Tip # 1. Learn the different modes of your camera.
Compact cameras, also called "point-n-shoots", use icons to represent the parameters for a particular scene. These icons are called screen modes. The objective is allow the user to choose a mode that best represents the current shooting condition. (See your camera's manual for a description of each scene mode)
Under most conditions, using your camera's scene modes will work just fine. However, you may find yourself in conditions where the camera is not able to properly capture the scene.
Most advanced cameras use letters to indicate the different camera modes. These cameras allow the photographer to tell the camera what parameters to use, thus, giving greater control over how the scene is recorded.
Mid-level consumer cameras use a combination of both letters and icons.
Tip # 2. Hold the camera steady.
Hold the camera steady with your elbows close to your body, or propped on something stable (table, bench, etc.). If all else fails use a tripod. Most of the questions I receive stem from blurry photos. Learning proper camera-holding techniques, or finding something steady to rest your camera on will resolve most blurry photo issues.
Tip # 3. Check your background.
Before you press that shutter button, be sure to check your background. Is there a fence post or tree branch in the background? Make sure it's not appearing directly behind your subject. Otherwise, when you get your photos back from the printer, your subject may look as though he has antlers. One of most common places for distractions in digital photography is the background.
Tip # 4. Learn from your mistakes.
No one's perfect. If your photo looks blurry, too dark, too bright, or too blue, make note of your camera settings and try adjusting a particular setting. If the color looks weird, try a different white-balance setting. If the photo is blurry, check your camera-holding technique, place the camera on a stable object, or turn on your flash. If the photo is too dark or too bright, check your ISO, and check your aperture and shutter speed.
Resolving what went wrong, means you'll know what to do the next time a similar problem occurs.
Tip # 5. Ask yourself this question.
What is my subject? As you look through your camera's viewfinder, or at the LCD screen on the back of your camera, ask yourself, "What is my subject?" Is it the group of people standing on the side of the street? Is it the parked car alongside the road? Or is it the store sign hanging in the window? Make sure you've composed your scene so that your subject is easily identified.
Tip # 6. Get in close.
For more dramatic photos, get in close to your subject. Whether you're photographing flowers, a person, a butterfly, or a car, include just enough in the picture to tell the story of the scene. Shots that fill the frame with your subject tend to be much more dynamic and show a lot more detail of your subject. To get this effect, you have the option of moving closer to your subject, or using a telephoto lens.
A field of flowers can be beautiful, but sometimes getting in close to one or two flowers can tell a much more dramatic story.
* The downside of getting too close to your subject is the potential cropping by your photo lab if you're printing larger than 4x6. It's a complicated story. So get close, but not too close if you're going to print the photo.
Tip # 7. Takes lots of photos.
A good way to learn photography is to take lots of photos. Most photographers will tell you, for every one hundred photos you take, expect to have 5 really good ones. It's true, unless you're fortunate enough to be in paradise on an overcast day. Best of all, when you take lots of photos, you can... (See Tip #4)
Tip # 8. Challenge yourself.
I love to challenge myself by taking photos in places where the light is mixed and coming from different sources, or places where there's barely any light at all. It's an excellent way to learn about your camera's capabilities, as well as your own technical and creative skills. Try something different with your photography. Ask yourself, "I wonder if I could photograph...." Digital technology allows us the freedom to experiment with our photography without spending a dime.
If you're a DSLR user, try shooting with a fixed prime for one day, or try to guess what manual settings will yield the proper exposure in different environments.
Tip # 9. When in doubt, rent!
Most major cities have photography equipment rental stores. It's a wonderful way to try out expensive equipment for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to call and make your reservations in advance.
Tip # 10. Have fun.
Take your child, or a friend to the park and take turns with the camera. Be silly. Have fun.
