Many people get flustered when they pick up a camera. What if the shot doesn't turn out right? What if the lighting is wrong? The what if's can go on and on. There is an underlying fear of taking photos that goes way back to when film and developing was expensive. But with the digital cameras we have today, there is no reason to fear photography!
The modern camera is so advanced that getting a good picture is very easy. Most cameras have automatic setting that figure lighting, focus, etc. All you have to do is point and shoot. But, to get great pictures you do need to put some thought into the shot. Here are a few simple tips to help you get great pictures out of almost any camera.
Read Your Manual! This cannot be stressed enough. Yes, you can take the camera out of the box and snap a good picture. But your camera manual will give you tips and tricks to using the special features of your camera. Most cameras have so many more options than just automatic and it is fun to explore them and see what you can do. You will never know your camera's capabilities unless you read the manual and use what you learn!
Pay Attention to the Background! How many times have you seen a photo that has a distracting background? Or maybe an object seems to be protruding from the subject's head. The photo is about more than the subject. Check your surroundings and move your subject away from anything that may detract from the photo.
Use Your Flash – Carefully! The automatic flash is a great invention – if you know how to use it correctly. For instance, would you use your flash outdoors on a sunny day? You would if you want a great outdoor shot! Many times bright sun will cause your subjects to squint. But if you position them in a shady area – maybe under a tree, then use your flash you will have a great shot. The flash fills in the shade so you have a bright outdoor shot that isn't too bright and the subjects look natural. On the flip side, too many people rely on the flash indoors when it isn't needed. Not all indoor shots will require a flash. Many times flash photography gives you harsh lighting, red eyes, and sharp shadows. If your camera has a 'fill flash' option, use that indoors. The fill flash will fire a split second after the shutter giving you a more natural light. For most modern cameras, you may have an indoor setting that will keep the shutter open longer to absorb as much light as possible from the shot. Again, refer to
your camera manual for your camera's options.
Steady Does It – Use a Tripod. This tip goes along with the one above. If you want natural lighting indoors, use a tripod. This will allow the camera to remain perfectly still when the shutter speed is slow. Your photos will have adequate light because of the slow shutter speed, and they will be clear! Many indoor shots are blurry because people just cannot hold the camera still while shooting in limited light. The shutter needs to remain open longer to collect as much light as possible, and the human hand cannot keep the camera perfectly still during that fragment of time. A tripod is also great for wonderful night shots, lighting pictures, and capturing fireworks.
Practice Makes Perfect! One of the best things about digital cameras is you can take thousands of pictures without spending a ton of money. In the old days you had to buy film and pay to develop it. This made it hard for the amateur photographer to perfect their skills. Today, you can play with your cameras settings, lighting, etc., without worry. Explore the world around you and take photos of landscapes, people, anything you wish all the while improving your photography skills and learning your camera.
Anyone can take stunning photos. It just takes practice and a little preparation. As you become familiar with your camera and what it can do, taking great photos will become natural. Who knows, you may find a love for photography you never knew you had.
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Do you want to take terrific photos ? Learn great photography techinques and healthy living ideas as well.
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