Monday, April 22, 2013
Posing Techniques for Beginners
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Earth Day SALES Event
Cash on the Spot for Your Used Camera:
Replace Your Old Battery for a NEW One with a Life Time Warranty:
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Time Your Ocean Images for Maximum Impact
When it comes to vacation destinations, the beach often
reigns supreme. Nothing says
summer like moments with our kids creating sandcastles, sandpipers strolling
along the shores and the crash of waves against rock walls. The time of day is
extremely important when shooting along the shores. Natural light plays a prominent role with this kind of
photography and patience is crucial in capturing the image you envision. Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Book Review: The PROMASTER Guide to Digital SLR Photography
Creating Your Photography Business Niche
For today’s working professional photographers, the
combination of a crowded market coupled with a tough economy has translated
into pros casting a wide net when it comes to what they shoot. Many have become all-purpose
photographers, which is a wise strategy and can bring new jobs that might have
otherwise been missed. However,
for some, specializing one’s services can bring new clients while strengthening
skills in a specific field.
Specializing in a niche also allows the photographer to
become more attuned to the unique demands and nuances of that particular area
of expertise, which can translate into a competitive advantage. When one spends a great deal of time
working in a niche market, the photographer becomes an expert in that market
and can position herself as such to others in that field.Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monochrome Magic:
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Keeping Your Smartphone Photos in Sync:
Going Pro by Not Going it Alone
The Reality
Fight the Flare:
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Spring Break Photo Contest 2012

It’s that time again…
Just coming back from a well-disserved vacation. Before you forget where you put your camera, take out your memory card and back up all your files by saving them in you computer and burning a back up DVD. But don’t stop there! go thru your images and find the one that you just can’t stop looking at. Fort Worth Camera is having an open contest, looking for happy images to lighten up the store. The subject should be shinny happy people, just enjoying life, please keep in mind this is a photo contest, where exposure focusing, composition and general photography knowledge should be at play. This time we will be displaying a huge 40x60 print in our store, to go along with our new “ We Make BIG Prints” Event. Keep in mind, a large image like this would have to be done from a high-rez file, so please do not submit Smart Phone images for this contest. The finalists will be public voted on by our loyal Facebook followers. Please submit your image by E-mail to FortWorthCamera@gmail.com by Thursday March 22, 2012 no latter then 1:00 p.m.
The winner will get a $25.00 Fort Worth Camera Gift card and a 20x30 BIG Print.
Good LUCK!
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Few Photo Tricks for Your Halloween Treat Bag

Keep the Kids’ Perspective: This holiday is all about the kids, so make sure the photos you take keep their perspective into account. Shoot lower than normal, at their eye level, as opposed to standing over them and shooting downward. The images will highlight the sense of play and connectedness to the subjects.
Have Fun with Flash: What better time to experiment with lighting than during the spooky celebration? If you’ve got an off camera flash, use it! Experiment with position and let the kids get involved, too. You can also hand out flashlights and ask the kids to strike their scariest poses. Have them hold the lights under their faces for extra spooky shots. Bump up the ISO on your camera a bit for extra help and encourage a little clowning around.
After the sun goes down, experiment with flash and without. Flash-free photos might better capture the scary aura of the evening but some other shots may escape you unless you have flash as an option. Check out our line of quality flash products here: http://www.fortworthcamera.com/flash
Grab the Glow Sticks! We use them as a signal to cars that our kids are walking on the roads trick-or-treating, but they’re also the perfect lighting accessory for tricky photos. Use them to illuminate Jack-o-lanterns, put them underneath decorations and experiment with angles to give your photos that extra eerie effect.
Give Glare the Boot!
Photographers know how important it is to be able to manage and manipulate available light. Sometimes with light, we end up with too much of a good thing. Fortunately, we have the PROMASTER SystemPRO Universal Lens Hood!
The PROMASTER SystemPRO Universal Lens Hood is specifically designed for the wide focal lengths required by today’s digital SLR cameras. Its petal shape design is instrumental in helping to reduce glare while minimizing the potential of vignetting of your images.
The clever two-piece design allows you to quickly reverse the hood for storage. The mounting collar is compatible with your standard lens cap for the ultimate in protection. We have them here! http://www.fortworthcamera.com/lenshood
Sports Shot Tip:
When we think of shooting sports, one of the most important skills is the ability to capture the action in a variety of situations and conditions. A tripod is a great partner in helping keep your gear steady so that sharp images are the end result. However, there isn’t always room for a tripod, especially when the prime picture-taking territory is crammed with other shutterbugs vying for the same space. However, a monopod is a great alternative for providing stability in tight situations: http://www.fortworthcamera.com/monopod
Also, try bumping up your ISO to freeze sports action. This technique often works in low-light conditions but some pros also shoot at a high ISO even when they have favorable light available. Today’s digital cameras are far more powerful than previous generations, so experiment with ratcheting up your ISO higher than normal and evaluate the results. You may end up with the best action shots of the season!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Pet Adoption Event at Fort Worth Camera



Monday, September 5, 2011
When Hard Light is Helpful
The term ‘hard light’ refers to the bright, direct light the daytime sun provides, particularly between the hours of noon and early afternoon. While we’re often counseled--with good reason--to shy away from shooting in hard light, there are some instances that would benefit from the intensity of this form of available light.
Showcasing Textures:
Hard light can be very effective in enhancing textures in an image. Whether it’s the splintered detail in an old wooden fence or the intricate pattern in an article of clothing, hard light can become beneficial in making sure these details are brought to the forefront. If you’re looking to photograph an object--be it a commercial project or a personal one--learning to use hard light to enhance an object’s details is a skill that can add new dimension to your work.

