Getting to Know Your Digital Camera

Few of us imagined 30 years ago we’d be living in a world with digital cameras. Gone are the days of bulky lenses, exposed film and less-than-flattering photos. Now we can just aim, click and delete, if we so choose. It’s that easy, right?

Well, yes and no. Because digital cameras are pretty self-explanatory, that is, you can just point and shoot, many people do just that and nothing more. The fact is you can get so much more out of your digital camera by taking a few extra steps. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get so good that you’ll never have to delete another photo again.

1. Get to know your Camera We understand that manuals of any kind are boring and kind of daunting. But you really should read your camera manual. It’ll give you basic instructions so that you can capture the best photos possible. You’ll also learn how to take shots in black and white, sepia and with brilliant color. Hey you paid for it, why not maximize the tool at your disposal?

2. Understand the Modes or Scenes Most digital cameras are labeled “point and shoot.” While all digital cameras come with an automatic mode, it’s really not the best mode for shooting pictures.

Your camera probably has several modes/scenes that allows the camera to help you take better photos. For example, your camera probably has a portrait mode, a macro mode, nighttime mode and maybe even a fireworks mode. (See, you can take pictures of fireworks after all!) Using the appropriate mode for your particular shot will allow you to take full advantage of the camera’s capabilities.

Macro is great when you want to take close up pictures of objects. It’s usually represented by a flower icon.

3. Learn to Control the Flash How many times have you posed for a picture with a smile stretched across your face only to hear the photographer exclaim, “Oh, the flash wasn’t on!”

Well, you never have to be that photographer. Sometimes a flash is necessary, but most of the time there is enough natural light to capture the image. An added flash when it’s unnecessary may wash out your subjects or create harsher shadows. A good tip to remember is that the flash also only illuminates about 10 feet from the camera.

If you’d like to take a picture at night, use the night mode on your camera. It will allow the camera to capture greater details and subtleties.

4. Use a Tripod Tripods aren’t just for professional photographers any more. This nifty device allows you to keep the camera still when actually taking the picture – eliminating any blurring caused by shaky or moving hands.

There are small, compact and retractable tripods available in a variety of sizes and prices. Tripods are great for night shots since the camera keeps the shutter open to allow in more light and is therefore more sensitive to shakes.

5. Pre-focus the Camera for Action Shots Most cameras take a little time to focus and then capture the shot. You can help eliminate this lag by pre-focusing the camera by holding the button down half-way and then waiting for the shot before pushing the button all the way. Who knew?

6. Shot Composition There are folks out there who don’t believe a photograph is a photograph unless you’ve captured everyone’s heads and feet. But really you don’t always have to take full body shots. Mix it up a bit and get some close ups (head and shoulders).

There is a principle in photography called “The Rule of Thirds.” The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

Try playing with this rule. Instead of lining up your subject dead center, offset them on one of these imaginary lines.

Or shoot from different angles that most people don’t use, like down on the ground or from above. Get creative! Remember, if it doesn’t work out you can always delete and start again.