As photographers we want to think of ourselves as visual people. But isn't writing a visual art too? When an author

Most people who really want to get into photography eventually feel the need to learn their f/stops and shutter speeds. And although we do advocate this, we believe that the best photo is not necessarily the one with the best histogram, but the one which communicates best. This is often achieved through good composition.

Always ask yourself does the image communicate? What does it communicate? Is it beautiful to look at? And if it is beautiful and something that you want to look at and admire, does it matter what camera and what f/stop the photographer used? Because even if you had this information, it doesn't mean that you would be able to replicate that photo.

Until recently, the only way to display your photos was to have them printed and put into a photo album or on your wall. With digital media, this is only the

So you checked all the technical issues with your tripod from our last post, but your pictures are still blurry. There are a few more factors that may be in play.

Are you on firm ground? Many streets and sidewalks in New York City do not provide a solid surface for long exposures. What? Why? If there is a subway line under the sidewalk then the ground will move every time a subway train passes. Also if you have your tripod set up close to a road, the passing of a large vehicle is likely to shake the ground. If you are on the Brooklyn Bridge you will never get a tack sharp image with a long exposure because it's a suspension bridge with cars moving below. Balconies are also problematic as they often have some give; if someone walks next to you while you take a long exposure it will vibrate the camera. If you are on dirt, make sure to push your tripod all the way into the ground until it stops.

Windy, even slightly windy conditions, can also cause problems. In this situation you will need a very sturdy tripod or sand bags to hold down your camera.

Another cause of blurry photos while using a tripod is you. The simple act of pushing the button may cause the camera to move. To resolve this problem you can use the self timer function on your camera, a cable release or a wireless release button.

The last cause may be the object you are photographing. Look closely to see whether or not it's moving. Buildings sway, clouds move, as do bridges and seemingly solid objects. The longer your shutter speed, the more likely you will see blur.

One of the key reasons we use a tripod is because we need to shoot with a long exposure which we cannot hand hold. But sometimes we still can't seem

Although conventional wisdom dictates that a photograph should have straight horizons, the question is why? Photography is, or can be, a form of art. And through movements like dadaism we have come to learn and accept that when it comes to art there are no rules or conventional wisdom. There is only self expression. And for each person that self expression is different. So take a cue from our planet, and tilt... if you think it works better!