Buy Cameras Online

Archive for the ‘Photography Articles’ Category

So you’re interested in starting to learn photography –  congratulations! Photography is a fascinating, practical hobby as well as an exciting career choice. Learning photography takes a little patience, but the rewards are worth it. Let’s begin with benefits of why you should learn photography:

• The ability to record special events like a child’s birthday or the family’s vacations with clear, focused well composed photographs.
• Never missing another “Kodak moment” while looking for the correct button or dial to push on your camera.
• Taking beautiful photographs that you and your loved ones proudly frame and display.
• Communicating through the use of images. A picture really is worth a thousand words (especially if you put it in a beautiful jeweled picture frame)! You can capture an expression that says it all. Or as we’ve seen in countless magazines like Time and National Geographic, you can take pictures that educate and enlighten on just about any topic. You don’t have to be a professional photographer in order to take some great pictures.
• The ability to take a portrait photograph in a home or outdoor setting that captures the unique personality and beauty of a loved one – the type of portrait that uplifts the person and makes them want to see the portrait framed on the wall, not hidden at the bottom of a box.
• Excitement! With a good telephoto lens you can take exciting images of wildlife and weather phenomena while still being a safe distance away. Imagine your friends reactions when they see these amazing photos you took framed on your walls.
• Fun! It’s fun taking pictures of people and special things we love. It’s even more fun to take them after learning a few skills!
• Fortune and Fame! Many a photographer has gone on to win awards and make money be selling their images online. Others sell downloads at microstock photo sites like iStock. Some take pet pictures of their friends pets and get their business started from there. Others become wedding photographers or get jobs working as photographers.

You may have even thought of some benefits that weren’t listed here. As mentioned the rewards of taking pictures are numerous. To get started taking pictures, all you need is a good (not expensive) camera and a few basic skills and you’ll be well on your way.

Aperture and other technical photography basics can induce yawns in the most eager of budding shutterbugs, but once these basics are understood, the rest of photography easily comes into focus. Aperture, shutter speed and ISO are all terms good to know, whether you have a point-and-shoot or professional camera. This article explains aperture and provides tips for using it to create better photographs so you’ll be proud to display them in a wall picture frame.

To best understand aperture, consider how the irises of your eyes widen and narrow to allow more or less light into the pupil. Like your irises, the camera’s lens diaphragm widens and narrows to let in more or less light. Thus, the aperture dictates the exposure (the darkness or brightness) of the photo. The aperture also has another important purpose which we’ll look at in a second.

“Aperture” refers to the size of the camera’s lens diaphragm and is measured in F stops. The smaller the F stop, the wider the aperture. This is where it’s easy to get confused. Actually the F stop numbers are ratios, which is why the bigger the F Stop number, the smaller the size of the aperture.

In addition to controlling light, aperture also controls depth of field. To better understand this, make a fist and hold it in front of your eye. Now slowly open your hand. See how the focus changes? Sure you can see more through the bigger opening, but when the opening in your fist is small everything is in focus? Try it again, and notice how when you open your fist, the object closest to you will come into sharp focus while objects farther away will be out of focus. This is how aperture determines depth of field or how much of a picture is in focus.

If you are taking pictures in Auto Focus (AF), the camera will attempt to focus on what it sees as the main subject, but often it may not be what you want.

For this reason, many cameras have an Aperture Priority setting. This allows you to set the aperture and then it automatically adjusts the shutter speed to compensate for the aperture. For example, if you set the aperture for a landscape, this narrows it, thus letting in less light. The camera would then automatically increase the amount of time the shutter stays open so that your photo isn’t underexposed or too dark. Aperture Priority isn’t exact, but this is how it usually works.

Now if you have an SLR and are taking pictures in manual mode, you can adjust the shutter speeds and aperture separately.

Most will have a camera with preset modes, such as portrait, landscape, sports, etc. When the mode is set to landscape, the aperture automatically narrows to bring everything into focus. At the same time, the shutter speed automatically slows down, leaving the shutter open longer to offset the smaller amount of light coming through the lens diaphragm.

When you switch to portrait mode and focus on a person in front of you with the landscape in the background, the camera will bring your subject into focus, making the person stand out more than the landscape. And it will speed up the shutter speed so the picture isn’t overexposed by the additional light allowed in with the larger aperture.

Remember that the smaller the aperture, the greater the F Stop number and the greater the depth of field.

