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Very basic tips for Digital Photographers.
By Steven Pike
Digital photography has revolutionised the industry to the point where, arguably, film photography is almost dead. Some would argue that film produces the best images, but none would argue that, in the long run, digital photography is cheaper and much more convenient.
The following are some very basic tips on how to produce better quality images with your digital camera. All it takes is a little bit of thought before you hit the shutter button.
As mentioned they are very basic tips and I will be intentionally ignoring the more technical side of digital photography with the aim of helping those of you who produce more than your fair share of blurry photographs, or photos of people that are missing limbs or even their heads!
Camera shake.
This is the number one cause of blurry photographs.
If you have the time and the location is right, then use a tripod.
If you are taking hand held shots, then lean on something if possible or, if not, hold the camera as steady as you can and be gentle on the shutter button. Pressing the button down hard will inevitably move the camera at the time of taking the picture, which will knock the image out of focus.
Focus.
It seems obvious, but some photographers are so keen to snap the picture that they forget all about focusing on the subject. Of course, a blurry, distorted image is usually the result.
Most modern digital cameras have an auto focus function and these perform adequately in most circumstances. It is usually brought into play by pressing the shutter button half way down. This will lock on and focus the subject. Then it's just a matter of pressing the button down fully.
Composition.
When it comes to positioning your subject in the frame, centre is not always the best. It depends on the subject itself. Sometimes, placing the subject to one side adds to the overall effect of the photo.
It is not always necessary to have the subject looking at the camera either. It all depends on the effect you are after. Just experiment a bit and you will see what I mean.
Try to get as close to your subject as you can. Filling the frame with your subject is a good thing to aim for. Try to cut out the distracting background. A lovely smiling face is nice, but not when there is a person with their finger up their nose in the background! A poor example, but you see my point.
Lighting.
This is probably the most important thing to consider when taking photographs. If the lighting is wrong then the image will not look right. All the touching up afterwards won't be able to save your image if the lighting was horribly wrong.
If you are a nature or wildlife photographer, then the most important thing is being in the right place and the right time. Early morning and late afternoon are great times for the landscape photographer. The light is softer and brings out the natural colours of the area.
Still life and portrait photographers can use studio lights to produce the correct lighting, but there is an art to this and only experimentation will produce desired results.
During the day on sunny, cloudless days, the light can appear to wash everything of its natural colour. Photographs taken in this light appear washed out and flat. A UV filter on the lens can improve results here.
Cloudy days can be produce good results, being devoid of the harsh sunlight.
Be aware too of shadows. Harsh shadows can be detrimental to an image, robbing it of interesting detail. Sometimes the use of flash in daylight, to reduce the density of the shadows, can improve things.
If the light is good, your picture is in focus and the subject interestingly composed then you have the makings of a good photo.
The only two things left to do then are master the controls on your camera and keep practicing.
About the Author
Steven Pike spends all of his spare time visiting country areas of his home State, South Australia, taking photographs. His interest in nature extends into the areas of camping and fishing, but his focus is on the magnificence of nature. He hopes to portray some of this beauty in his photographs and encourage people to view their surrounds in a different light.
http://smp.photostockplus.com
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