Know Your Camera: More About Aperture Control.
Part 2 of the "Know Your Camera" Series, by Noella Ballenger

Just Have Fun Noella Ballenger shares a recent outing to the ice rink. Take a look.

Excuses
“Bakersfield is a long way to drive” and other excuses by Noella Ballenger. See if you recognize any of these excuses that you use to avoid taking photographs.  

Special Moments
Once your friends and family realize you know how to use a camera, they often give you an "opportunity" to document their special moments. Noella Ballenger tells us about a recent one. Check it out.

Get Intimate with Your Subject
Getting close is one of the best ways to get great flower photographs. Noella Ballenger tells us how she does it.

The Doldrums
Stuck in a rut? Can't get motivated to take photos? Here are some ideas by Noella Ballenger to get you out of your doldrums.

Funlight
Break some rules this holiday season, by Noella Ballenger.

Photographic Choices
Making decisions about how you want your photos to look can be simple or complex. Here are some ideas to help make the process easier. Read this article by Noella Ballenger.

Finding "Life Themes"
Learn from Noella Ballenger how to find out what photography compositions spark your creativity.

Learning to "See" with Our Other Senses
Try this exercise of the senses and learn from Noella Ballenger how to improve your photography--it goes beyond just seeing.

Seeing Creatively: An Exercise in Cropping Your Photos
What photos are hidden within your photos? Learn about the creative side of cropping from Noella Ballenger.

National Wildlife Refuges: A Special Birding Treasure
Look all around! The land and skies are full of opportunities to capture great bird photos as they migrate to warmer climates. Noella Ballenger will give you some guidelines to follow when visiting wildlife refuges.

"Seeing the Essence" in Your Photographs
Noella Ballenger will help guide you towards developing your own sense "of essence" when taking your photos.

Finding "The Essence" of a Photographic Subject
Does your subject move or remain static? Noella Ballenger helps you discover more ways to depict "the essence" in your photos.

Photographic Creativity: The Subject is Flowers
Is flower photography your passion? Learn from Noella Ballenger how to create stunning flower photos--share the intimacy with your viewer.

Photography: A Merger of Your Senses, Words & Photo Skills to Create Photo Memories
Learn how to share your photographic vision and make a connection with your viewer. Travel with Noella Ballenger to California's Carrizo Plain.

The Photographic Quest: Do It Right in the First Place
Learn from Noella Ballenger how to make those photographic choices in the field in order to grab the viewers attention.

Photographic Challenges: Step Out of Your "Comfort Zone"
Accept the challenge! Spark your enthusiasm and improve your photo skills by exploring and trying new approaches to your photography.  Noella Ballenger gets you started with some great ideas.

Photographing Christmas Lights
'Tis the season of beautiful light displays, so get some tips from Noella Ballenger on how to capture the glimmer and glow, the glitter and gleam, and the sparkle and twinkle of the nights.

Finding Photo Resources: A Guide to Preparation for U.S. Travel
It's time to plan your next photo trip here in the U.S. Noella Ballenger will help you find and use the many resources available, so your trip is packed full of photo opportunities.

Confessions of a Photo Addict: Photo Tips when You're a Passenger
Cars, buses, trains and planes...great photo opportunities and you can't stop and get off. Get some photo tips from Noella Ballenger on how to capture those shots when you're on the move.

Photographic Design: An Adventure in Shapes
In what kind of "shape" are your photos? Join in on Noella Ballenger's Elements of Design class discussion and learn more about using shapes to create great photos.

Photo Tips to Make It Great
Let's revisit a few photo composition tips from Noella Ballenger. They are just as useful today as they were when she reviewed some student photos from a past workshop.

"Seeing" with a Master's Eye: The Art of Your Photography
Learn from Noella Ballenger how to develop how you "see"--see as the master artists did--see in detail. Combine it with your own creativity and you'll begin to create masterful photographs.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
Noella Ballenger critiques a photo taken in bright sunlight. Not the best of conditions, but you'll learn that you can pick up your camera any time of the day, "size up" you subject and capture great images.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
Noella hopes to foster your photo creativity and skills as she continues with our new series called IMAGE TALK. Join her as she critiques three images that depict strong compositional elements.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
In our third column Noella focuses on how photographers can use light to showcase their subjects. Join her as she critiques three images that depict the strong use of light.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
Noella looks at the challenges faced when photographing wildlife. Being patient and camera ready can result in capturing special moments of animal behavior.