Understanding photography basics like aperture is not only important for those using manual settings or Aperture Priority, it also helps those using preset modes. Here are three preset modes you should better understand:

• Portrait: How much the background blurs when using this mode depends on your camera and the distance between your subject and background – a minimum of 10 feet works best. This mode can be used for any subject that you want to bring into focus, while taking the background out of focus, not just people and pets.
• Landscape:(called “Infinity” on some cameras): This is the mode depicted by the mountain peak or figure 8. You can use this for anything where you want everything in the picture to be in focus, such as seascapes, cityscapes or your garden. And for shots of breathtaking vistas, try framing them in a panoramic picture frame to make your images really stand out.
• Macro: This mode, often depicted by a tulip opens the camera’s aperture extra wide so you can take super close ups. Depending on your camera, you’ll be able to get anywhere within an inch to a foot of your subject. When preparing to take pictures outdoors of things like flowers, keep in mind that due to the slower shutter speed, even the tiniest movement of a petal can cause blur. Also remember to focus on the part of the subject that you want most in focus, whether it be a butterfly’s wing or a caterpillar’s eyes.

Just applying this knowledge can help you produce some beautiful photographs that you’ll be proud to display in a gallery picture frame on the wall.

You’re ready to buy a camera. You’ve got your money in hand and you’re ready to start shopping. Before going off to purchase the most gleaming model you can afford, prepare yourself with the following essential buying tips.

1- Know yourself and why you need a camera. Consider your capabilities and interest in photography, and how a digital camera fits into your lifestyle. Different models are better suited for different situations. See if you might fit into one of the three photographer-types listed below:

Novice User: Are you new to the world of digital photography? Many low-cost point-and-shoot digital cameras include a range of standard features that are simple to learn and operate, making them an ideal choice for the beginning or casual photographer.

Intermediate Photographer: If you take a wider array of photographs — from quick snapshots to vacation photos to sporting events — you’ll need a versatile, full-featured camera that can handle a range of zoom scenarios, photo subjects, lighting conditions, and so on.

Serious Amateur: Are you an experienced photographer that is prepared to pay a higher price for the features, flexibility, and control available only with a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses?

2- Decide your perfect camera style; point & shoot or DSLR. Make sure you understand the relative strengths and limitations of point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras, and which is best suited for the photos you want to take. Although there are areas where the lines between point-and-shoots and DSLRs are blurring, the two classes of camera still have their own distinctive features that make them well-suited for different situations.

3- Get a feel for the camera. Get a feel for the camera and take some pictures with it. You’ll get more enjoyment from a camera and use it more often if it fits comfortably in your hand and the controls are easy to use.

4- Look beyond the megapixels. To get better pictures you want to a camera with a quality image sensor which is either a CCD or CMOS sensor.

5- Make note of the zoom and focus features. Higher power zoom lets you get closer to the action, and optical zoom is more important than digital zoom because it doesn’t reduce image quality. Having a highly automatic camera that does everything for you is great but having complete control over all the settings allows for more creativity.

6- Help reduce the risks of blurry photos. A built-in image stabilizer can go a long way to eliminate blurred images. Electronic image stabilization is a good start, while optical image stabilization is even better.

7- Lower light capability matters. The way a camera perform indoors and other lower lighting situations is as important if not more so than outdoors and bright light settings. Cameras that have high ISO sensitivity (ISO ratings 800 or higher) will be better able to capture properly exposed images with reduced blur in dimly lit situations.

8- Consider advanced features. Think about what additional technology features you want in your camera — such as face detection or in-camera retouching — to help you achieve better results and enhance your overall photography experience.

9- Accessories make the camera. Know what accessories you would like to use and what other devices you want to connect to your camera, such as an HDTV to view your photos, in order to make sure it has the right inputs and outputs.

10- Be sure to comparison shop. Always compare the camera you’re interested in with the model one step down and one step above. If you do your research you might find upgraded features in one camera for only a few dollars more.

After you have decided which camera is the best one for you, further your education and love of photography by learning more about exposure and other tricks a little beyond the basics, or how to use Adobe Photoshop which will help you enhance your photos greatly with just simple fixes.

If you ever drop your camera or otherwise damage it, make sure you check around for an affordable digital camera repair shop online. The most commonly searched terms are Canon camera repair, Nikon camera repair & Sony camera repair when looking for somewhere to take your camera when it breaks. This is because Canon, Nikon and Sony have most of the market share when it comes to digital cameras, not because there is anything wrong with their products.

