Photo Challenge Day 19: Landscape

View, scenery, vista or prospect. Panoramic, gardening, extensive rural scenery; all of which can be seen from a single viewpoint. Hint: Tripods work GREAT for landscape shots.

Daily Photo Tip: Tripods - “Press photographers hate tripods, sport photographers prefer to work with monopods – but naturphotography isn’t possible without a tripod. Snapshooting works without, but not photographing” – Fritz Pölking

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/six-situations-where-tripods-are-essential-for-landscape-photographers#ixzz0geZ24j1A

Photographer #1 Esteban - Highland, Utah - Lone Peak

Photographer #2 Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Full Wolf Moon

Photographer #3 - Jergis - West Jordan, Utah - Beryl Farm Pivot

Photographer #4 - Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Amber Glow

Which Photographer Best Captured "Landscape"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge Day 18: Memory

"The mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions, etc., or of recalling or recognizing previous experiences"...in a photograph.

Daily Photo Tip: Resolution (DPI and PPI) - DPI or dots per inch and PPI or pixels per inch refer to the resolution of an image. Since I have a high capacity memory card, I always shoot my photos in RAW format (function mostly available in DSLR format cameras). Shooting in RAW allows me to manipulate the image as I saw it AND it's at it's highest resolution setting on my camera. When sending something to a professional printer, if the photo is not at a high resolution, it will turn out pixellated and your money will be wasted! High resolution in printing means 300 DPI or higher. Most point and shoot cameras shoot at 72 or 150 DPI from my experience, however they will have the image size at like 20x16", which would allow you (if you have an image editing software) to manipulate the DPI of that image to 300. If you are processing an image for the web, 72 DPI will work perfectly because that is what the Internet is set for your screen. NEVER copy an image from the internet and assume it will print as it looks on the screen...you will be sadly mistaken by the blur.

Sam Chalai - Mesa, AZ - RAM

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Wii a Memory Thanks to the Kittie

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Fish Stories

Which Photographer Best Captured "Memory"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge Day 17: Dry

Sam this one is for you...dry. Deserts, skin, hair, ice, wall or anything that can be considered "dry" by your standards. Remember to vote for your favorite photographer. If you win, your photo get's to be the header for a day. Good luck.

Daily Photo Tip: Backup your Files - In the digital age we live in, memories can vanish in the blink of an eye! With the ever expanding technology at a lower price, an external hard drive is a MUST for everyone that owns a computer! If you are a photo/video enthusiast, I would suggest purchasing a 1TB or larger external hard drive. These might run you a few hundred dollars, but are your memories/work worth less than that? I don't think so. I personally use Maxtor brand at the moment on my iMac. Apple has developed a great system back up program called "Time Machine" which allows you to run a scheduled back up to your external device and go back to literally any time in the past where you backed up your file and restore it without overriding anything you currently have on your Mac. Well worth it.

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Dry

Jergis - West Jordan, Utah - No Alcohol 

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Athletes Elbow

Sam Chalai - Mesa, Arizona - Carcass

Which Photographer Best Captured "Dry"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge Day 16: Unnatural

At variance with what is normal or to be expected; contrary to the laws or course of nature;

Many of us encounter unnatural people, places or things everyday. Remember, if you have a photo editing software, the sky is the limits to what you can do with your photos to make them look "unnatural". Have your camera at the ready and capture the most unnatural moment of your day today and send it in to tophatutah@gmail.com.

Daily Photo Tip: Lens Accessories - Most point and shoot cameras will not have additional accessories for the lens because most of the "filters" and "effects" are built into the digital software of the camera. If you own a point and shoot camera, make sure you are utilizing the many features available to you in different types of lighting etc. If you own a DSLR camera, you will have several options to add to your arsenal of supplies to add on your lens(es). Do some research on the lens' manufactures website (www.canonusa.com or www.nikonusa.com etc.) and see what type of options are available to you. Lens hoods and filters are a must to any DSLR set up to not only protect the lens/investment but also to enhance your shooting experience. Some general filters to keep handy are a UV Filter lens and a Polarized Filter. There are many type and qualities of filters available depending on how serious you are about photography.  I took the photo below using a circular polarized filter and a lens hood. The only thing I manipulated with my software was the slight vignette around the corners. With water polarized filters work great to help knock out the glare and bring out the colors. Try it out!

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - 

Santosguazu - Spain - Avatarguazu UnNatural

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Purely Unnatural

Which Photographer Best Captured "UnNatural"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge Day 15: Natural

Existing in or formed by nature. I imagine we will see a few landscape and bird/animal photos submitted on this challenge. Again, be creative, take your camera everywhere and most of all have fun!