WATER: A Life Theme & Photographic Playground
Water is a photo subject on Noella Ballenger's Life Themes list. Learn how to create your own list and when and how to use those photo subjects as a spring board towards new adventures and photo creativity.

'Tis the Season: Holiday Photo Tips
Noella & Marla give you some ideas on how to capture the spirit of the season. Find out where, what and when to create your own holiday photo memories.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
Noella analyzes a photo which incorporates the use of good composition, light, color, and moving water. Look for the details and you too can create great images.

IMAGE TALK with Noella Ballenger: What makes that photo work...
Noella takes a close look at a photo with high visual impact. Learn how using your imagination, good composition and combined elements of design can create stunning images.

Articles from Willis T. Bird

First Class Photography: Family Tree Project

Willis T. Bird shows you how to help preserve your family's history, and with a really fun project.
 

First Class Photography: Contests

by Willis T. Bird 
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY:

"An Overview of Equipment: It’s a Personal Matter"  

by Willis T. Bird
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY:
The Junior Safari 

Willis T Bird shows you how to take safari type pictures without traveling across the globe.
 

First Class Photography:  Photography of Collections

A new Photography For Young People's article by Willis T. Bird.

First Class Photography:

"Cameras and Auto Parts" A Photography for Young People article, by Willis T. Bird.
 

First Class Photography:

"Taking the Mystery Out of Photographic Terms" Join Willis T Bird as he explores the meanings of basic photographic terms. Part 1 of 2.
 

First Class Photography:

Join Willis T Bird in the second installment of "Taking the Mystery Out of Photographic Terms."  Click Here if you missed part one.
 

First Class Photography:

Dry Underwater Photography? Join Willis T Bird in the next installment of "First Class Photography."
 

First Class Photography: Getting In The Mood

Willis T Bird talks about photography and how mood plays--or can play--a big part. A Photography for Young People Article. Check it out.
 

First Class Photography: Flowers

Flowers are a good subject especially at this time of year. Here are some tips for getting them. A Photography for Young People Article. (It's not just for young people!) By Willis T Bird.
 

First Class Photography: Summer Time Fun

Great subjects are everywhere in the summer. Remember to protect you and your equipment. Check out this "First Class Photography" lesson by Willis T. Bird.
 

First Class Photography:

"Read all about it." By Willis T. Bird
 

First Class Photography:

"Bird Photography" by Willis T. Bird
 

First Class Photography:

"What lenses do I need?" by Willis T. Bird
 

First Class Photography:"Zoo Photography"
It's a zoo out there! Willis T. Bird tells us how to get the best out of our zoo photography.
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Beginning Digital Photography"
Check out this informative article by Willis T Bird.
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Sunrise/Sunsets"
Some tips on how to photograph beautiful sunsets safely. By Willis T Bird. Find out how.
 
FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Fall Photography"
by Willis T Bird.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Lighting"
Lighting is one of the most difficult things to learn about in photography. Willis T. Bird
shows you how to get started.
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Problem Areas"
Sometimes your images are not as sharp as they should be. Here are some tips, by Willis T. Bird, to
help you solve this problem.
 

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Taking Care of That New Camera”
Willis T Bird gives us some tips on taking care of a new camera. Check it out. 
 
FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Aircraft”
Air shows occur all around the country (and world). They provide some great opportunities for photography. Willis T Bird gives us some tips to make sure we get the best photos possible. Check it out.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Go Long-Go Wide”
There are many kinds of lenses to use with your SLR or DSLR. Which one you choose depends on what you are shooting and why. Find out more.
 
FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Flying Flowers"
Butterflies have been called "flying flowers." Find out how to photograph these beautiful creatures, in this article by Willis T Bird.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Back to Basics-What is a Good Picture?"
What does it mean for a photo to have impact. Find out the answer to this and more in this article by Willis T Bird.
 
FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: "Tripping into Fall"
Willis T Bird describes a recent trip to photograph the Fall colors. Check it out.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Shooting Birds”
Bird photography is fun, but not always easy. Willis T Bird tells us how to get started. Check it out.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: Sunrise-Sunset
Probably the most photographed thing in the world are sunrises and sunsets. Willis T Bird shows us how to get the best shots of the sun. Check it out.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY:  “Talking Sports”
If you are interested in shooting sports, a key rule is "Be Ready!" Find out more in this article by Willis T Bird.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Ideas”
Find out how simple it is to find photography subjects in this article by Willis T. Bird.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY: “I Shutter to Think and More”
Learn about the camera shutter, exposure, depth-of-field and focal planes in this article by Willis T. Bird.
 