A soaring photographer should know the meaning of glamour images well, as its definitions are so infinite they can drive one crazy. Nude and sexually appealing photographs do not equal glamour ones. Sure, Glamour Images are frivolous and naughty, yet even though they are erotic, there is no room for pornography. Glamour images comprise a touch of vulgarity and carnal desire wrapped in artistry and aesthetics, adorned with something high, pure and aspiring in order to produce a perfect visual creation. As an aspiring glamour photographer, one should have the knowledge and understanding of several things like equipment, shot types, background, lighting, etc, and a photographer should be inspiring to make the model feel at home to give a perfect shot.

Usual gear includes props, cameras and lenses, a studio and lights. Many soaring talents cannot afford such an amount of costly gear, having to rent or borrow it, even being assistants, thus learning to handle everything by direct experience. If you observed beauty photographs before, you must have noticed that vertical format dominates, creating some daring concept which is a counterweight to common and smooth horizontal one. In addition, if you look closer to the models, you will see that their facial features and posture also bear a touch of this vertical beauty.

Another instrument capable to enhance your glamour photographs is props and background. Glamour images are focused on the model and not the background so some photographers tend to ignore the background, however, a good photographer should always give extra attention by choosing a background that is in sharp contrast to the model or the attire. Speaking of the former, a smooth monolith-like background is always better than the one littered with unnecessary objects. As of the props, they are not always necessary, however, they play a huge role if one has to show action or meaning of the image. For instance, if you shoot a model on the beach, a surfboard can be a great detail and will add up to the picture’s mood.

Apart from all the elements required for mastering Glamour Photography, the most important is the skills and ability to play with lighting. One cannot imaging photographing at all without light, and when it comes to glamour images, light plays a more important role. Light is crucial for bringing aesthetics onto the picture; it originates from a number of sources, and a glamour photographer who is proficient in manipulating light can create truly inspiring works.

For Beauty Photographers

Why take family portraits outdoors? Besides the potential for beautiful or fun backgrounds, photographing outside provides the opportunity to use natural lighting. If you are a professional photographer or serious enthusiast then you know that the external flash, studio lights and reflectors work to mimic the beauty of natural light.

If you are a beginner or the designated family photographer with a digital compact and built in flash, then taking your family portraits outdoors is the easiest way to get professional quality portraits, the type you’ll want to display in picture frames.

The Best Natural Lighting for Taking Family Portraits Outdoors

Not all outdoor lighting is good. The worst time of day to take family portraits outdoors is mid-day. The best times of day to take outdoor photographs is the hour before sunset and after dawn when the shadows are least harsh and the light is the softest. The closer to these times you can gather the family for their portrait, the better.

Another good option is to wait for an overcast day when there’s a high overcast, also called bright overcast. This provides enough bright light and is the kind of softness professional photographers spend money on soft boxes to get. If the timing doesn’t work for any of these time frames, find shade that isn’t too dark.

Settings for Outdoor Portraits

The obvious choice and perhaps the best choice is the family’s backyard. Or you could take a cue from high school senior photography and take your outdoors family portrait at a place the family enjoys such as a park. If you go away from home, look for locations and times of the day when the area is the least crowded.

You should also consider using a family hobby as a potential setting. If the family loves horses, a green pasture with horses in the background and the family posed in front could work well. If the family sails think about using the boat’s deck as a setting.

Speaking of boats, a word of caution: if you decide to take any family portraits outdoors at places such as the sea, beach or snow, here are some things that can help: Select the beach mode on a digital compact, or if you use a DSLR or SLR, use a polarizing filter. This will help decrease the glare. Set the flash to “On” instead of “Automatic” to help reduce shadows on the family. Don’t position the family where they will be facing the sun otherwise they’ll be squinting.

As with any picture, be sure to hide or remove clutter in the background. Do you want to use the natural outdoor lighting but want a plain background? Tack a piece of fabric to a fence. Check the lawn for sprinklers and behind the family for things that might be distracting, like a lamp post.

If you want to minimize the overall background, use the Portrait mode or set your Aperture Priority for a smaller depth of field.

On the other hand, you may want to pose the family so that yard features such as a beautiful tree or garden cottage are part of the picture. Just be sure to compose the shot with the focus on the family. And, whatever background you choose, select a picture frame that complements your portrait. For example, if you setting is at the Museum of Modern Art, you probably want to go with a more modern metal picture frame than an old fashioned antique looking frame.

