General – Page 7 – D. Scott Carruthers Photography

10 Tips for Taking the Best Photos with a Smartphone Camera

Whether looking to take photos of people, events, or products for a small business there tend to be two different schools of thought regarding the use of Smartphones as a camera. The majority of us have seen the comments on various Websites calling for everybody to use a digital SLR camera and lenses but superior results can be obtained using a Smartphone as a camera. D. Scott Carruthers explains how to take the best photos with your cellphone.

Choosing the right phone

The starting point for any photoshoot is to make sure the equipment being used is the correct quality and capable of completing the job it was chosen for. Modern Smartphones have at least eight megapixels of resolution and a range of features which may or may not be important to the photographer; at least eight megapixels are required to create high-quality photos which can be viewed via a screen or printed for a physical print.

Avoid the zoom features

Many Smartphone manufacturers make a feature of the ability to zoom to a high rate but individuals should avoid using this feature on a regular basis as a loss of resolution can be a major problem. Instead of using the zoom feature included on most cameras it is a better idea to take a photo before using editing software to crop the image and reduce the loss of resolution seen when the zoom is used. A large amount of information and focus can be lost when the zoom is used resulting in the pixelated look seen on many images which provides a blocky look to the images.

Accessories are important

Many Smartphone users believe it is as simple as pointing and shooting to get the best image using the camera included on a phone but a little planning can aid any photographer in getting the best image. Investing in a few simple accessories can make all the difference in taking a photo to be proud of including a small tripod providing stability for any photographer looking to create the highest-quality image available. A tripod helps eliminate the issue of camera shake and can be purchased for a low price to create a better quality image on a regular basis.

Use built-in features

Framing a shot is something many first-time photographers struggle with and can leave them frustrated with the images they create. Taking a look at the cookbook and Website of D. Scott Caruthers offers a glimpse into how shots should be framed. D. Scott Carithers is a respected food critic and writer who has a long history in the restaurant industry to call on for his recipes. Most Smartphones have a built-in framing feature including a grid which can be called up and used to line up an image with the position where the lines intersect the perfect spot for framing an image.

Download an editing app

The use of Instagram filters has become a major problem for many Smartphone photographers who are looking for the best way of improving the images they take. A high-quality editing app offers a better option than filters which do not provide the same level of control seen in the majority of editing apps.

Avoid the flash

One of the major problems many Smartphone camera users become annoyed with is the bleaching out of skin created by the brightness of the flash found on most phones. There are many problems with the use of flash including the strobe effect found on most cameras which can result in a blue hue to the skin of most people; a better option is to find a source of natural light and have the subject facing this direction.

Consider setting and background

When taking a photo with a Smartphone many people focus solely on the subject and fail to consider the background of their image which will be a major talking point when the image is viewed on a larger screen. Choosing a setting which looks professional and does not distract from the subject is always an important aspect of taking a high-quality image.

Play with lighting effects

It has become a major trend of recent years to create images with a large amount of lens flare across them which can result in an artistic looking image or one where no details are visible. Moving the source of light to the edge of the lens will result in a flare spreading across the image which can be made larger or smaller with added movement, playing with this natural feature can add that he feel of an image.

Autofocus should be used with caution

The subject of an image may not always be in the foreground of an image and remain blurred when a Smartphone user allows autofocus to remain in play. Focusing on an image by pressing the screen over the position of the subject will alter the focal point and allow the depth of field to be altered for a higher quality image.

Print images regularly

Holding a physical print of an image is one of the best feelings when a high-quality image has been produced using a Smartphone. Printing images means they will not be lost or removed from a phone when storage space is low or a phone is damaged or broken.

There are many options for taking a Smartphone image to rival images produced with a digital SLR camera. The development of lenses and accessories for Smartphones has seen the options increased for creating high-quality images in a way that makes the use of SLR cameras almost obsolete.

How Selfies Are Reshaping The Future of Cosmetic Surgeries

Cosmetic surgery back in the day can be considered one of the ‘extreme’ measures of self-improvement. However, more and more people have become open to the idea that changing one’s face isn’t so bad. In a recent survey, 40% of patients by American Cosmetic Surgeons admit to going under the knife because looking better in selfies is a great incentive.

Aside from boosting one’s self-confidence in front of the mirror, many people have relied on social media as a form of an “ego-boost”. They post pictures of their recent travel destinations, gifts they received, cars they own, cute kids they have, and of course, beautiful faces that they possess. Having beautiful selfies has become a means to gain others’ approval through likes, loves, and comments.

