Digital Photography Basics - The Way To Better Pictures

How many times have you seen someone else's pictures and thought, "I can't take pictures like that.", despite having the same or even better camera The simple fact is that most of the time it's not the camera, but the way it's used that makes for a terrific photo. If you take the time to learn how your camera works to to practice basic photography techniques, you can dramatically improve your digital photography in a short amount of time. Look over the following and use them in your work to see improved results.

Learn how your camera works.

Even though most cameras are equipped with a "Point and Shoot" or "Auto" setting, when you depend on this to make your settings, you are seriously limiting your chances of taking excellent pictures. Most cameras have many modes, and by taking a moment to evaluate the conditions of the shot and selecting the appropriate mode, youll find your photographs will be much improved. Some common modes are: "Portrait" when taking pictures of people or close objects, use this setting if you would like to have the subject clear and the background (if it's far off) somewhat indistinct; "Action" for fast-moving objects, or if you are in dim conditions and prefer not to use the flash, choose this setting to have the camera pick a fast shutter speed, which will freeze a moving object; "Scenery" this mode selects settings for distance shots; "Nighttime" choose this for low-light situations if you have a tripod, as the shutter speed will be slow and motion will be blurred; "Macro" excellent for extreme close-ups, perfect for photographing nature, such as insects or flowers. If you use the correct mode, the camera can work with you to capture your subject in the best possible way. You may also have manual settings available on your camera, but these are for advanced photographers, and beyond the scope of this article.

Pay attention to the elements in your picture.

By and large, when shooting a picture, people look only at the object in the center and then are surprised when they look at the picture and see a telephone pole emerging from their girlfriends hat! You can dramatically increase the quality of your photos by just imagining what the camera sees - the entire picture. Notice some unsightly wires across the top, any busy or distracting background, and if so, take steps to alter the picture to do away with these problem areas. When taking pictures of people, try to have them fill most of the frame. Faces have great interest, usually more so than whole bodies, generally speaking. Decide what the point of the picture is, and then take the shot with that as your goal. Taking care in the setting up stage will be more than amply rewarded.

Be aware of your camera angle.

In some movies, you may have noticed that when a malevolent person is filmed, the camera points up at him, which distorts the bad guy and makes him look ominous. In still photography, it is also true that an angled camera will create a distortion, possibly giving your picture a point of view, often by accident. Be certain that you are even with your subject unless you wish to form a precise effect. Photos of children and animals are often dramatically improved by adjusting camera level. By getting down to their level, you correct the unwanted distortion that happens when shooting from above. For these subjects, lying on the floor often helps to take better photos.

Rely on natural lighting whenever you possibly can.

Flash, especially the standard camera-mounted flash, lends itself to issues for your photos, in such ways as harsh shadows, color loss, red-eye, and over- and under-exposure. At times you really must use a flash, such as at an indoor event where people are moving constantly, but overall you will get a better results by using existing light, including indoor lighting. You can take stunning indoor portraits by setting up lamps around your subject, being sure to illuminate one side of your subject more brightly than the other, creating soft, attractive shadows. Try different lighting - you'll be amazed at the attractiveness of pictures taken in this manner.

Be sure to hold the camera steady.

Even though this point is fairly obvious, it is good to be reminded of it. When the camera moves around while shooting, the resulting photo will be blurry. Don't push the shutter button - squeeze it gently. When taking shots in low light, 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, being miserly with your picture-taking doesnt make any sense. There's no film, no processing, and you only print what you like, so go ahead and take loads of tries. Professional photographers take many shots of each scene, aware that each one is slightly different, and taking more improves the chance of an excellent shot. Experiment 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 many more "keepers".

Take batteries and a spare memory card along.

There's nothing more frustrating than preparing to take the most important shot of the day, and finding that your battery has just died. Think like the pros and be prepared. Have a spare charged battery, or a pack if your camera uses alkaline batteries, and take a spare unused memory card. Someday you'll be glad you did.

The distinction between a snapshot taker and a photographer lies not so much in the camera, but in the way the camera is employed. Follow the fundamentals described here, and you will be using the techniques of professional photographers - knowing how your camera works and choosing settings for the suitable conditions, carefully designing the shot, being aware of your camera angle, using flash cautiously and with care, correctly supporting the camera, taking loads of pictures, and being prepared.

So, spend a little time getting to know your camera, and go out and practice. Soon you will be shooting photographs that you can proudly treasure for a lifetime.

Improve your photography by employing these simple suggestions. You might just find your "inner photographer" when you see how excellent your photos can be when you've taken time to master some basics.

To learn more about digital photography visit DigitalPhotography4All.com, where you can find lots of ideas for improving your photography.

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