Articles by Edwin Brosens

How to Photograph Insects
Get up close and personal with bugs. Edwin Brosens will teach you about the photo equipment and techniques used to capture every detail of these incredible small creatures.

Biodiversity: How to Photograph Science Researchers at Work
Your photos could be the visual impact needed to show the important work of scientific researchers around the world. Get some photo tips from Edwin Brosens on how to capture the shots.

Biodiversity: Nature in the City—Part 1: How to Shoot Photos of Wildflowers
You don't have to go far from home to connect with nature. Get some tips from Edwin Brosens on how to capture images of city wildflowers and how your flower photos can help your community be aware of biodiversity.

Biodiversity: Nature in the City—Part 2: How to Shoot Photos of Insects
Edwin Brosens teaches you that it's easy to connect with nature in your city and continues with some tips on how to capture images of insects. Learn how your insect photos can help your community be aware of biodiversity.

How to Shoot Photos of Parasitic Wasps
Learn from Edwin Brosens about parasitic wasps--their habitat and amazing lifecycle. And after you've searched them out, learn the many camera techniques used to grab some incredible images.

HAMAMELIS: Photographing Witch Hazel Flowers
Edwin Brosens set out to photograph the brightly colored, magical flowers that bloom during the snowy winter. Learn about the blooming shrub and how to capture images of these tiny flowers.

Articles by Paul W Faust

151+ Things to Photograph, A -Z
Short on ideas of what to shoot this weekend? Paul W Faust gives you some ideas and tells you how to make your own lists.

Mylar Reflections for Beauty and Abstracts
Need a change in direction - a new idea to stir your creative juices? Paul W. Faust explores mylar and the photography of reflections.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Regional Renaissance Fairs are unbelievable opportunities to photograph hundreds of costumed participants. There are also activities, and arts and crafts to catch your fancy. Paul W Faust gives us some tips on how to get the best results when you go back in time.
 

Articles by Michael Fulks

Michael Fulks' Fascination with Infrared Film and How to Correctly Use It

Michael Fulks: Infrared Film and How to Correctly Use It, Part II

Composition: A primer in negative and positive space. Part 1  

Composition: A primer in negative and positive space. Part 2

Focusing When Using Infrared Film.
Part 3 in a series about infrared film.

Is Your Darkroom Safe?
Some safety tips to make your darkroom safer.  

They Shoot Horses Don't They
A two part article about photographing horsing events, with primer about panning.
By Michael Fulks

Gesalt: "Equilibrium"
by Michael Fulks
The first in a series about composition.

Gesalt: "Closure"
by Michael Fulks
The second in a series about composition.

Gestalt: Proximity 
by Michael Fulks
Third on a series about composition. 

Gestalt: Lines of Sight 
Michael Fulks talks about the concept of "Continuity" as an aid to composition in the fourth article in a series.

Gestalt: Figure/Ground
Next article in a series on using the concepts of perception to help design your photographs.

Gestalt: Isomorphic Correspondence
Sixth in a series, Michael Fulks discusses  how our brain processes images and how this knowledge will make your images more meaningful to others.

The Model Release, A Primer
Confused about the model release? This should answer most of your questions.

Calibrating Black and White Negatives
Michael Fulks tells how he calibrated black and white films for optimal results.

Calibrating your B/W negatives (Part 2)
Part 2 of a system to help get the most out of your B/W negatives.

"The 2'fer"
What makes one picture of two boys stand out, while another is only good for the refrigerator door? Successful photos have several things in common. Studying how these factors combine to make a good picture of a two people can help you with a variety of photographic subjects. Learn how in the article by Michael Fulks.

Gestalt Theory and Photographic Composition
Are there rules for composition and design? The first in a series of articles, by Michael Fulks, begins with "Equilibrium". Check it out.

Gestalt Theory and Photographic Composition, Part 2.
The second in a series of articles from the archives by Michael Fulks. Find out all about "Closure."

Gestalt Theory and Photographic Composition, Part 3.
The third in a series of articles from the archives by Michael Fulks. Find out all about "Proximity."

Gestalt Theory and Photographic Composition, Part 4.
The fourth in a series of articles from the archives by Michael Fulks. Find out all about "Continuation."

Articles by Steve Traudt

The Fifty-Cent Solution
Exposure can be a difficult concept to understand. Photography educator Steve Traudt explains how a meter works and how you can get the most out of it with an inexpensive tool.

Electronic Flash: A Primer
Steve Traudt introduces readers to the basics of using electronic flash.