Sunday, February 12, 2012

6 Tips For Taking Good Digital Photos

Taking great digital photos isn't about the camera you use, it all has to do with the photographer. So, how do you learn to get the best shots possible with a digital camera? Follow these great tips:

1. Get to know your camera.

Even the most basic digital point-and-shoot cameras have a range of modes and features to help you get great shots. You'll want to thumb through your camera's user manual to help you find everything, but the best way to get to know your camera is to simply experiment. Take pictures in different lighting conditions, on different settings, with different modes, and both staged and candid, to get a feel for how your camera performs in certain situations. Take lots of photos and toy around for a while. Photography is a tactile art, so you have to learn by doing.

2. Always use the best lighting possible.

Natural light can greatly enhance your digital photos without you ever doing a thing, but it's not always available. If you're shooting outdoors, try to avoid times when there will be harsh shadows or lots of glare, unless you're specifically going for that effect. Indoors, use lots of white light if you can use natural light. Lighting can make or break a photo whether you use a digital or analog camera.

3. Be prepared for anything!

No one wants to run out of battery life or memory just before the perfect shot shows up. To avoid this, carry an extra memory card and fresh batteries wherever you take your camera. Staying informed and prepared will help prevent missed shots.

4. Experiment.

Once you know all the settings to your camera, it's time to experiment. Take photos of everything, from people to buildings to bugs, at all kinds of angles and in different lights. You never know what great digital photos you'll end up with, and you may also discover a love of certain techniques you never imagined. Also, look at professional photos. Study the angles, the lighting, the subject and background, and try to emulate the methods you love best.

5. Keep your camera steady.

Too many amateur photographers hold their cameras the wrong way, leading to blurry photos and bad angles. You should hold your camera with both hands, steadying yourself on something solid, like a fence, desk or wall, to get clear shots. If necessary, use a tripod to keep your camera from jiggling while you take photos.

6. Take as many photos as you can!

Even pros take hundreds of shots when they only need a few great ones. The more digital photos you take, the more likely you are the get that perfect one, because there are always flukes no matter how well you set the shot. It will take time, but eventually you'll start to get a feel for how many photos you need to take of each subject.

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