Two great features brought by digital cameras area a boon to the novice and professional alike. One is the ability to delete pictures and try again. Beginning photographers need to experiment and practice. Digital cameras allow us to do this inexpensively. The second great feature is the ability to edit after the fact. However, the editing function is not unlimited and should not be used as a crutch; getting the shot right in the first place is still much more effective in creating quality images.



To get the shot right however, it is important to remember that most of the traditional rules for creating pictures still apply with digital photography. What makes a good photograph is the same. Good photography is a topic of considerable study but for now a brief discussion about just a handful of tips that will make the most immediate improvement for the true novice is sufficient.

Keep a Steady Camera

Blurry pictures are easy to avoid. Tripods are of course excellent for this purpose but aren't always handy or available. Without a tripod, grasp the camera in a manner that is comfortable; using two hands offers the best stability. The camera can be held steady by holding arms next to the body and elbows in close to the chest or stomach. Keeping feet apart or leaning against a wall, tree, or other object can also help.

Set Up the Shot

Taking the time to get things arranged will show in the final product. When working with people as subjects, it is easy to direct them for a better picture. When looking at the LCD it is easy to see how the shot is set up. Would the shot be better if the subjects in a group stepped in closer together, if they removed their sunglasses, if they turned slightly, or looked over the photographers shoulder versus straight into the camera? Be the director and make alterations at that point.

Select an Uncluttered Background

An important element of a good shot is the background, it should not take attention away from the subject. If a person is the subject of the picture all other distractions should be eliminated in the surrounding area. A lot of background activity and other objects can take away from the intended subject. Sometimes just repositioning a bit and stepping in closer can help achieve a better background as well.

Take Pictures at the Eye Level of the Subject

The photographer's view angle should not be from above or below. This allows much more detail, the ability to see expression, emotion, personality, and so forth. This doesn't necessarily mean that the subject must look directly into the camera however.

Stay Close

When photographing people, animals, or wildlife it is usually best to move in close. Closer shots can dramatically improve the results. In some instances stepping in closer is not an option but in such cases zoom can be used to come in closer to the subject. Too close is 3 feet or less, this kind of proximity can result in blurry pictures. Special lenses are used for ultra up close photography.

Be Sure There is Proper Lighting

Lighting is probably the most critical factor in image quality and would require a much longer article to discuss in detail. For now it will suffice to say that mid-day often does not produce the best pictures. The lighting is harsh, it creates shadows, and it can alter the colors within the scene that is being photographed. In general, it is best to keep the sun behind the photographer but care must be taken to assure that their shadow doesn't make a surprise appearance in the photograph and that the subjects don't have to squint.

Good photography is a skill anyone can master. The tips here are just a few of the most common which can help create the types of images we all want. To master these concepts practice is critical but the happy news is that they don't really require a great deal of time or require any additional equipment and expense.