Practice using
your camera indoors
without flash

The better your camera, the more often you will be able to take indoor pictures of people without having to use a camera flash. Professionals use this no-flash technique to induce a subdued glow - and to avoid the shortcomings of the camera flash (see my "Flash" page). They use indoor incandescent bulbs and/or the soft natural luminosity coming through a window.

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Best outdoor
times of the day

Most vacationers think midday is the optimum time for outdoor photography. It's actually the worst time if it's sunny because the overhead sunlight is strong and harsh, which can wash out your photographed colors.

The two best daylight times are in the early morning and late afternoon. The low-angled sunrays grace landscapes and people in soft, rich, warm colors (yellow, reds, and oranges). And, the long shadows produce interesting contrasts.

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Cloudy days

If the sky is overcast or hazy, don't put away your camera. Such skies are better than sunny ones for photographing people up close because the diffused illumination softens facial features. Flowers also look their best under grayish skies - their colors become vivid.

What you don't want to do is to include too much of a gray sky in your photo because that could depress the overall mood of your picture.

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Click PAGE TWO for more

advice on using no flash

People

Composing

Flash

Landscapes

Other situations

After your trip

SLR or compact?

Lens

Battery

Memory

Features

Tripod

Other accessories

Photo tips - home page

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