olympus PEN that has a relatively bright viewfinder image, and is very creative, because you can use interchangeable lenses that comply with the manufacturers 'micro four thirds' specification.  The lenses and bodies are often half the weight of an equivalent D-SLR, so they are great for travelling.  Because this is still a bit of a 'niche', this standard is now starting to look increasingly expensive compared to the ever-increasing range of models in the budget D-SLR category

I promised this would be a short post, and it is ! Camera models come, and Camera models go .. just because they are no the current model, doesn't mean they can't take excellent pictures. The camera is just the tool, its you the photographer that can take great pictures.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions on this topic, or have your own views on great cameras out there

Cheers

Roscoe 

Beginners Family Photography seminars

Stop-Press ... Look out for our 48 hour deal on our intensive beginners Family Photography seminars, running in early December, just in time to help improve your Family Photo's over the festive season!
This exclusive deal will only be displayed with "Living Social", and the clock starts ticking on Monday 7th Nov at 5:00am.  See you there !

Cheers
Ross :o)