Capturing Creative Contrast: Hard light creates intense shadows and using those shadows as part of your image is yet another way that this form of illumination can add rather than detract from your images. Shadows from tree branches and other tall objects can throw unique designs onto other surfaces, creating a compelling element.

Bring on the Backlighting: The term ‘backlight’ refers to lighting an image from behind, which is a popular technique in photography. Hard light can illuminate the lines and edges of the subject. This technique can be used in a variety of situations ranging from human interest to nature photography. Consider using a lens hood during these sessions to battle the potential complication of flare intruding on your images. Check our line of quality lens hoods here:
http://www.promaster.com/lens
With backlighting situations, there is also a risk of overexposure so exposure compensation adjustments may be necessary. An adjustment of one to two stops should help combat the camera’s meter being overwhelmed by the bright background.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
How Photography Calms Anxious Kids While Traveling
Hand it over.

That’s right. Take your digital camera, place the security strap around your child’s wrist, and ask him to take a few pictures for you. Of course, you wouldn’t do this with a high end DSLR (although you could let the child ‘help’ you take photos while you hold the camera), but today’s compact cameras are actually a great fit for a grade-schooler’s hands.
The digital camera is a wonderful way to redirect a child’s energy, and at the same time, it can help you see your vacation travels in a new light. A child’s perspective is distinctly different from our own, something that is readily apparent when viewing the photos after the travels have ended.
Sure, there will be plenty of blurry photos and some odd choices of subjects, but there will also be a few gems hidden in the bunch. Print a few of your favorites and put them in your child’s room as a reminder of your summer adventure.
So, consider sharing your camera with your child. Even if you don’t get a photo worth framing, you might get an opportunity to improve his mood, and that alone is worth it.
Also consider investing on one of our many selection of Water Proof, Shock Proof and freeze proof camera. I will give you a piece of mind knowing that they will not break it and to keep from loosing it, add a neck strap, they will be less likely to set it down and forgetting it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority: Which Mode To Use When
Aperture Priority Mode: Aperture Priority mode is an excellent choice for those times when you want to play with DOF (depth of field) and deciding what portion of the image should be in focus. The camera will determine which shutter speed is best for the particular situation. If the camera must adjust to slower shutter speeds, such as in lower light conditions, having the camera mounted on a tripod will help improve image sharpness by combating camera shake. Consider these fantastically ultra-portable tripod models: http://www.fortworthcamera.com/tripods
Shooting in aperture priority mode can also guard against images being underexposed or overexposed. While it is always a possibility depending upon the particular shooting conditions, chances are that the camera settings will properly adjust to the lighting conditions and that aperture priority will serve your needs quite well.
Shutter Priority Mode: Shutter priority is often used for those instances when you need to freeze action such as during sporting event or when you’re shooting anything in motion. It’s also one technique used when trying to create a blurred effect. You select the shutter speed and the camera will adjust based upon how much light is passing through the lens. If there’s not enough light for a particular shot, the camera will adjust the aperture to a lower number to allow more light into the lens.
Shutter priority mode is one that will require more experimentation primarily due to the fact that there is a risk of under or overexposure of an image. Your camera’s aperture limitations may not allow enough adjustment to having too much/not enough light. This mode certainly has its uses and can help you create some stunning action shots but be prepared to practice in different situations.
White Balance Isn’t Just for Winter: While it’s true that adjusting white balance settings are important for shooting images of snowy landscapes and frost-capped tress, adjusting your white balance is also useful in a number of other situations. When it comes down to it, a custom white balance can improve any image with white subject matter, whether it be a small segment of the image or a large component of your composition.
We can make white balance adjustment even easier with our SystemPRO White Balance Lens Cap. The SystemPRO Professional White Balance Lens Cap diffuses incoming light to create an average color temperature for any given scene. With this lens cap on, use your camera's manual white balance feature and then capture the most accurate color photos with your digital camera. It’s great for use in difficult lighting situations. They’re economical and designed to always be with your camera.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Capturing the Essence of Action
Take a Tripod: A tripod is one of the most useful accessories a photographer (of any skill level) can own. When it comes to providing stability for shots, a tripod will quickly become your best friend. A tripod can be particularly useful when trying to shoot action and when you’re using a longer lens. We’ve got a tripod for every camera and budget.
Focus on the Face: A more advanced technique you can try is to focus on your subject’s face while in motion. The idea is to have the facial features remain sharp while allowing the rest of the body (and vehicle, if applicable) to appear more blurred. Just keep in mind that you may have to experiment with shutter speed and that the proper setting depends on what you’re shooting and the speed at which it’s moving.
Figure in the Flash: Using a flash is used more often to freeze motion as opposed to creating a blurred effect, but you can still compose an image of movement using this method. Using a flash will allow you to shoot at a higher shutter speed than you would otherwise use, but again, the overall effect you will create will likely be different than blurred motion. A quality flash can help you take your shooting to the next level. Consider our options.
Shooting blurred motion shots may require some experimentation on your part. Use your children running, cars driving by and other objects moving as opportunities to experiment with your settings. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable with what works and what doesn’t and will be able to shoot more intuitively. Yes, this technique takes practice but the results can be immensely rewarding.
So, get moving!
Doug’s Summer Vacation Photography Tips:

