Hi,

Hope you had a wonderful Easter or Passover. This newsletter, I thought I'd give you some tips on how to take photos that create interest via better composition.

I've also got some info for you on new photo sales. Plus, there is a buy 1 Photo Book, Get 2nd one FREE at Smilebooks. Make a 8" x 11" Classic hard cover SmileBook and get a second copy FREE! Put your photo book in the shopping cart, alter the quantity from 1 to 2 then enter coupon code 2FOR1CLASSIC. Expires 4/11/10.

Taking Interesting Photos

There are a variety of techniques you can use to make your photos more interesting. One popular photography technique is to frame your photo. Another helpful photographic tool is leading with lines.

Photography Technique: Framing Your Picture

Framing your picture means using a technique to draw the eye to an image's center of interest. A frame give the photo context; it will also add depth and perspective. Try to find something in your scene to act as a natural frame. That will draw the viewer's eye to your subject quite effectively. A frame can be a building's archway, a tree branch or foreground bushes, a doorway, or a window. Use your imagination. If you want the main focus on your subject, you may want to softly blur the frame by using a large aperature. If you want the frame as well as the subject in focus, use a small aperature.

Example: Framing Photo - In this photo the fence posts act as a frame for the bird. The frame (posts) are purposely blurred to focus on the bird.

Lead with Lines

Leading with lines means to use lines in the image to lead the eye to your subject. This is an excellent tool for directing the eye through your frame. Lines can be straight or curved. Straight lines show direction and convey mood. Vertical lines imply strength while horizontal lines create tension. Curved lines such as an s-curve can convey grace.

You can find more photo tips and articles that will help you take better pictures at digitalphotos101.com

Example: S-Curve
The curve in the landscape in the photo below moves the eye through the frame. The image also boasts a strong vertical with the palm trees.

My Favorite Photo Editing Software - Corel Paint Shop Pro X3

I've been playing with Corel's new Paint Shop Pro X3 and I must say I really like it and the price is right. This software operates much the same as the much, much more expensive Photoshop without the tremendous learning curve. There are all sorts of great tools to enhance your photos including 1-step correction, an Express Lab for quick edits or a full advanced editing menu. It is great for all levels of users and you can get video tutorials from the Corel website. It has a built-in organizer and you can do creative projects such as scrapbook pages, cards, etc., right within the same program, as well as built-in sharing with Flickr, YoutTube, etc.. You can even create HD slideshows. Corel has it on sale this month: Save $10 on the New Paint Shop Photo Pro X3. From $69.99 thru 4/30/2010. You can read my full review of Corel Paint Shop Pro X3 here.

Top Photo Services Sales:

Snapfish.com is offering free shipping on orders $30 plus 50 free prints for new customers. Also, you can get 100 free prints when you buy a photo book. There is also a "deal of the day" to celebrate their 10th anniverary.

Shutterfly.com is featuring free shipping on orders $30+ and 50 free prints for new customers, plus 20% off notebooks, address labels and photo gifts.

Kodak Gallery is offering 25% off $25 purchases, plus 50 free prints for new members..

Photoworks.com is also offering free prints with purchase - 50 prints with $15 purchase or 100 free prints with $30 purchase

More photo sales and coupon codes for the above promos and more are listed below.

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Have a great weekend.

Valerie
www.digitalphotos101.com
How to get the best from your digital camera

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