Contest: SPORTS 2009

1.	Prize: $50 Photo: …. User: Младен Мартинов
2.	Prize: $30 Photo: Road Atlanta spillage…. User: Paula Smith
3.	Prize: $30 Photo: Road Atlanta spillage…. User: Paula Smith

Popularity: 2% [?]

Dear HotCompetitions.com fans,
We are happy to show you an additional way to vote for your favorite photos and announce deserving winner in our online competitions.
From now you can send a short phone message (SMS) and give your vote to the photo you think that deserve one of the first three positions. This way you can vote more than just one time for one photo like you do now from your login. Even none registered people will be able to vote and we will have more objective rating for all the competitors.
This new voting is available for users that are using Vivatel, Globul and M-tel as their cell phone providers and are mostly in Bulgaria. Soon we will implement phone message voting for the phone network in United States.
Have fun and we wish good luck to the competitors!
HotCompetitions.com

Popularity: 11% [?]

LAST WINNERS

Contest: Black & White

1
Prize: $50
Photo: wine
User: Iv Hristova

2
Prize: $30
Photo: hey, hey, hey
User: Crystal

3
Prize: $20
Photo: so…
User: Simona

Popularity: 2% [?]

Being one of the most unpredictable forces of nature, lightning storms present a unique challenge for most photographers.  We’ve all seen powerful photos of lightning in action and you may be wondering how you can capture the majesty of a storm the next time you’re fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to witness one.  While a lot matters on what Mother Nature decides to do with all that electricity, the tips below should help in capturing a great shot of lightning.

Copyright mborisov.com

1. Use a steady surface – While a tripod typically works best, in reality any steady surface will work.  Some people use a beanbag or other malleable item, like a pillow.  This will be import as #2 is….
2. Long Shutter Times – While lightning is unpredictable, it’s extremely hard to make a decent capture by tripping the shutter when you see a flash.  There are some fancy remote controls that have the ability to trip when the flash is sensed, but I’m guessing you don’t want to invest in these types of gadgets.  Depending on your cameras ability to manage noise on slow shutter speeds, using a timing of 30 seconds can work well. The bulb setting can also be handy if you have a way to keep the shutter open.
   

   Copyright Elsie esq.

3. Horizon Up – It’s safe to say most of the lightning action you will see will in the sky.  I know it’s obvious, but it needs to be stated that your field of view will be skewed toward the sky then.  Depending on how close the lightning is, you’ll be including more blank looking sky than normal.  But fear not; that sky becomes far more exciting when the lightning starts
4. But Include Something Interesting – While the action will be in the sky, don’t forget to keep something in the frame to give relevance and perspective to the shot.  Buildings are a favorite, but really, anything that can give an idea of the size of the storm works well.
5. Manual Focus – It’s best to use manual focus when shooting in lightning situations.  Mainly because the view will probably be at night (but not always) with a fair amount of darkness.  Rather than allow your camera to hunt around for something to focus on with each new shot, get a good manual focus on the sky and leave it there.
6. Manual Shutter/Aperture Too – As mentioned in #2, if your camera has the ability to set the shutter speed, pick a long shutter time and a fairly wide aperture.  The action will be far from you so a wide aperture and shallow depth of field won’t be a problem (unless you have some very near objects you’d like to include).
   

   Copyright akeg

7. Stack ‘em – If you can keep your camera in a steady spot, shot after shot, you can use stacking software to combine multiple strikes into one image. You’ll often have many unexciting shots with maybe just a single strike or faint action between clouds.  These can all be combined to make a spectacular image.
8. Be Patient – This is a big one and a key to success.  Get familiar with your gear and settings so when there is a lightning storm you can set up the camera and then let it do its thing while you enjoy the show.  You’re going to have a number of times when you miss “the shot” for one reason or another.  Don’t sweat it.

Shooting lightning storms can be a very enjoyable experience but it takes a little practice to get it just right.  Follow the steps above and you’ll be well on your way to creating electrifying photos (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun!).

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hello everyone,

We are glad to present you a brand new photo contest called Sexy woman . NO REGISTRATION FOR FACEBOOK USERS.

The Prizes are:

1 place – $100

2 place – $60

3 place – $40

Good luck

Popularity: 17% [?]

9 Pet Photography Tips

by Darren Rowse

Pets fill very quickly their place in our hearts and families and we enjoy having their pictures framed on our desk or wall! However taking pictures of your best friend is not always easy. Pets, unlike humans, do not understand what we are trying to do and won’t just pose for the camera! Here are 9 tips that will help you get the most of your photo session.

1. Use Natural Light

If possible always use natural light when taking your pet in picture. Avoid flash, as flash burst can, not only cause red-eye, but also frighten the animal. Instead try to go outside or, if it is not possible, in a room well lit by a large window.

2. Keep the Eyes Sharp

Having sharp eyes is important in any kind of portraits photography. As they say, “Eyes are the Window to the Soul” and pets eye can be very expressive. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes and keep the tack sharp

Image by Buntekuh

3. Go to Them

It is very important that you pet feels comfortable and at ease, so instead of forcing him to come to you go to him. Most important is to get down to his level; We all know how a dog looks when viewed from above, this is the way we always see them. Show us the way they see world! Sit on the floor or lie on your belly and remember to shoot from HIS eye level or below.

4. Give Value to their Character

You know your pet better than anyone else, and a successful picture is one that conveys the character of its subject. If you have a lazy cat show him yawning, if your animal is of a playful type show him in action performing his favorite trick.

Gui, o gato

5. Go Macro

Put on that long lens and fill the frame with your pet’s face and fur, close up shots often make beautiful animal portrait.

6. Surprise Them

One of the most difficult things is to let your pet hold still. An easy trick is to let him play quietly and, once you have everything ready, let someone call for him or whistle. This will surprise him and caught his attention and you will have a few seconds to capture him in a nice and alert posture

Image by renedepaula

7. Schedule your Session

If you are longing for a formal pet portrait shot, try to schedule the photo session when you’re animal is somewhat sleepy or has just woke up it will be much easier to keep him still then. If you want a more dynamic shot then pick up a time when your pet is energetic. If he is sick it is better to just postpone it for another day.

8. Be Patient

Pet photography requires a lot of patience. No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, he will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get a decent shot.

Image by It’sGreg

9. Experiment

Take your time and enjoy the session, try different approaches, angles and compositions. Shoot a lot you will have time to worry about the results later.

You have a tip that I forgot to mention here ? Make sure to share it with us

Image by _Xti_

Popularity: 2% [?]