Getting Good Picture Results by Gem Tullao

Getting Good Picture Results by Gem Tullao

There was this guy who owns a state-of-the-art, high-end digital SLR. Since it was my first time to meet him, I initially thought that he could be a photographer, hobbyist or by profession, when he brandished the hi-tech gear. This initial impression only lasted until I saw one of his shotsman, there was no composition! What waste of moneyunless of course, he manages to get acquainted with photography, even the basics at the least. Otherwise, the digicam ends up as the display instead of it churning out images for display.

Before you can even jump to tinkering with digital photography techniques, it would be good to learn basic composition skills to produce good-looking photographs. By composition, we mean that the elements in the captured image are interacting with each other in harmonious relationship. There is a focal point and overall balance. Framing the subject matter helps improve the appearance of your photograph. You can try canopies of trees, arbors, or rows of trees for such effect. Weeping willows are just one example of elements effective for framing, with their drooping branches that can form into a dramatic frame for the composition. Your focal point does not necessarily have to be always at the center, but make sure that you still achieve a visual balance. Also, your finished product will turn out better if you keep looking for the best vantage point to create your desired composition.

To yield better picture results, it is imperative that you learn the tricks of your camera by reading the users manual carefully. Some people would waste time wondering why their pictures turn out bad with their digital camera, when all they needed to do was read the manual to know that they have to press halfway first to lock into focus. This attitude is perhaps influenced by the false assumption that digital cameras are supposed to make perfect-looking pictures with the least effort, and without the hassles associated with conventional cameras. It would also help to check out the website of your cameras manufacturer to gain information, tricks and techniques that may not have been discussed in the manual.

The most common mistake in digital photography has got to be blurs. Pictures turn out blurred when the photographer does not keep a steady hand while shooting. It will help if you hold the camera closer to your body, bringing your elbows as near to your chest as possible, so long as you can still view the LCD. Another sure way of ensuring the camera is steady is with the use of a tripod. Tripods are useful when creating special effects, which you can do using special effects features already built inside your camera or by switching to the manual mode.

Once you feel you have outgrown the auto mode function, it would be interesting to experiment with the manual mode, so you can create more interesting photos. For instance, by slowing down the shutter, you can create impressive pictures of flowing water, or create interesting photos of moving objects. It is advisable that you use a tripod if you are going to expose the subject for longer than one second. You can also experiment on the use of the flash. Do not be too dependent on the auto mode to decide when it is appropriate to turn on the flash. Most digital cameras offer excellent close up functionality through the macro mode, so you might want to take advantage of this and experiment on your own. You can use the macro mode to get really close to a minute subject matter, as close as the camera will allow.

With digital imagery, it becomes easier to enhance and alter photos with the use of computer software. Here, you will not need worry about red eye, and you can even remove blemishes like magic. However, software can only go so far, and it is still best to perfect the picture at the point of captureit will save you a huge amount of time editing.

Digital cameras offer broad possibilities for creating great images. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not take full advantage of these possibilities and end up with mediocre photographs. Do not assume that the digital camera will do the magic for you. A lot of the work will have to rely on the user, so you should exert some effort to learn some tricks and techniques to see the full potential of your gadget.

About the Author
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7 Things You Must Do If You Want To Make That Perfect Camera Shot by Robin Shortt

7 Things You Must Do If You Want To Make That Perfect Camera Shot by Robin Shortt

Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand. Margaret Bourke-WhiteThese tips should help you relive those moments back where you've said "if only I had a camera." Now you will have it captured on film. These tips should help you to be camera ready.
1. Get as close as you can to the subject or action
Remember, if you're using a instant camera a lot of them have a minimum shooting distance. This is usually about two metres. If your closer than that, your shots will be out of focus. Try to take shots with the viewer focused on the subject. Meaning the closer to the subject filling the viewer the better.
2. Photos Tell A Story
Photos of an event or activity such as camping with a group or fishing trip with family and friends tells a great story for all to relive and enjoy.
3. Decide What It Is You Want and Don't Want in The Picture
Its best to keep the background as uncluttered as you can. Background clutter will remove the focus from your subject.
4. Take Surprise Shots
You'll get some great shots if you take pictures when people least expect them. Just think of the facial expressions you'll get.
5. Make a Slide Show
Slide shows are great to have later when those involved in the activity can watch and laugh at themselves and relive the activity in their minds.
6. Liven Up Posed Shots
Try to avoid taking boring posed shots. Instead of using "Say Cheese" try have people say Rumplestilskin. That should help get a real smile. If people see you're going to take their picture, tell them you will click on four and then click on three. That should catch them in a more relaxed state.
7. Camera Hardware Tips
Does your camera have the correct options set up? Check your lens and make sure its clean. it could have a finger print on it. That would make it almost impossible to focus. Check to see if you have auto focus or manual focus. Test it to see if it will work as stated in your manual. Make sure you know how to control it. if you are using slide film set the ISO button one spot ahead of the film. An example would be if your using ISO 64 slide film, set the ISO at 80. The results will be deeper colour saturation and more vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange. This tip will not work with print film. Using a digital camera, always make sure the battery is charged. For more room on your memory card delete all pictures you don't want to keep. Your now ready for some fun and games clicking away with your camera. For more excellent tips, surf to Kodaks web page at www.kodak.com.


About the Author
Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit:Good Night Camping Equipment