Learn to take photos with your digital camera - Basic photography tips
November 26th, 2007
- 2 megapixel cameras - get at least a 64MB memory card
- 3 megapixel camera - get at least a 128MB memory card
- 4 megapixel camera - get at least a 256MB memory card
- 5 megapixel camera and above - get at least a 512MB or 1GB memory card
How do you begin to take good photos with your digital camera? Remember: It’s the photographer who takes the photos, not the camera. Think about that for a minute. True isn’t it? I’ve seen some people take great photos with a simple point-and-shoot camera, while some take lousy shots with the most expensive SLR.
Don’t worry! Read these tips on shooting digital photos and apply them the next time you have a chance. Before long, you’ll be shooting photos like a professional photographer!
1. Knowing Your Digital Camera
We all buy our camera, flip thorough the manual, pick a few techniques here and there and then leave it as such. This is not good! The beauty about digital cameras is that you learn a new thing every single shot. Learn how to control exposure, how to use different camera modes, ISOs and how to use the flash light. The knowledge you gain about the camera will be invaluable when you’re out in the field taking those special photos. But keep in mind that there is no hard and fast thumb rule for photography. As I said, there is very little the camera can do for you, all that matters is how the photographer sees the picture through his camera. Having said that learn how to use your camera very well. Learn it inside out, so that you and the camera become one.
2. Learn to Control the Flash
One of the most important things you need to know about digital photography is to control the flash. Personally, I hate to rely on the automatic flash that comes with the digital camera. Depending on the situation, you need to switch off or switch on the flash.
For example, when taking outdoor photos, it is sometimes good to turn on the flash to illuminate the subject, especially if he or she is in the shade. On the other hand, you can also choose to turn off the flash when taking indoor shots. Sometimes, using the flash indoors will result in unnatural skin color and harsh glare in your photos. So it’s basically about knowing well as to when the flash light works well and when it does not. There are no hard and fast rules that in one particular lace, you have to use the flash and i one place you should not. It’s all getting the right mix. It’s up to you.
3. Play with the Macro Mode
Almost all digital camera these days have a macro mode. This setting is ideal for taking close up shots of objects like flowers or insects. On most of the digital cameras, it’s represented by a flower symbol. What you do is to pick a subject, turn on the macro mode, and get as close to it as your camera will allow. Make sure you allow the camera to focus properly before pressing the shutter button.
4. Hold the Camera properly
A basic rule of photography is to hold the camera level correctly. Since these days, most digital cameras come with a LCD display, you can use it to frame your shots properly . The next time you are taking a shot, try to look for the horizontal lines and use them as guides. Frame the picture inside the guidelines and make sure whatever you are looking to include in the photo falls between the lines. A good example is to make use of the horizon when you’re taking a photo of a sunset.
5. Use a Tripod
I recommend this tip to all budding photographers - camera tripods are an essential tool in your photography arsenal. Many people stay away from buying a tripod thinking that it’s only for professionals. When will you need a tripod? Well, it’s useful if you’re taking shots under low-light conditions or trying to capture fast moving objects. I like to use a tripod when taking night shots city streets, for example. Always try to look for a tripod that’s convenient to carry around. For personal use, you don’t need a huge one - just a simple compact one that’s easy to pack will do. There are many tripods that are available for cheap and are not costly you think it is. They are an excellent tool for all photographers.
6. Play with your cameras ISO Setting
The ISO setting in digital cameras are extremely useful. ISO setting of a digital camera essentially controls it’s sensitivity to the light. If you’re taking a photo of a still object, like a penstand, always use a low ISO setting. It allows for a longer shutter speed and produces a cleaner image. If you’re shooting a moving object, like a bird flying or a man running, a higher ISO setting of say 400 would be better. Please note that, however, a higher ISO setting gives a faster shutter speed and requires less light. This will produce photos with more noise. It’s again a matter of finding the best balance between shutter speed and light.
7. Have Enough Storage Memory Capacity
Just like you must have enough rolls of film when using traditional cameras, make sure that you always have enough memory capacity on your digital camera. It’s terrible to be on a holiday taking great photos and suddenly realizing you’ve no memory space left. Here are some general guidelines for digital camera storage.
I hope I’ve managed to give you some good basic tips on shooting great digital photos. Always remember that - while the latest and greatest digital cameras have amazing features, you still need a skilled photographer and good creativity to take good looking pictures.
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