(1) Photography Challenge Member Generated Content

Take a Picture of a Sunset.

The Top Three Pictures This Month Win an iPod!

    (there must be at least 50 submissions)

The morning and the evening can be the ideal time of day to get the best lighting in any type of photography. Evening just so happens to be the best time of day to capture color in the sky. Sunset photography is not hard. Most of it requires being ready to take the sunset picture at its peak which means you have to plan ahead. You will have to act fast to capture the moment. We want to see your best photography. We look forward to seeing your unique submission.  If your image is one the top third you win a free iPod. What a deal!  If you need any tips or ideas see the articles below. 

Taking this challenge will make you a better photographer as you compete with fellow photographer friends from around the world.  We are looking for unique images that still bear the basic essentials of composition and technical excellence.  Please tell the community a little about the camera settings and why you chose the subject matter in your picture.

WARNING: It is dangerous to your eyes to look directly at the shining yellow sun. Don't look directly at it until it is low enough in the sky to have turned red.

Remember, that only one image submission per challenge is allowed per membership.  Winning an iPod has never been this easy. We look forward to seeing your images so get out there and start snapping. 

2)  Sunset Photography

Photographing sunsets can seem like an easy assignment, but there are some guidelines you should follow to make your sunsets say, “Wow!” Keep an eye on the weather and be aware of days when there is dust or smoke in the air as they can produce amazing results.  Probably one of the most important things is to scout out the area and have the camera set up and ready to capture. Maybe include a subject silhouette to give mood and perspective in the picture. Make sure you do not use auto white balance. Instead use ‘cloudy’ or ’shade’ which are usually used in cooler lights and tell your camera to warm things up a little. For more information on taking better sunset pictures click the links below. The tips include composition, equipment, and techniques plus much more. 

12 Tips for Photographing Stunning Sunsets

Examples of Good Sunset Photography

(3) "How to" Tutorials

Make sure you read some of the tutorials to make your photography even better. See how digital photography can be used to create shots that would have been near impossible with film.  Add a few tools to the tool belt as you become a better and more learned photographer.  Remember you will never stop learning all there is to know about photography. Check out these tutorials to take your photography to the next level. 

Replacing a Boring Sky

Camera Histograms

(4) Ideas & Photo Trips/Tricks

Is your photography starting to look all the same so you are losing interest.  Then read the below articles for ways to become an “out of the box” photographer. This month's article talks about using Photoshop to use depth of field to your advantage. Good luck and happy snapping.  

Extending Your Depth of Field