Cameras & Photography

Compelling pictures are accented by interesting backgrounds and tools that allow the subjects to express themselves. You just need to know how to track down those items.

By Thomas Moore

In consumer optical devices like cameras and telescopes, aperture is an incredibly important concept. But what is it, exactly? Read on to learn more about aperture and its influence on photography and astronomy.

By Nathan Chandler

When you press the button on your camera and hear that distinctive click, you’re really hearing the sound of the camera’s shutter opening and closing in a fraction of a second. That time -- that is, your camera's shutter speed -- can dramatically alter photo quality.

By Ed Grabianowski

All these numbers and letters might seem confusing at first, but using your camera's f-stops is really quite simple once you understand some basic principles. Find out how fiddling with f-stops can enhance your photos.

By Nathan Chandler

ISO speed is one of three things that determine the quality of your photos. How can you control ISO speed to get the best shots possible? Learn all about it here.

By Dave Roos

It's a shock when a photo image looks completely different from the image you've retained in your mind. Did you know that UV radiation is partially to blame?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The best photographers feel a need -- a need for ideal film speed. But what is film speed and why does it matter?

By Thorin Klosowski

Just because your phone has a camera doesn't mean it takes high quality photos. What can you do to click better shots with your cell?

By Clint Pumphrey

Photos of all kinds can capture memories, and there's something particularly endearing about family photos (especially really old ones). But what happens when those delicate old prints get damaged? What's the best way to restore them, and can you do it yourself?

By Nathan Chandler

You want to surprise your parents on their anniversary with a slideshow of their wedding photos and other pictures throughout the years. But how will you transfer those old photos to your computer? We've got 10 tips designed to make the task easier.

By Stephanie Watson & Kate Kershner

The technology we use to take photos has changed but the importance of preserving memories in a photo album hasn't diminished. Here, some of the most important tools to organize and preserve your treasured pictures.

By Thomas Moore

There are few keepsakes as valuable as photographs. How do you organize those precious images so they're easy to access and share? We have the cataloging tips you need.

By Thomas Moore

You can admire them and even laugh at them but there are certain things you should absolutely avoid doing to your family photos. Let's take a look at some practices you should steer clear of.

By Victoria Vogt

If you want to make a scrapbook, you need scissors, paste and a ton of other arts and crafts supplies, right? Not in the digital age. Thanks to technology, knowing how to get the most out of your computer and available software will help your creativity shine.

By Jennifer Sellers

Think about your old photo albums: Several of them are probably in shabby shape with the plastic covers no longer adhering to the sticky pages. If that's the case, it may be time to upgrade to a digital photobook, with its sleek, streamlined pages and efficient picture editing.

By Jennifer Sellers

WiFi cameras can send digital photos straight to your computer or Web space as long as you're near a wireless connection. How do these cameras work to upload your photos wirelessly?

By Thorin Klosowski

It's so easy to take pictures with digital cameras that we fill up the memory capacity of all our gadgets in no time. So how do you move your photos to your computer?

By Stephanie Crawford

Cameras are everywhere -- in phones and cars, on buildings and street corners, and even in outer space. Check out the technology, gadgets and imagery that are all part of the bigger camera picture.

Whether you want to be the next Spielberg or the hottest YouTube sensation, these sophisticated video cameras will shoot your subject in amazing detail. It's up to you to turn it into art, though.

By Jennifer Horton

Most people enjoy capturing memories on film: birthdays, anniversaries or perhaps a trip to the beach. But how can someone take a picture of a speeding bullet? How do they freeze a hummingbird's wings in mid-flight?

By John Fuller

Essentially, a digital image is just a long string of 1s and 0s that represent all the tiny colored dots -- or pixels -- that make up an image. This format allows digital cameras to produce instant photos that you can edit, print and share online.

By Karim Nice, Tracy V. Wilson & Gerald Gurevich

If you're contemplating the change from film to digital and aren't sure where to get started, check out this article to learn the basics of digital photography.

By Ed Grabianowski

A camera flash seems like a pretty basic device, but there's actually some interesting circuitry at work. Find out how a flash charges up and see exactly what happens the instant it goes off.

By Tom Harris

Instant cameras depend on the same process of photographic development as regular film cameras. How does such a small device encompass the developing process?

Digital may be taking over, but optical started it all. A camera is an incredible piece of technology that essentially records light. Take a look inside a single lens reflex camera.

By Tom Harris