This is a collection of pieces of advice to make your everyday photos more enjoyable to look at; a little more with every post. These are only bits which do not claim to be complete, but are rather all you need to know at that moment.


I assume my readers are non-professionals who are interested in capturing their memories in the way they have experienced them, instead of how their camera device automatically suggests an output, thereby speaking of using anything from a mobile phone to an auto-set DSLR.

About the author: I am Mareen Fischinger, a professional photographer, living and working in Düsseldorf, Germany.

You are welcome to ask snpsht a question! (Please check your spelling...)
If you would like to submit posts to the site, you can do so via this form.
(Please note that I know nothing about certain camera models and do not see myself in a position to give any shopping advice.)
March 3

Anonymous asked: Is there anyway for me to view RAW photos without opening a software (Like Nikon's software, Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom)? If yes, can you tell me how or what to download? Thank you.

Well, my MacOSX Finder and Preview can show them as well as iView. Make sure all camera drivers are installed on your computer.



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yesyesyesno asked: I'm doing a unit in university on photography. We are using 35mm SLR's are they easy to use? Do you have any brands that you reccomend or what is a reasonable price?
Thanks heaps

Maybe you can borrow a camera from a friend, father or grandfather. Sometimes dealers have old second-hand models for a cheap price. The manual cameras are the best to learn and fiddle around with!


photo by peter-rabbit on flickr.



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tinyfurrybugs asked: how can we create vignettes? i heard there a hundreds of way of achieving it, lets say i have a 50mm/f1.8 lens,how can i get vignettes with it? stacking filters? widest aperture? thank you in advance

Maybe if you have a narrow lens hood maybe you can get one?

But before you start stacking filters: There are the post-pro ways of using the RAW program or your photo editing software and adding the vignette of your desires, soft or strong.



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Anonymous asked: This has been bothering me since this came up on this site: How do you get RAW mode on your camera? I have a Canon Powershot camera that is supposed to have a RAW mode.

RTFM ;)

Maybe you should check the manual!

Pheelmore says: Another way to get RAW in canon cameras that usually dont support it is http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK



February 28

knorri asked: I agree on the importance of a good make-up artist. But I find it rather difficult to locate one. Then there is the (unknown) price tag. Especially as a beginner and for non-commercial projects the budget is small. I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips on this topic.

Oh ha! If you find someone who is interested in trying out new ideas with you for their and your portfolio, you won’t have to have money involved. I do a lot of photo shoots where no actual cash is flowing. We call it test shoots.
There are network websites like model-kartei.de or model mayhem etc. where you can probably find people (make-up/hair, stylists, models — everyone is desperate for good photos!) if you have no personal friends who are interested in starting off with you.

Best of luck, Martin!



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tinyfurrybugs asked: I want to learn how to shoot products. I will start by shooting foods,begins with a cup of hot chocolate, and I am only going to use kit lens to shoot it. The question is, how can i begin? what is the appropriate place/time of the day to do so, is there any suggestions in terms of equipment or anything else?

Food is hard! The colors can quickly look bad, but give it a try.
I recommend you start by a window, with daylight.
Use colorful textures (tablecloth, food) and interesting china and silverware, decorate nicely and make sure the light touches everything in an amazing way.

And also, this great (casual) food photographer from California comes to mind… I know him from the good old flickr days: Matt Armendariz
Check out his work, maybe he will inspire you.