Daily Photo Tip: Portfolio - When choosing which photos/art to add to your portfolio, be a professional and only add pieces that are your best...even if you only have a few to start with, over a few months time you will have more than enough to have a healthy portfolio. A common mistake photographers (me) have made is when shooting a wedding or family pictures, they burn a CD of ALL photographs taken...even the bad ones! "But, if I were in their position I would want every photo taken, why would I not give them everything?". You are one simple word, Professional. It's like having Microsoft releasing their latest software like Windows with all of their bugs and defects! (oh wait they do!)...okay bad example, but you get my drift?

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Edible Oxymoron

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Natural Flor

Which Photographer Best Captured "Natural"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge Day 14: Footwear

Footwear - articles to be worn on the feet, as shoes, slippers, boots or any other thing you can think of that might be fun to take a picture of!

Daily Photo Tip: The Rule of Thirds - Perhaps one of the most well known photographic techniques is the rule of thirds. Dissecting the viewfinder into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so there are 9 parts (see photo below). Most digital cameras will have this grid available in "live view" mode, which will help you visualize better and set up your shot. The purpose of this grid is to align your focal points in the intersecting parts, because these are natural points people generally turn to when looking at a picture. If this does not work out when you take the picture, use your crop tool and grid to make your focal point along these lines and intersections. Try it out!

Crystal @ jakeandcrystal.blogspot.com- Fresno, CA- Hot Feet

Jergis - West Jordan, Utah - Bear Footwear

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - New Mens Fashion in Footwear

Which Photographer Best Captured "Footwear"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	PHotographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge - Day 13: Sweet

Nothing makes me happier than something sweet. Sweet could represent a person, place or thing. You can use it as slang as in "That trick was SWEET!". Have fun with this one and remember to vote!

Daily Photo Tip: Battery - Without a properly charged batterie(s), digital photography would be impossible! Most point and shoot cameras only require AA batteries which are easy to come by, so make sure you have a small pack in your bag just in case they go dead...you don't want to miss a moment! Some point and shoot cameras and most DSLR cameras only take model specific batteries. These can sometimes be expensive but well worth having 2-3 handy and fully charged at all times. There's nothing more embarrassing than having a battery go out during a shoot with a paying customer! Thankfully it has never happened to me, however I have had a dead camera and missed some amazing moments driving in my car with some lake reflection scenes! To get the longest life out of your batteries, use them until almost empty, then charge them until full. Some older DSLR chargers will keep charging the battery long after it's fully charged which over time will shorten the life of your battery. Check your users manual for more details.

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Sweet Gooiness

Crystal - Heber, Utah - Sweetness

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Awwwwe Sweet

Which Photographer Best Captured "Sweet"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 12: Currency

In "celebration" of our current economic status, I think "Currency" is an appropriate challenge for today. This is not limited to only the United States Currency, but to ALL. Even make one up if you so desire. This is a fun topic for photoshop enthusiasts and photographers alike. Have fun and VOTE for your favorite Photographer. TYCE.

Daily Photo Tip: Camera Bags - Protection for your camera and supplies is a must if you care for your investments. Yes, these things are investments! They help capture life around us and provide a way to preserve these moments forever! I always suggest purchasing a backpack or fanny-pack that is made specifically for your camera and amount of supplies. If you plan on expanding your items in the near future, plan ahead with a larger bag. Go to your local camera store and try a few on and make sure your camera fits properly and is easy to access and store your supplies (i.e. lens', charger, batteries, cleaning kit, memory cards, film (if necessary), Speedlight, other). Not only are backpacks a practical way to protect your things, but also a handy way to tote it around.

Lildvls - Pleasant Grove, Utah - M&M's ATM

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Always Takes Flight

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Potty Training Money

Sam Chalai - Mesa, Arizona - Guarani

Jeff - Heber, Utah - Coins

Which Photographer Best Captured "Currency"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
	Photographer 5
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Photo Challenge - Day 11: Headlight

When you think of "Headlight" you think of...

My thoughts exactly. Now go set up a photo of that and send it on over. 

I would like to welcome "Nettie" to our group of participants! She is so excited to compete, she has already sent me over photos for EVERY past Daily Photo Challenge! Go check them all out! 

Remember you can vote for your favorite photographer every day using our nifty vote counters which are located at the bottom of each challenge. 

Photo Tip of the Day - Exposure: An image is over exposed if there is no detail in the highlights and underexposed if there is no detail in the shadows. Your photo editor should contain what's called a "Histogram", it looks like a sometimes colorful mountain graph and is usually found at the top right corner of your program. The left of the histogram represents the shadows and the right side represents the highlights. If you aren't able to tell if your photo is over or underexposed just by looking at it, your histogram will surely tell you. Do some research on your histogram, play around with the dials/levels a bit to get a feel for what it can do.


TYCE,


Josh

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - "My Husband Did It"

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Headlights

Which Photographer Best Captured "Headlight"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 10: Ten (10)

Yep...Ten.
Today's challenge is Ten (10). Anyone can participate. Just interpret what "Ten" means to you and email your photo to tophatutah@gmail.com . When I think of Ten I think of: Diez, Ten Soldiers, 10 Fingers, 10 Toes, 5 heads, 10 Pins, 10 Frames, Ten Candle, and on and on.
By far this is the easiest challenge yet. Be creative and Take Your Camera Everywhere!

