Check out Boston Globe's website for more amazing images.

1. Experience and Knowledge

Having a sharp knife and a bamboo mat does not make everyone a sushi chef. Having a DSLR camera but without the knowledge or experience to back it up will definitely show up in the photos. It may seem easy enough to take a photo but to a photographer, a thousand things go through his or her mind before the shutter buttons is clicked. Is the composition good, how's the lighting, is everyone placed where they should be, how's everyone's hair and clothes, how's the background etc etc. And that's even before dialing in all the necessary settings in the camera!

2. Convenience

Even though you can cook at home, but it is nice to eat out in a restaurant. You just sit there and be served! Same thing with hiring a photographer, you get the convenience and luxury of being served. This is especially so if it is an important event like your wedding. You don't want to be the bride or groom and end up having to cook and serve your guests as well. Having a caterer (in this case a photographer) will put your mind at ease and let you concentrate on looking good and enjoying your important day.

3. Equipment

A photographer does only own a camera and a kit lens (default lens that comes together with the camera). In order to produce top notch and unique photos, the photographer would have a variety of lenses, lighting equipment, light modifiers, backup equipment etc. This is not only to ensure that the photos come out great but also to guarantee that the photo session goes smoothly.

4. Post processing

It is very rare that the final product comes straight out of the camera. More often than not, photos are post processed (usually in Photoshop or Lightroom or Aperture) to make sure everything is right from color to brightness to contrast. Photographers also tend to apply their own unique style and techniques to treat the photos and produce stunning final results.

5. Printing

Not every printing service is the same. There are subtle differences between the quality of prints offered by various printing services. In order to produce the best possible prints, professional photographers would need to do their homework. The quality of each of these printing services need to be verified, making sure the colors and contrasts are reproduced correctly on prints.

It is wrong to compare photographers based on prices.

Photography is basically an art and it is difficult to compare photographers based on their prices. Instead look at their portfolios, examine their photos and see if their style pleases you.

Scott Kelby is a Photoshop guru but he has produced 3 volumes on digital photography packed with very useful information, tips, tricks and corny humor. Although they are really intended for amateurs to serious hobbyist in photography, even professionals will learn a new thing or two from them.

The books are full of examples, straight to the point tips, equipment recommendation and they will definitively improve the quality of every single shot you take. These books encompass almost every aspect of digital photography. Definitely a highly recommended buy!

All 3 volumes are available in a set in Amazon.com:

Photofunia (www.photofunia.com)

Add cool photo effects and create funny face photo montages.

Funny Collage (www.funnycollage.com)

Make yourself famous and sexy (may not work on everyone:)) with 74 photo collages.

Be funky (www.befunky.com)

147 photo effects to turn your photos into artwork.

Personalized Money (www.festisite.com/money)

Put your face on almost any currency. Unfortunately there's no Swiss Francs!

Rollip (www.rollip.com)

Create old, vintage, black and white or sepia special effects.

Any Making (www.anymaking.com)

Various fun photo effects such as cartoon, wanted poster, pencil drawing, old photo.

MagMyPic (www.magmypic.com)

Converts your photo into a magazine cover, there's over 50 covers to choose from.

Photovisi (www.photovisi.com)

Create your own photo collages.

Blingee (www.blingee.com)

Add glitter and graphics to your photos.

Bruce Testones - fashion photographer

Pietro Masturzo will receive a prize of €10,000 ($14,330) and a camera at a ceremony in Amsterdam on May 2.

Click here to see all photos of all winners in various categories.

The new Aperture 3 comes with non-destructive brushes with automatic edge detection, adjustment presets, full screen browser mode, slideshows with still photos and videos and 200 more new features!

Here are some quick links to the Apple website:

What's new

Aperture in action - Cool videos by professional photographers

Buy for $199

As a mac user, which would you choose? Adobe Lightroom or Aperture 3?

When purchasing a camera, most of us would go to the nearby electronic store such as Interdiscount, FNAC, Media Markt, Fust, M-Electronics or Manor to check out the latest models. For more professional equipment, then there is the option of going to PhotoHall or Europhoto in Geneva. Some of these shops offer great services i.e. no-question-asked return policy notably FNAC and Manor. But are these really the best and only option that we have in Switzerland? Fortunately, the answer is no. But it does mean we have to go online to make our purchases.

Ebay - Great for cheap camera accessories

A global flea market. I generally buy non critical camera accessories here. Non critical meaning items that will not affect the quality of my images. So I would not really buy a camera or lens from ebay unless it is from a reputable seller with a good feedback score. Again this is still not a full proof guarantee on the product that you bid on. Utmost care should be taken before bidding. Having said that, ebay is a great place for cheap camera accessories such as extra batteries, camera straps, bags, lens caps, remote triggers, umbrellas, lighting stands etc. Also most ebay sellers nowadays offer free global shipping.

