The Photo Canvas Blog

In his latest book – Composition Digital Field Guide – author and San Diego-based photographer, Alan Hess, shares his knowledge of photo basics for the frustrated novice wanting a better image.

Covering a tremendous array of topics, Alan breaks down the basics of composition, explaining the rule of thirds, use of color and cropping, even tips on achieving better exposures and color balance.

For those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the world of digital photography, this field guide will not only help you understand the basic functions of your SLR in order to get better shots, but also help you get a bit more creative in order to achieve dynamic and striking compositions.

Alan conveys the importance of thoughtfully considering your subjects and environment while executing specific techniques in order to get those shots you’ve always wanted but couldn’t seem to capture.

With chapters including Symmetry and Balance, Light and Exposure, and How to Use the Gray Card and Color Checker (cards included in the book), Composition Digital Field Guide is – surprise – about much more than composition. It’s a great read and camera bag accessory for anyone looking for a some handy tips and information.

WIN a copy of Composition Digital Field Guide – signed by the author!

Artistic Photo Canvas – Alan Hess’ preferred lab for lifelike prints on canvas – has four signed copies of Composition Digital Field Guide to give away to readers of The Photo Canvas Blog!

For your chance to win, just post a comment below. We’ll draw one random winner each day between Wednesday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. Be sure to use a valid email address when posting your comment – it won’t appear on the blog – so we can contact you if you’re a winner! Good luck!

– Camille Pyatte, Team APC

DAILY WINNERS:

Wednesday, October 27: Michael Kells – Congratulations!
Thursday, October 28: Angie K – Congratulations!
Friday, October 29: John Tammaro – Congratulations!
Saturday, October 30 – Don McGurrin – Congratulations!

Some of the most stunning photos printed on canvas by APC are shot within our national parks. And our customers tell us that one of the easiest ways to find and capture the iconic scenes that make each park so special is to simply follow the advice of photographers who’ve toiled for years scouting the perfect locations.

Thousands of photographers have contributed to the printed books and shooting manuals that for decades have served so well as guides for pros and amateurs who want to follow their leads into the wilds of the park system. Now, however, a new breed of photographers is creating robust electronic guides that carry the promise of lightening our loads during the hunt for the perfect shot.

The creators of the iFotoGuides for iPhone and iPad have already introduced three park-specific apps that are fulfilling that promise – with more in development. Now, shooters trekking to Arhes, Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks can arm themselves with a few megs of data on a device they already carry, swapping out the weighty printed materials for an extra camera body or lens – or the extra provisions that will enable them to venture further than their encumbered fellow shooters.

Each app includes vital park information, interactive maps, photo locations, sunrise and sunset tables, stunning image galleries by renowned expert photographers, and even information on dining, lodging and other nearby services – in short, all of the information you need to make the most of your photo tour of each park. These guides won’t weigh you down by one ounce, and the iFotoGuide apps set you back only $4.99 each – way less than those heavy printed guidebooks.
Continue reading…