Are most of the photos you took looks boring, childish, and worst, unmemorable? Even though after taking the same scene repeatedly giving the same results? There must be something wrong. Do not worry. These basic tips of taking great digital photo will make you a pro in time. Smile!
Know Everything about Your Camera
Sounds familiar? You buy the latest digital camera out there, come home, rip off the box, and proceed to fiddle with the device. You briefly flick through the hundred page camera manual and then never look at it again. Not a good idea! If you buy a digital camera, you owe it to yourself to understand its ins and outs. Learn how to control exposure, how to use different camera modes and how to use the flash. The knowledge you gain about the camera will be invaluable when you’re out in the field taking those special photos.
Always Learn to Control the Flash
One of the most important things you need to know about digital photography is to control the flash. Personally, we 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.
Play with the Macro Mode
Almost all digital cameras these days have a macro mode. This setting is ideal for taking close up shots of objects like flowers or insects. Mostly, it’s represented by a flower symbol. What you do is to pick a subject, turn on macro mode, then get as close to it as your camera will allow. Make sure you allow the camera to focus properly before depressing the shutter button fully.
Hold the Camera Level Rightly
A basic rule of photography is to hold the camera level. Since most digital cameras come with a LCD, you can use it to properly frame your shots. Next time you’re taking a shot, try to look for the horizontal lines and use them as guides. A good example is to make use of the horizon when you’re taking a photo of a sunset.
Consider to Use the Tripod if Needed
We recommend this tip to all budding photographers – camera tripods are an essential tool in your photography arsenal. 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.
Never Worry to Play with the ISO Setting
We find the ISO setting in digital cameras very useful. The ISO setting of an essentially camera controls its sensitivity to light. If you’re taking a photo of a still object, like a flower, then 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 baby playing with a toy, then a higher ISO setting of say 400 would be better. Do take note, however, that a higher ISO setting gives a faster shutter speed and requires less light. This will produce noisier photos.
Always Have Enough Memory Capacity
Just like you must have enough rolls of film when using traditional cameras, make sure you always have enough memory capacity in your digital camera. It’s terrible to be on a holiday taking great photos and suddenly realizing you’ve no memory space left.
“Apply the above tips to your everyday shooting and learn to be a better photographer.”
Credits: Basic Digital Photography
