Got a new digital camera for Christmas? Happy with the results?
Or do your pictures leave you and your family wanting?
The low cost of digital cameras has re-kindled the compact camera market and its instant picture ability makes them very appealing. No longer do you have to wait until the film is complete to take it for processing. The image is instant on the viewing screen and can be printed almost immediately via a computer or in the high street. Learning how to make a good picture in the camera makes all the difference to the appreciation of the final printed result.
Photos that are ‘run of the mill’ are often lost or thrown away where as good photos capture the mood of the moment, are a pleasure to look at and trigger memories for years to come.
Here are 5 top tips that will help to produce photographs you and your family will be proud to frame and put on the wall.
- Photography is essentially about using light to your advantage. If you are taking pictures outside and unsure about the advanced features of your camera try to get the sun behind you, and a little to one side. This will ensure good illumination of your subject and vibrant colours. It’s also worth avoiding the middle of the day in the summer as this gives a very ‘flat’ lifeless appearance to your pictures.
- When you are looking at the camera preview screen, about to take a picture of your loved ones, it is easy to focus your attention on them and their expressions to make sure you get the feeling of the occasion. Sadly it’s all too easy to miss what’s going on behind them. It’s not until later, and the result is printed, that we discover Aunty Flo appears to have a telegraph pole sticking out of the top of her head!
- Three is a very powerful number and can be used effectively in photography. Imagine your picture is divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. This gives you 9 ‘boxes’. If you can position the key subject in your photograph – a person or a windmill for example – on the intersection of two lines the composition will look very pleasing to the eye.
- Framing your picture of a stunning view by using a tree to one side and some interesting foliage or rocks in the foreground creates ‘depth’ that allows the viewer to look ‘into’ the picture, reliving the beauty of the original scene.
- Keep as still as possible whilst taking your picture. Even the slightest blur will make the end result difficult to view as your eyes will constantly be trying to focus on the image. Try holding your breath whilst you take the shot or lean against a wall just to give the camera that little extra stability.
If you would like someone to help you make the most of new camera, the Caister Digital and Photographic Club run special open evenings for you to come along, ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere and gain some useful tips to taking better photographs. To book your free place call 01493 732730.
Don’t let your new camera disappear to the bottom of the drawer because your photos don’t come up to your expectations. Let Caister Digital and Photographic Club help you be more creative with your camera.
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