How to take better pictures - 10 steps for digital cameras
1) Off- center composition:
Placing your subject off-center will help to produce more interesting pictures. Use natural elements such as rivers or roads to lead the eye into the photo. Try locating horizons one third of the way from the top or bottom instead of dead center.
2) Vary your shooting angle:
Instead of always shooting at eye level try shooting overhead, waist-level or ground-level. When photographing small children or animals get down to their level for best results.
3) Keep the camera steady:
When using long lenses or using slow shutter speeds use a tripod. If you don't have a tripod place the camera on a flat surface or brace yourself against a wall etc.
4) Fill the frame:
Zoom in or move closer to your main subject in order to reduce distracting elements.
5) Use movement:
Sometimes you will want to simulate movement such as a race car going by at a racetrack. Use a fast shutter speed or pan the camera to follow the subject to maintain focus. Done correctly, panning will keep the subject clear, while blurring the background, giving the impression of motion.
6) Choose the correct light:
When the lighting for your subject is different from the surrounding scenery, the camera's exposure-compensation function will let in more light. A person positioned in front of a very bright background will be backlit and will turn out quite dark compared to the rest of the photo. Use fill flash or re locate the main subject to improve the lighting.
7) Use the appropriate camera setting:
Digital cameras allow you to take pictures at different quality setting. The higher the setting the better the photo quality. Higher settings use more memory then lower settings. If you intend to make prints, always use a medium or high setting. The low setting should only be used when all you want to do is view the pictures on your computer or send them by email or over the Internet.
8) Use flash creatively:
Try using fill flash for daytime pictures. It can be used to fill in shadows and lighten the faces of backlit subjects. Consider turning the camera flash off for certain types of indoor photos to help add atmosphere.
9) Always have your camera with you:
You never know when a great photo opportunity will present itself so be prepared.
10) Experiment - experiment - experiment:
People take good pictures not cameras. It's up to you to compose the shot carefully, making sure that the lighting is correct, etc. Digital cameras are great for this. You can experiment by taking as many test shots as you like using various camera settings, compositions, etc. You get instant feed back by way of the preview screen. If you don't like the shot, it can be deleted right away. "Practice Makes Perfect".
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