“The recent boom in cosmetic surgery is fueled by the desire of people to look good in selfies, and social media as a whole,” Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a known Cosmetic Surgeon. What role do selfies play in the future of cosmetic surgeries and what does this say about us? Read on to find out more how selfies have influenced this industry.

How Selfies Are Reshaping The Future of Cosmetic Surgeries

1. Selfies made people more self-conscious about their appearance

Selfies are mostly close-up images of people. One known element of a selfie is good lighting, fabulous makeup techniques (or no makeup for that matter), and stylish clothing to match. Due to these close-up images, people have become more self-conscious of their appearance. Someone who might not have noticed her jaw may be completely bothered after looking in one of her selfies. Somebody who took a selfie might nitpick on his ‘larger than average’ nose and might even consider going through rhinoplasty to have it fixed. “Selfies have made people more self-conscious than ever, which motivates them to undergo cosmetic procedures,” Dr. Usha Rajagopal adds.

2. Selfies show people an ideal look for themselves

On a positive note, selfies can also be a way for others to find their ideal look. This can be beneficial when a person has been contemplating undergoing facial surgery even before taking the selfies. For example, if a person decides to take a selfie and finds some editing application for the skin, eyes, nose, lips and other facial features, he or she can create an ideal look that they want for themselves. This can be shown to cosmetic surgeons as a basis of how the clients want their face to be after the surgery.

3. Selfies of ‘influencers’ become a frame of reference

We all go crazy wanting to learn about the personal lives of our favorite celebrities. We can even go as far as trying to copy what they eat for breakfast or the brand of pajamas they wear during weekends. In essence, we like to imitate those we admire. And when celebrities post their selfies on Instagram or Twitter, it can also be a frame of reference for other people. Clients can tell their surgeons, “I want to have Kim K’s butt,” or “I want to have Angelina’s lips,” at a whim. Famous people and their selfies can be a frame of reference for cosmetic surgery.

4. Cosmetic surgery as a self-enhancing procedure, like make-up

Make-up is a common go-to for women who prefer to enhance their appearances for selfies. There are hundreds of thousands of Youtube videos teaching women how to do their eyebrows, lips, or contour their faces. The ultimate goal of doing these techniques are certain: to look good in person and to look good in photos. In some instances, it can even go as much as going under the knife to enhance one’s appearance. An example of this is seen in some Asian countries, particularly in South Korea. Some women undergo the double eyelid cosmetic surgery to make their eyes look bigger and brighter. The procedure is so common that women who undergo these procedures talk about it casually with friends and family, and there isn’t even a hint of controversy behind it.

5. Selfies portray a good image that motivates people to undergo cosmetic surgery

People always want to look their best on social media sites. Selfies are one of those tools that people use to remind themselves that they are attractive, they take care of themselves and they can conquer the world. It is one of the portrayers of the ‘good image’ we want others to see on our wall or online feeds. This is what motivates people to keep on being better, to keep on making themselves look beautiful no matter what it takes–including undergoing some cosmetic procedures.

Selfies have become an integral part of social media, and it is important to know how it affects the Cosmetic industry as well. If you are someone who is considering undergoing any surgical procedure, ask yourself this question, “What motivates you?” Remember that the most important thing is you do it more for yourself, to make you happy, sans the selfies.

Top Places In The World To Photograph

Travel photography takes you to various interesting destinations across the world, but as you do it more, you realize you need to explore many more places that can take your career to a higher height. Picking the best places to photograph across the world is a decision that will help you make perfect photos that are not only satisfying to your audience, but you as well. You not only need to consider popular destinations, but as expert photographer Summit Shah explains, there are many more places that are unexplored that you could find ideal for travel photography. Here are suggestions for best places across the world where you can photograph travel photos.

Maruata Bay, Mexico

Just rent an apartment in Maruata and with your stay there, you will appreciate how much the place offers you amazing photography opportunities. This is a destination that is popularly known for tourism and when you head down to Michoacan state, you enjoy a better chance to capture dramatic shots. It offers you amazing image ops, which range from cliffs to wetlands and birds as well as sea turtles.

Don’t miss shots of waves crushing against the cliffs and you could enhance your photography by trying some photos of uncluttered beach sunsets or fishermen at work. This is basically a destination that will give you the joy you have always sought to achieve as a photographer. You will also enjoy some good moments as a tourist apart from documenting moments, and the most adorable part is that the locals there are highly supportive.

