Take Better Photos by Following These 10 Tips
Digital Photography Tips video, Brett Hampton (7 mins, Real format)
Video covers the tips given here and provides some expanded explanations and more sample photos. (Recorded as part of a seminar series. Download the free RealPlayer program to view the video.)
Additional Resources
Kodak: Photo Tips
Tips and sample photos for photographing people, animals, events, travel and more.
Adobe Digital Kids Club: Digital photo tips
Tips for taking landscape, animal, and other photos; archiving photos; taking action photos; avoiding red eye; cropping a photo; and more. |
Digital cameras are great tools, but it’s still challenging to get that “just right picture." Remember, it’s not the camera that makes beautiful photos; it’s the photographer. If you want to take the best pictures with your digital camera, follow these ten tips to help you improve your photo shooting techniques.
1. Always Have Your Camera Ready
Have you ever said, “Wow, that would make a great picture, wish I had my camera.” Or, “My batteries are dead.” Always take your camera with you and make sure it is ready to shoot. Check your batteries and keep an extra set in your camera bag. Make sure you have space on your camera card. If you don’t have your camera with you or it is not working you are going to miss that “Kodak moment.”
2. Select the Right ISO
Choose your ISO like you would your film speed. If your digital camera gives you a choice of ISO settings it is important to match the ISO with the lighting conditions. When you are shooting outdoors in bright sunlight pick a lower ISO such as 200 or lower. If it is a dark overcast day or you are shooting indoors you may need to choose ISO 400 or higher. Some cameras will give you several ISO choices; others have only one setting. Matching the right ISO with lighting conditions will improve the technical quality of your photography.
3. Get Up Close and Personal
 You can make your pictures better by getting close to your subject. This technique helps eliminate distracting backgrounds and unnecessary objects. Your subject should be shown with just enough foreground and background to make the picture interesting. Take time to think about what you want in the picture and then compose it in your viewfinder. Most digital cameras will have a zoom lens that allows you to get closer to your subjects. (NOTE: Click on each photo for larger image.)
4. Keep the Background Simple
 A simple background helps put more attention on the main subject. The best pictures have one strong, clear subject with a simple uncluttered background. Move your subject or your camera to find a simple and uncluttered background.
5. Place Your Subject Off-Center
 Your pictures will look better if you place the main subject off-center. It is not wrong to place your subject in the center, but subjects that are not in the center make the image stronger and more interesting. Remember this isn't a rule. Sometimes placing your subject dead center can be very dynamic. Experiment by moving the subject and/or the camera.
6. Change Your Camera Angle
 You can greatly improve the look of your pictures by using different camera angles. Most people take pictures showing their eye-level view. Stand on a chair, lay on the ground, or even hold the camera over your head. Do anything to change your camera angle. If you are photographing children, get down to their level. A low angle will make your subject look taller and put more sky in the picture. A high angle can eliminate the sky or ugly light fixtures. Experiment by shooting the same subject from different angles to see what makes the best picture.
7. Find the Best Light
 Good light is essential to making good photographs. Photographers train themselves to look at light to find the best light for each situation. The best light can be found from sunrise to mid- morning and from late afternoon to sunset. The light at these times is soft and saturated, the rest of the day is harsh and casts unflattering shadows. Cloudy days are great for photographing people, the light is soft and there is no squinting.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Watch for long shadows that fall in front of and behind your subject or include the sun in your picture. You can make everyday events into wonderful pictures by using light as an element.
8. Use Your Flash Outside
 Besides using your flash indoors and in low light, use it in bright sunlight. This will erase the harsh shadows on your subject’s face and adds detail and sparkle to your picture. Most cameras have a setting to fire the flash with each exposure and some cameras have a fill flash setting.
9. Keep Your Subjects Active
Pictures of people looking at the camera and saying “Cheese” are boring. Make your pictures fun and interesting by shooting your subjects in action. Showing your subjects in action adds interest, humor, surprise, and fun to your pictures.
You can ask your subject to do something or be candid and watch for something to happen. Shooting several frames of your subject will improve your chances of capturing a great picture.
10. Use Framing
 Framing is a simple technique that adds depth and perspective to your photographs. Anything can be used as a frame. For example, using the leaves in the foreground for framing draws your attention to the main subject. Make a point to start looking at your subject through tree branches, windows, doors and fences so that noticing and using frames becomes a habit.
~ Brett Hampton
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