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How to Take Good Photos – Especially Digital

OK. You have resolved to never take another photo with the head and arms cut off the main subject, the lens cap obscuring a beautiful sunset, or containing so much blur that the picture looks like it was dipped in fur. There are so many choices in equipment nowadays, where do you start? It’s easier than you think – even an amateur can take some decent pictures, and capture the outdoors, people and events without a lot of fuss. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Steps 1 Step One  Click to enlarge

Mirrors or water make great props for reflections and unique shots.

Believe it or not, start with pictures already taken by others. Decide what appeals to you about photos in magazines, pamphlets and newspapers; check out any scenes or poses and see how the photos are “framed.” Realize that the more interesting pictures capture some sort of action, or tension, even in nature shots. 2 Step Two What type of camera best fits your lifestyle? Is it the mini pocket digital? Is it the SLR with extra lenses and all the bells and whistles? Is it the disposable, waterproof drugstore sale-of-the-week? No matter what you choose, it doesn’t have to be expensive or cumbersome to create some pretty good memories from your handiwork. And, with current prices bottoming out, owning a brand-name camera isn’t impossible. 3 Step Three  Click to enlarge

The use of lens filters adds dimension, but software can now similarly enhance photos.

If you settle on a digital camera, consider it a wise choice. Although some purists insist on using 35mm cameras or shooting only in black-and-white, the advances in digitals mean you can do just about anything now. And, you will have the advantage of shooting a lot of practice photos, without a lot of development expense. This offers opportunity, and added incentive, to try the numerous camera settings -- as well as toy with the pictures’ final results through computer software. 4 Step Four What is MP, and what do the numbers mean? MP means mega-pixels or the general quality of each picture when it is dissected it into small samples of dots; this is a key feature in choosing which camera to buy. The higher the number associated with the MP, generally the better the photos, but putting money out for a very high MP isn’t always necessary to get good pictures. The higher the MP number, the larger the pictures you can print out without a lot of pixelation, or choppy, etch-a-sketch type appearance in the final result. 5 Step Five With a digital camera, photos are stored on a camera card instead of on film. Cards can be used over and over, adding to the monetary advantage of digital ownership, and come in various sizes -- the more storage space, the more expensive, but the more pictures you can take. Cards are also coming down in price, and many offer rebates, too. Digital cameras are powered by batteries; the best batteries have a longer life, and it’s a good idea to have charged batteries for back-up. Lithium is probably the longest lasting battery, and it loses less power when not in use. 6 Step Six For better quality, set the camera to capture images at a higher resolution so they don’t look “choppy.” This uses more memory, or storage, on the card, but delivers sharper images, particularly if you crop the photo, or zoom in on one portion to print. A good setting is at large resolution, and superfine quality. 7 Step Seven  Click to enlarge

Even action can appear using an automatic setting. Look for interesting colors and angles.

Despite the many settings cameras offer, you can be very confident using the automatic setting when first learning how to shoot. Automatic is geared to know when flash is required and many other details – and is constantly being improved on in digitals. Using portrait or manual and the kaleidoscope of other setting choices can be ventured into later when you have more time to play with the camera. 8 Step Eight  Click to enlarge

Frame your shots through surrounding objects or props, like tree branches.

The camera is set, loaded, charged and ready to go. You’ve found the perfect sunset, and are holding the camera steady. Let the natural light work for you. Use the zoom, to help you “frame” the shot for the result you want; use the viewfinder to develop an “eye” as to how the final shot will look. Think about capturing some of the surrounding foliage to create a frame of sorts, or add more interest to the shot. Are there birds nearby that will enhance a nature image as they zoom by? How about a boat? Would shooting it aiming up, down, from an angle, or from behind or through something make it look more intriguing? Zero in on brush, fences, trees to shoot through or around, or utilize water reflections. 9 Step Nine  Click to enlarge

Get close -- or use cropping to zero in on a good shot.

Don’t be afraid to “fill” your frame by getting closer, or zooming in. To practice, shoot an image three times: from a distance, a bit closer, then close up. Each image tells a different story, but don’t underestimate the interest of close-ups, even if you don’t get a close-up until after cropping. Cropping cleans up a shot with too much busy stuff going on around your subject matter, providing the finished photo with more “life” or action. Don’t be afraid to un-center shots; sometimes unbalanced shots are more static and interesting. 10 Step Ten  Click to enlarge

Action takes practice, but capturing great sports moments are very possible -- even for amateurs.

Remember to not shoot into the light, if you can help it; if difficult lighting exists, consult your instruction guide on how to add fill-flash, which will light the faces or subjects of photos who are standing in front of bright light. If you are shooting under difficult lighting, like mercury vapor light (at many sporting events), you will notice that pictures blur more, because more “camera shake” is visible at those times. Consider using a unipod or tripod to steady your hands and shot; to catch better action, learn to anticipate action. If a touchdown is imminent, follow your subject with the camera as if you are taping it, then click at the big moment; this is called tracking. Or, aim your camera at the goalpost, and wait for the action there, ready to snap the photo. This takes practice – just shoot a lot and see what works best the most often. 11 Step Eleven  Click to enlarge

Look for shadows or translucent opportunities to create imaginative poses.

There are films or digital settings now that can create sepia-toned or black and white photos, among other special effects. But, this can also be done after the fact, and make the actual shooting less complicated for you. Some very good software exists, or can be downloaded for free online, and help to enhance, crop, sharpen, and alter the lighting in your photos.