Whether you’re taking outdoor family portraits of your family or someone else’s, use these portrait tips and you’ll be sure to take a portrait that will be proudly framed on the wall in a special wooden picture frame.

There are some very good reasons to learn how to take family portraits, and you don’t have to be embarking on a photography career to do so. Having portraits professionally done can be just too expensive for many families. And sometimes, it can be impossible to get everyone to the studio at the appointed time.

Every family deserves to have at least one nice portrait together displayed in a picture frame. And, as a family grows and ages, it’s nice to have additional portraits done too. If you are a photography hobbyist you probably know others who would love to have you take their family portraits, but don’t forget your own family! If you are taking a portrait of your own family, make sure to be in it too! So be sure to use a camera with a timer or remote shutter button release.

If you are new to photography, learning how to take good family portraits will come in handy when taking group pictures at family gatherings like Thanksgiving.

Without further ado, here are some tips to help you get started taking memorable family portraits, whether formal or informal.

1) Avoid the “Police Line Up” Portrait – Instead of having them all line up shoulder to shoulder, try something more natural looking and that also makes it easier to get a big family into the picture.

Staggering is one technique that works well for group photos. For example, you may want to stagger family members on the front steps of a porch or around a group of boulders so some family members are standing and others sitting. If in a park, two siblings might sit on a low hanging branch of a tree or all could sit on the lawn clustered together. Show family closeness by spacing members close together. And by staggering the group, it will make it easier to display the picture in a 8×10 picture frame or even something larger like a 11×14 picture frame.

2) Show Relationships – You can do this with placement in the family portrait poses. For example, Grandma and Grandpa might stand next by each other, a toddler in their parent’s arms, or siblings with their arms slung around each other.

3) Consider Including the Family Pets – if they will hold still long enough. Even if the pet is sitting still, you probably should raise the Shutter Speed Priority to 1/125 because even the smallest movement can cause a blur. It is always easier to take an individual portrait of a someone with their pet (or even a pet separately), but if the family has a mellow dog or cat, try to take some poses with and without the family pet.

4) Get Creative with Props – depending on the type of portrait you want. Does the family do any activities or sports like community baseball? Each family member could hold a mitt, ball or bat. This is popular for individual portraiture that works well for family portraits too.

5) Get Everyone Smiling – Instead of just having them say “cheese,” put them at ease by talking to them so they’ll become more relaxed and real. When you’ve got everyone posed and smiling, ask the family to hold them until you give them the signal that you got the shot.

Finally, make it fun and take lots of shots, so the family can choose the best. You’re sure to get some keepers where the family will feel proud to frame them for all to see.

The time for friends and family to gather and enjoy the holidays is upon us. So this week’s digital photography tips are all about capturing the magic of the holidays with some picture taking pointers.

1. Play with the Depth of Field – Instead of snapping a picture in front of the tree, place your subject in the background, increase the aperture on your camera to the lowest setting (like around f/5.6 to F/1.4).If you keep your subject in focus the tree and lights in the foreground will be blurry and twinkling.
2. Be an observer – Some of the most memorable photos are candids.Stand back from the group and record the natural moments.
3. Accessories - Use props, clothing and other items to jazz up your holiday pictures.  Think Santa Hats, wrapped presents and even large ornaments.
4. Catch all the Action - Little kids tearing open gifts is a crazy time, shoot pictures like crazy to make sure you get the shots.  To take the stress out of the moment, put your camera into “auto-mode” or better yet “Continuous mode” and just start snapping away.
5. Avoid the red eye – Whenever you use your flash you’re more than likely to get that evil red eye.  Use the “red-eye reduction” mode on your camera.  And some cameras even offer a “Auto Red Eye Correction” mode these days.
6. Embrace the darkness – To get a sharp photo of twinkling tree lights or candles, turn off the house lights and turn up the ISO setting on your camera.  An ISO of 800-1600 should do the trick.You will have to steady the camera so that your pictures aren’t blurry.  Either use a tripod and your cameras timer function or try setting your camera down on a solid surface.
7. Stepping outside – To get crisp photos at night, set up your tripod, up the ISO setting and lower your aperture to let in as much light as possible.Remember to set the flash to "Off".  A word of caution if its really cold outside.  Cold temps tend to drain the juice out of your batteries rather quickly.Be sure that you charge up your batteries.  And if you are going to be outside for a while, be sure to keep your camera warm.Try to keep the camera warm inside your coat while setting up for the picture, and take it out when you are ready to start shooting.
8. Let there be peace – Don’t forget to photograph the quiet moments this holiday season.  Nothing is more precious than watching a child’s face as a beloved grandparents reads, “Twas the night before Christmas”.
9. Learn how to use the flash – Sometimes you can’t avoid using the flash.  To avoid your subject appearing washed out or blinded my the flash, position yourself about 10-15 feet away from your subject.
10. Capture the preperations – We sometimes forget to record the experience of everything behind the scenes while preparing for the festivities.Be sure to capture family baking, group shopping trips, decorating, and wrapping up gifts.
11. Find a different angle - Try standing off to the side, zoom in, and use the rule of thirds.
12. Be in the pictures too! – Many photographers end up not being in any of the pictures, give your camera to others and let them take some snapshots also.Just keep in mind that family members don't care about how you think you look, they want the pictures to help keep the memories alive for years to come.