Shooting in Strong Light: The harsh summer sun can create some obstacles to great photos, but consider using your flash as a fill flash in these situations. “Also, make sure to backlight your subject,” Doug adds. He also states that if you’re close to a building, go to the north side and shoot in the shade.
Interlace Video with Photos: “Inserting video clips into your still photo slide show is a great way to add additional perspective and interest to your summer story,” Doug offers. He states that it’s important to keep the video clips small--say, ten seconds or so--and use them at key points in the storytelling process. Video can provide a different dimension and make the overall experience even more compelling than still photos alone.
The Best Accessories for Travel: Doug feels that there are a few items that will help summer shooters make the most of their vacation photo opportunities, including:
· Polarizing Filter: This often-overlooked accessory can add new dimension to your photographs. If the sun is strong, it removes glare from windows and from other reflective surfaces. “You’d be surprised at how many things in your background can reflect light. Water, leaves and flowers all pick up reflective light. It’s like looking at them through glass--you have to view them at a very particular angle for the colors to be rich. A polarizing filter can bring the richness back to your skies and grass. The sky will be bluer and the clouds will stand out. Consider our polarizing filters.
Doug states that you’ll lose two stops of light using a polarizing filter but today’s camera are far more capable at shooting at higher ISOs so you can play with increasing your ISO settings and you should be able to shoot at the same exposure settings.
· Try a Tripod: Doug confesses, “I’m one of those people who’s always in a hurry so using a tripod forces me to slow down, and when I do, it improves my photography.” Doug says that using a tripod allows you to use two eyes instead of one, and it provides you the opportunity to see your shot more comprehensively. “You’re more likely to notice a pole growing out of someone’s head or some other obstruction if you look at the shot outside of the camera’s viewfinder.”
· Wireless Shutter Release: For people photographing children or other challenging subjects, such as birds or other wildlife, a wireless shutter release can be the deciding factor in whether or not you actually land the shot.“ A wireless shutter release offers numerous advantages including stopping camera motion.
It’s also a great asset when photographing kids. Children often freeze up or become very self-aware when a camera is pointed at them. “With a wireless shutter release, I can interact with the child and trigger the shot once I’m out of the frame.” Doug says that that learning the custom functions is important. In his situation, he can disengage the focus on the shutter release and trigger using the ‘back button,’ and this gives him freedom to move and capture the image once his subject is comfortable and relaxed. He adds that it’s also ideal when he’s photographing birds; they leave for a bit and he keeps his setup in place and triggers the shot remotely when they return to the location.
Doug contends that today’s new shutterbugs will become tomorrow’s professional photographers. Regardless of whether you wish to pursue photography as a hobby or career, with mentors like Doug Box behind the scenes, your chances of success just went up.
Telephoto Talk: Summer activities just beg for a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens, in essence, allows us to be closer to what we’re viewing from a distance. Telephoto lenses are sometimes called ‘long lenses,’ and allow you to have the best of both worlds--close and distant.
A common telephoto lens is 70-200mm range and there are also models that offer 70-300mm range. These are considered multi-purpose lenses and have proven to be a favorite among many pro shooters. Our versatile lens can help you get close to the action when you’re far away and fill the frame when you’re near your subject.

Beware of Flares: When it comes to summer shooting, one common obstacle that seems to interfere with fantastic shots is ‘flare.’ Flare can occur when you’re shooting in the direction of the sun or some other strong light source. Flare can often appear as a streak of light or washed out light source covering a portion or all of an image.
To combat flare, consider purchasing a lens hood for your camera lens. These accessories are quite inexpensive and provide a number of benefits. In addition to reducing flare, a quality lens hood can also provide some protection from dirt or scratches as the hood’s design makes it more difficult for these items to come into contact with your lens’ surface. A lens hood can also protect against fingerprints and oils from your hands.
The PROMASTER SystemPRO Universal Lens Hood is specially designed for the wide focal lengths required by today’s digital SLR cameras. Its “petal” shape design is instrumental in helping to reduce glare while minimizing the potential of image vignetting. We have a variety of lens hoods for you to consider.









