Many of you will be receiving or have asked for digital cameras for Christmas. Or maybe you got your new camera before the holidays so you could take pictures on the way.
This year I want to help you get better pictures right out of the box. No more blundering around with shots containing massive foreground and family photos that look more like suspect line up from an episode of CSI. This year things are going to be different. Follow these tips for getting great shots from day one with your new camera.
Read The Manual
I realize some of you think manuals are totally retro. This little paper book written by people determined to make you as miserable as they apparently are in their little, unhappy cubicles by making the manual as dry, boring and devoid of joy as humanly possible.
Really, when you break it down, you can read through most camera manuals in about an hour. You don’t have to memorize it, just know where to find things if you want to look something up.
Most digital cameras today have an amazing array of built-in functionality that never gets utilized because owners don’t realize it’s in there.
Get In Close
The biggest rookie mistake with a new camera is inevitably focusing on the subject in the center of the picture and leaving way too much foreground and background.
Get in close and, when you think you’re plenty close enough, take another step in. Get in so close all of your subject can’t fit in the frame.
Warm It Up
Most digital cameras have an automatic white balance setting called “cloudy”. That’s for use on overcast days when lighting is heavy on the blue side. But, as it turns out, even on sunny days your pictures can look a little on the blue side, so don’t be afraid to try the “cloudy” setting, even in bright sun. You may the like warmer colors you get as a result.
On thing you’ll regret later in life as the photographer is not having more pictures of you doing things. Being the family scribe is a great thing, but use one of these clever supports and the self-timer to get in the shots yourself.
Get High On Resolution
Crank your cameras picture resolution up as high as it will go. You’ll thank me later. Photos may seem huge by today’s standards but, in a few years, they may seem laughably tiny. Shoot the biggest photos your camera will take.
There are more tips to come, but these should get you over the most common mistakes people make. Just remember to read that manual!