I hope these tips will go a long way to helping you improve your photos and getting the most out of your camera!

If you ever notice that your camera isn’t working properly and you are in need of somewhere reliable specializing in Sony digital camera repair or Canon digital camera repair; look no further than a quick Google search to point you in the right direction. For example if you need a Sony digital camera shutter button repair you can get it done right with little effort.

So you have a brand new camera and you want to begin using it to take professional like shots rather than the routine ones! I will tell you that it’s a very good idea. It will give you a lot of fun, exercise and something to boast of in front of friends, family and your office colleagues. Did I say exercise? Well, yes. The thing is that you have to move about the muscles of your mind and your body a bit to get excellent photographs. But do not be put down. Put a little effort and notice your shots turning professional.

Learn to hold your digital camera correctly. Hold the digital camera as still as possible and steady particularly in bad light or in photos of fast objects like sports cars and moving creatures. The best answer is always to use a tripod in such situations but it is not always feasible. There may not be adequate room to place one.

Hold the digital camera as close to your body as possible even if viewing through the L . C . D . and keep your elbows tucked in. In photos in which the shutter will be open for a longish time like at night try drawing in breath and holding it. Right handed folks hold the camera with the right hand with the thumb supporting the back, the forefinger gently placed on the shutter and the other fingers curled around the right side and clasped to the front solidly but not too tightly.

While composing the shot ask yourself what precisely you want to display. Is it a particular object in front of you or would you like to capture your how you feel or is it going to be a record of what’s happening before you. If you’re shooting just one object make sure it is big enough to fill the majority of the frame. Should you be too far away get close otherwise increase the magnification of the lens or use a tele lens. If you want to capture your emotions move around the camera a bit until you find a shot that is neat and goes well with the way you are feeling.

The atmosphere of a place can be suitably captured by recording stuff that are specific to the place- for instance ice cream sellers with kids crowding around at the seaside. When you separate an image into six by three equidistant horizontal and three vertical lines the four meeting points of the lines are where you should pick from ideally to place the subject you think is more important. Omit any confusing detail by excluding it or by blurring the background. You can blur the background by using a tele zoom lens or through choosing a lesser f number for the exposure if you have manual or aperture priority options in your camera.

Exposure can be a tricky thing. Do not entirely rely on your camera’s auto settings and learn to override them. If the focus of the shot is darker than the rest of it, attempt boosting the exposure manually from the auto reading suggested by the camera. Do the reverse when it is lighter than the surroundings.

Visit us for more information about starting photography and photo shoot tips.

Weddings are one of the most deserving and difficult occasions to photograph. Lots of movement, lighting and distance from the subjects are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are eight wedding photography tips you can use to make sure the wedding photos turn out beautifully framed in the bride’s favorite wedding photo frame.

1. Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially important for digital camera users since digital uses more power than film. And if you’re like many guests with digital cameras who share their pictures during the reception, then that LCD screen will use up even more power. So bring lots (and I mean lots) of extra batteries.
2. Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You will never know which photos will be the ones displayed in a large picture frame so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Having extra memory cards will help make sure you don’t run out of space.
3. Look for the Unexpected Moments – {In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected “Kodak moments” that you want to capture}. Along with all the traditional moments that you don’t want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected “Kodak moments.” Watch the children as they will provide many sweet and comical photo ops at a wedding! And don’t forget to honor the parents of both the bride and groom by taking their pictures as they’ll certainly want to display many of them in picture frames. There will be much emotion on this joyous day to capture with your camera.
4. Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera use higher speed film like 400 but if you have a digital camera you will need to increase the camera’s ISO. Try increasing it to 200 or 400. Use digital noise removing software if needed. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed photos better than a compact’s built-in flash.
5. Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding photos are taken from too far away for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but you can remove the red eye by using photo editing software like Photoshop or Picasa.
6. Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take a while for the flash to recharge- plan ahead. Unless a “can’t miss” spontaneous photo opportunity comes up, save the flash for moments you most want to have pictures of, like the bride and groom cutting the cake, kissing after their vows, their first dance, etc.
7. Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away shots, use optical not digital zoom if you can. If your camera doesn’t have an optical zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to the subject.
8. Don’t Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures – Although this isn’t a problem with film, if you’re taking photos with a digital camera be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action pictures like dancing at the reception, take them the same way as you would at a sporting event. Try to guess what’s going to happen next and point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos anytime there are people moving, so that you end up with several good pictures for framing. And on such an important event, it’s important to take several still shots as well.

Hopefully these 8 wedding photo tips will help you make the most out of your next wedding and give the bride and groom pictures they love displaying. Until then, keep practicing and have fun learning photography!

While you can’t of course learn everything in one article about photography, this article provides 5 tips on the basics. Whether you have a point and shoot camera or are the proud owner of an SLR, there are a few basic concepts that once understood will get you on your way towards taking excellent photos. Here are five important and easy to use tips that you can start using right away.

1) Resolve to Have Enough Resolution

Although a low resolution setting saves space on your memory card, it doesn’t make suitable prints. You can easily resize for a smaller picture, even in free programs like Picasa (”resize” is hidden there under “export”), but making a picture larger usually brings awful results. When you enlarge the picture, the pixels that make up the image are spread thinner.

If you like printing your images, choose medium or high resolution. Depending on your camera, 3 megapixels should give you high quality 4×6 images and sometimes even a very nice 8×10. For excellent quality 11×14’s go for 6 megapixels.

2) Let There be Light (but Make it the Right Kind)

Natural lighting is usually best, so don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy flash and reflectors. If your only flash is the built-in one, that’s all the more reason to opt for natural light. Built-in flashes can make subjects look flat. That’s why the pros use an external flash and bounce light off the umbrellas. There are tricks you can use like wearing a white shirt or taping foil to the camera to bounce the light off the ceiling, but if you want an easy way to get professional quality photos without the equipment, go outdoors.

When taking pictures outdoors, consider the position of the sun. The lower the sun in the sky the better, except for sunrise and dawn. You should also try to avoid noon as this time brings the harshest shadows. Unless the sky is part of your photograph, bright overcast days produce the best light.

3) Compose a Perfect Picture

Getting a great snapshot without any thought mostly depends on luck. But by first learning how to compose a photo, you will end up with more pictures that look good and are suitable for framing. The photos you take will look more like what you pictured when you clicked the shutter release.

There’s enough to the Photography 101 subject of composition to fill several articles, but for starters, here’s the number one rule. Fill the frame of the viewfinder. First, decide on what is the most important subject in your photo and then move close enough (or zoom-optical zoom is best) to fill the viewfinder with the subject. For example, if the subject is your mother watering her roses then she is the subject not her entire rose garden. Many make the mistake of losing their subjects in the landscape.

4) Steady Now

It doesn’t take much camera movement to create a blur, in fact most times, you’ll never even notice the movement until you see the blurry picture. For sharp pictures, keep your elbows down, feet apart and firmly planted and hold the camera steady while pressing (not punching) the shutter release. Continue holding still until the light indicates the camera has finished taking the picture. When you are taking a photo that needs a slower than usual shutter speed, like a fireworks display, use a tripod to steady the camera. You can even use a bunched up coat on a wall with a remote shutter release. A good rule of thumb: use a camera support for shutter speeds slower than 1/60.

5) Share Your Creations

If your photos are digital, use a photo editor to bring copies (save originals) of your photos down to the appropriate size for your website, email, photo album or picture frame. You should use photo paper that is compatible with your printer model for best results. If you are using a film camera now but want to email pictures or post them on a website, use a quality scanner or have a CD made when the film is developed. 

Save your best photos for displaying in a well made wooden picture frame. A photograph framed in a classic silver picture frame also makes a very welcome gift, especially when the subject is a portrait. Remember a portrait can be of a single person, family, multiple friends or a beloved pet…the list is endless, and again, these make lovely gifts, especially when framed nicely.

By using these five basic tips you’ll help expand your photography knowledge so you can start taking even better and more professional looking pictures.