Chugach State Park, Alaska

If you have ever dreamt of taking your photography to Alaska, Chugach State Park is the place you should be. The destination has amazing landscapes and is packed with wildlife photo ops that you will appreciate. It is also easily accessible, more than the Denali National Park, and you will not suffer the inconvenience of congestion that you would find at the national park. Some of the key features you could capture while at Chugach include the lakes that are beautifully nested through the terrain of the mountainous landscape.

There are several marshlands filled with swans and the migrating birds will make the view more interesting. You could hike up the Glen Alps to get some aerial views that include the waters that flow in the lake, and one particular section that is interesting is off the coast where you could do some shots of the Beluga whales. If you are lucky to show up during sunset, this is one of the most interesting places to photograph.

Cedar Mesa, Utah

While in the U.S., you have plenty of options for destinations ideal for travel photography. One such place that Summit Shah suggests you should consider is Cedar Mesa in Utah. Photographers love the Colorado Mesa Verde, so you will not find as many people around Cedar Mesa, which gives you the peace of mind you need when doing some sweet shots. Easily capture the Pueblo ruins and awesome cliff dwellings to the southwest. You can achieve perfect photos here without the inconvenience of working around crowds. Don’t miss to photograph textured images of the Anasazi cliff dwellings as well as rock paintings. The sunset offers long-exposure nighttime shots.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Instead of visiting Alberta, you could find a rare opportunity to photograph at Saskatchewan in Canada. If you head to Banff National Park, you will meet hordes of landscape shooters, but at Saskatchewan, which gives you a similar opportunity, you are able to enjoy the space and convenience of shooting without distractions from others. The destination offers miles of rural back roads and these are open roads that tourists rarely use that will lead you to hidden gems including old farms and homesteads that are surrounded by grasslands.

Dennis Scott Carruthers Shares His Bucket List of Places to Photograph

Photographers are highly creative people. They have a keen eye for detail. They are naturally attracted to iconic and scenic places. Photography is an excellent strategy to immortalize the joys and struggles of the loved ones in your life. It captures memories and freezes the time in a moment. It is also a perfect option for documenting your travels and adventures.

Photographers keep a list of places they would like to visit and snap away. It enables them to lead a life full of adventure. Dennis Scott Carruthers, an experienced photographer, and lawyer shares his bucket list of places to photograph with a brief commentary.

List of Places to Photograph

Cinque Terre in Italy consists of ancient seaside villages sitting on a rugged coastline. Discover romantic fishing communities living in colorful houses. Catch breathtaking views of the rugged villages. Capture the sunset from the Riviera or enjoy the humbling experience of being at the bottom of high cliffs. You can also enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the sea.
Machu Picchu, Peru: This is home to an ancient lost city. The city is an archeological gem and a photographer’s haven. It is believed to have been used as a key ceremonial center. The Inca trail offers a stunning view of the ruins on the valley down below and rugged mountainsides.
Taj Mahal, India: The iconic architectural marvel is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The mausoleum is a sprawling forty-two-acre complex built in ivory-white marble. The Taj Mahal rises 240 feet into the air. Get inside for riveting views of the vaulted tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz as well as ancient calligraphy in Persian.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: This primeval amphitheater used to be a sports center. Tour the underground passageways and capture the glory of the gladiator era and the persecution of Christians.
Stonehenge, UK hosts gigantic free-standing stones arranged in a ring formation. The monument dates back to 2000 BC and is a cultural icon in the UK.
Galapagos Islands in Ecuador: Snap the blue-footed booby right in its natural habitat. The archipelago experiences frequent volcanic activity. This contributes to the great diversity of the vibrant ecosystem in the area.
Burning Man Festival, Nevada: This is an annual art show held for a week in Black Rock Desert. There is a leave no trace rule and everything is taken down after the event, leaving no evidence that the event happened. This presents a compelling reason to document the activities.
Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia: Explore 12th-century architecture. There are numerous silk-cotton trees, which have grown in the ruins creating a hair-raising feeling. Can you capture the eerie aura on a photo?
Cappadocia, Turkey: Go back in time to the era of Alexander the Great. Photograph the traditional cave hotels, rock-cut temples and an underground city as you listen to historical Christian myth and folklore.
Santorini, Greece: View the effects of volcanic activity on ancient settlements. Capture mythical Greece including vertical hanging cliffs and unparalleled views of the sea.

Conclusion

Photography enables us to relive the extraordinary moments and experiences in our lives. It is almost impossible to commit to memory all the details along life’s journey. Make a bucket list to inspire you as you start checking off on the memorable experiences you document.