B&H Photo Video and Adorama - Most complete, you can find everything

Both of these shops are in US and they have an amazing inventory. You will be able to find everything you need in either of these two sites. The prices are considerably cheaper than any shop in Switzerland even after USD to CHF conversion. However, you do need to pay for shipping to Switzerland. So it is a good idea to buy everything in one go and ship once. This will turn out cheaper than shipping items separately. Once the items reaches Switzerland, you need to pay the Swiss tax as well as customs clearance fee which comes up to approximately 10% of the item price. Yes, even after all that it is still usually cheaper!

Profot - Professional equipment, Swiss based

This is a Swiss based shop selling professional high end camera equipment, accessories and studio lighting. The site is unfortunately in German, for an English translation just use Google Translator or click here. Prices here are not as cheap as B&H or Adorama.

Toppreise - Overall best place to shop

Toppreise is actually a price comparison website which compares prices from many retailers across Switzerland. Just enter the item you are looking for in the search box and it will provide you a list sorted by lowest price first. There is a direct link to the retailer which you then make your purchase. Most of the retailers are located in the German side of Switzerland and as a result the websites are mainly in German.

To get the lowest possible price there are 3 things to consider:

1.Click on the 'Price chart' tab. This shows the price variation of the item over the course of 1 year. Although most prices go down with time, there are some that go up. If you are patient, wait for the next drop in price before making the purchase. Also use the 'Infomail' alert service to get alerted via email when the price reaches your desired level.

2. In the price comparison tab, you have two options 'Shipping' and 'Pickup'. Always check the pickup option to see if there is a retailer nearby for you to pick up and avoid paying for shipping.

3. Always pay in advance via e-banking (not with your credit card)

Bottom line:

I make most of my purchases with Toppreise followed by B&H and Adorama. It really makes sense to purchase online, you will save considerably.

Here's a top 10 list of most bookmarked photography blogs.

10. The Online Photographer

A photography news and information website in the form of a weblog with multiple authors who write on a variety of photography and art-photography related issues.

9. Photocritic photography blog

Photocritic is photography taken back to its roots - fun projects, quirky ideas, and tips to spark your creativity back up the scale.

8. PixelatedImage Blog

Blog of David duChemin who is a world & humanitarian photographer, best-selling author, and international workshop leader.

7. The Big Picture - Boston.com

The Big Picture - News Stories in Photographs from the Boston Globe.

6. Photoshop Insider Blog By Scott Kelby

Scoops, tips and comments published exclusively for friends of Scott Kelby.

5. DIYPhotography.net | Photography and Studio Lighting

A place for photographers to share, and learn from each other. To bring cheap studio equipment to those who can't really buy all the expensive stuff out there. And to bring back the joy of making something out of nothing.

4. Stuck In Customs

Unique photography for unique people.

3. Joe McNally's Blog

Professional photographer Joe McNally shares his thoughts, tips, and tricks on the photo industry and how to use light to get the best possible images out of any situation.

2. Digital Photography School - Digital Photography Tips for You

Digital Photography Lessons for New Digital Camera Owners.

1. Strobist

Strobist: The off-camera flash lighting blog. Learn how to use your digital camera and small flashes like a pro.

One of the most important things to prepare for a photo shoot is your clothes. Below is a list to help you prepare and get the most out of your photo session.

In general,

wear something simple, comfortable and feel good in.

1. No bare arms or legs

Bare arms or legs tend to be quite distracting in a photo unless of course if you're a body builder and would like to show off your biceps. Long sleeves usually work the best to cover up the distraction and let the focus be on your face.

2. Have a dress code

Everyone in the photo should have the same dress code. You do not want to have Uncle Bob in T-shirt and jeans while the rest of the family in formal attire. And neither do you want to be overdressed when everyone else is not. So decide beforehand for everyone to look harmonious.

3. Dress to suit the purpose

You should dress according to the intended purpose of the photo session. If the photo is going to end up in your company's annual report, a suit is perhaps more suitable than shirt and jeans. On the other hand, if the photos are for display in your living room, than casual clothes would be more appropriate.

4. No stripes or floral patterns or polka dots

Although stripes and floral patterns can create interesting photos, they tend to be distracting and draw the attention away from your face. They will also look outdated very quickly. Stick to plain solid colors and muted tones.

5. Compliment each other

Instead of matching everyone's clothes exactly, you can pick clothes that compliment each other in terms of color and style. That way no one is wearing the same thing but they will match each other.

6. Bring props

Including props could add some variety to your photos. It could be a piece of clothing accessory eg. hats, scarves or something related to your interest eg. musical instrument, books. Toys can be good props (and distraction) for kids.

7. Enjoy yourself!

Finally, it is important to enjoy yourself and have fun during the photo shoot. Your expressions and personality will really shine on the photos.