TYCE,

Josh Spray

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Ten

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Ten Book Parade

Which Photographer Best Captured "Ten"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 9: Toys (Weekend)

Toys are a common object found in most homes. This should be a walk in the park for everyone. Get the right lighting, position the toy(s) and take the picture. It's really amazing how many different fun pictures you can take with some simple toys that are laying around the house. When I was taking my picture I had a wonderful flashback from my childhood playing with Hot Wheels! Now that I have a son old enough to play Hot Wheels, I'm more excited than he is! Enjoy and remember to vote. All's it takes is to select your favorite photo, and hit submit. TYCE!

Josh

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah -  Local Car Show

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Googley Eye Toys

Which Photographer Best Captured "Toys"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 8: Electric

It's Electric. I figured by giving you more ideas from dictionary.com of what each challenge means, it might be easier to come up with something to take a picture of. Take a look and get some idears. Good Luck and Take Your Camera Everywhere (TYCE)

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Star Lights

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Electric Purple

Which Photographer Best Captured "Electric"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 7: Cold

In tribute to today's cold front chill in Utah, I feel it appropriate to have "cold" as today's challenge! Send all entries to tophatutah@gmail.com AND check out the new way to vote for your favorite photos! I look forward to seeing what comes in today. Please send a link to my blog to all your friends and family to participate. Thanks.

TYCE,

Josh

Josh Spray - Heber, Utah - Barn

Jergis - Riverton, Utah - IceCold

Which Photographer Best Captured "Cold"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 6: Clean

Nothing better than a clean photo...or just the opposite! Today's challenge revolves around "Clean"...whatever your interpretation is it will be great! Really utilize the power of your photo editing software on this one...perhaps clean up the noise, edges and colors of the photo and make it shine! Remember to email your photo's to tophatutah@gmail.com at your earliest convenience! Thanks again for your participation.

p.s. Vote for your favorite photo's by posting a comment!

JoshSpray - Draper, Utah - Soaking Clean

HolbrookJail - Mesa, AZ - The Powder Room

Jergis - Riverton, Utah - DogInMud

Which Photographer Best Captured "Clean"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Suggestions From Photographers

I really appreciate ANY suggestions you may have if you are a reader or a participant! Here is a GREAT suggestion from Crystal, our newest participant (see her most recent photo in Day 4: Automobile):
1. Watermark each of your photos before you submit them to the blog. To "watermark" a photo means to brand the photo or piece of art with a signature, logo or anything that would make it yours! (See examples below)
To create my watermarks I generally use Photoshop CS4 so I can incorporate our Logo and Text and be as creative as I want with the photo. Some programs such as iPhoto, Adobe Lightroom and Aperture allow you to add a watermark upon 'export'. I also add my signature to the bottom right corner with the year I took the photo just to get my name out there and to give it an extra source of security. Although if someone really wanted to steal your photo, they could take the time to photoshop out everything you did to the picture. In most cases people might enjoy your photo and save it as their desktop or put it in their screensaver. Where there's a will, there's a way, but it's always nice to make it secure.

If it's a photo you really don't want stolen, place several watermarks throughout the photo (can you count how many are in this photo?

Hidden Watermark (can you see it?) Hint: My Name Is Cow

Watermark the whole picture with a website, blog or name in a transparent diagonal.

Watermark with a Title & Signature

Photo Challenge - Day 5: Home

Day 5: Home
"Home is where the.." photo is. Not only is this our easiest challenge yet, but will also be our most competitive! Throughout your day today, keep in mind your surroundings and be sure to have your camera near by...just in case. Be creative as well! Taking a picture of the front of your house to me isn't very creative, but you are welcome to try...hehe. Have fun and enjoy!

TYCE,
Josh

Josh Spray - Sandy, Utah - Nesting Season

Jergis - West Jordan, Utah - EggHome

Nettie - West Jordan, Utah - Male Finch in the Rain

Which Photographer Best Captured "Home"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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Photo Challenge - Day 4: Automobile

Day 4 Photo Challenge is "Automobile".  There are endless things you can take pictures of with this subject. How many vehicles do you see everyday? This can be any car, truck, RV, Auto Accessory, anything you come up with that can relate to "Automobile" will be accepted. This one should be easy. Have fun.
TYCE (Take Your Camera Everywhere),
Josh

P.S. Congratulations to Crystal from Heber City for joining in on the fun! I really like your entry!

Josh Spray - Sandy, Utah - EndLife

Crystal - Heber, Utah - One Focused Driver

Jeff - Heber, Utah - Cop on Bike

Which Photographer Best Captured "Automobile"?
	Photographer 1
	Photographer 2
	Photographer 3
	Photographer 4
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