Better Pictures From Your Digital Camera

Have you ever looked at someone else's photographs and wondered why they are so much better than yours are, despite having the same or even better camera The simple fact is that it's not usually the camera, but the way it's used that makes for a terrific picture. If you take the time to learn how your camera works to to practice basic photography techniques, you can greatly enhance your digital photography in a short amount of time. The following pointers will help you see noticeable improvement in your photos.

Learn how your camera operates.

Even though most cameras come with a "Point and Shoot" or "Auto" setting, by relying on this for all of your shots, you are seriously limiting your chances of taking excellent photos. Its typical that cameras have many modes, and by taking a moment to evaluate the conditions of the shot and selecting the appropriate mode, you will certainly take better photographys. Some common modes are: "Portrait" when taking pictures of people or close objects, use this setting if you wish to keep the subject in focus and the background (if it's distant) somewhat indistinct; "Action" when shooting quickly moving objects, or if you are in a low-light situation and don't want to use the flash, use this setting to have the camera select a fast shutter speed, which will freeze a moving object; "Scenery" ideal for panorama or far-off subjects; "Nighttime" select this for low-light situations if you have a tripod, since it uses a slow shutter speed to capture the greatest possible light; "Macro" this allows for extreme close-ups, perfect for flowers, bugs and such. By using the correct mode, the camera can work with you to capture your subject in the best possible way. It may be that you have manual settings available on your camera, but the use of these is not covered in this article, as they require more advanced technique.

Pay attention to the elements in your picture.

Most of the time, people taking a picture look only at the object in the middle and then are astonished when they view the picture and see a street sign coming out of their sisters head! You can dramatically increase the quality of your photographs simply by imagining what the camera sees - the entire shot. Are there any unsightly wires across the sky, any busy or distracting background, and if so, try to alter the shot to remove these problem areas. When taking shots of people, consider having them fill most of the shot. Faces have great interest, usually more so than whole bodies, for the most part. Decide what the point of the picture is, and then shoot with that in mind. Taking care in the setting up stage will be well rewarded.

Notice your camera angle.

In horror films, youll often find that when an evil character is filmed, it is often from a lower angle looking up, which alters the subject and makes him look threatening. When taking still photographs, it is also true that angling your shot will create a distortion, creating a point of view, often not one you intended. Take care that you are level with your subject unless you want to fashion a precise effect. This is an especially powerful way to improve photographs of children and pets. By getting down to their level, you correct the unwanted distortion that happens when taking the shot from above. For pets and babies, lying on the floor often helps to take better photos.

Use natural lighting whenever you possibly can.

Flash, particularly the typical on-camera flash, can create a host of woes with your photos, creating such problems as harsh shadows, color loss, red-eye, and over- and under-exposure. There are times when it is essential to use a flash, like at an indoor gathering where people are moving around, but you will almost always get the best results if you can use natural light, including indoor lighting. You can take eye-catching indoor portraits by surrounding your subject with lamps, with one side of the subject more brightly lit than the other, creating soft, interesting shadows. Experiment with different lighting - you'll be amazed at the interesting quality of shots taken in this manner.

Be sure to hold the camera steady.

This is fairly self-explanatory. If you move the camera while shooting, you will get a blurry picture, period. Squeeze the shutter button rather than push it. In dim lighting, be sure to use a tripod or find some other way to support the camera.

Take plenty of pictures.

Now that we have the digital camera, there is no longer any reason to be stingy about shooting pictures. You have no film, no processing, and you only print what you like, so go to town and take lots of shots. Professionals always take tons of pictures, since they know that each one is at least a tiny bit different, and taking more improves the chance of a great shot. Play around with lighting, angles and composition. When taking pictures of subjects in motion, you should use the "Burst" setting if your camera has one, to take many pictures in quick succession. When the session is over, you'll find you have lots more "keepers".

Take batteries and an extra memory card with you.

There's nothing more frustrating than getting ready to take the most important shot of the day, and finding that your battery has just given out. Be like the pros and be prepared. Have an extra charged battery, or a pack if your camera uses alkaline batteries, and take a spare empty memory card. Someday you'll be glad you did.

The difference between a snapshot taker and a photographer isnt due as much to the camera, but in the way the camera is used. Follow the fundamentals laid out here, and you will be using the techniques of professional photographers - knowing how your camera operates and choosing settings for the appropriate situations, carefully composing the shot, noticing your camera angle, using flash in moderation and with care, correctly supporting the camera, taking lots and lots of pictures, and being properly equipped.

Take the time to get to know your camera, and get out and take pictures. In a short time you will be taking photographs that you can proudly treasure always.

At DigitalPhotography4All.com you can find lots of ways to enhance your photos, even if you're just {beginning|starting to "go digital".

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