8 Tips For Better Digital Photos

Whether you consider yourself an amateur photographer, or you just want to create better family photos, there are many things you can do to get better photos. Here are some easy tips to use the next time you head out with your digital camera.

Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.

Be Prepared
Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you’ll need into one place. A camera bag is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature tripod, extra battereis, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in wet weather.

Hold your Camera Steady
Blurry photos are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.

So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your camera’s viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.

Once you’re all set, gently press the shutter release in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.

Get Closer
One difference in “snapshots” and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you’re shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You’ll like the results.

Take more Pictures
Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don’t like, and only print the winners - so don’t hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.

Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you’ll get a few shots that will really thrill you.

Vary the Lighting
Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don’t have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you’ll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.

Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.

Eliminate Red-Eye
Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subject’s eye and reflecting back. You’ll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn’t as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don’t absolutely have to.

Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn’t directed back at your camera lens.

If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.

Go for Candid
Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.

It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.

Create a Scene
Putting your subject in the center of a photo is just boring. You’ll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off center when you frame the shot.

This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact center of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.

Anybody can practice these techniques. They’re easy and you’ll get better, more professional photos.

Checking for Key Digital Camera Features

In this article, I shall provide a list of the digital camera key features that you should think and know about. Here’s a summary of what to look for:

1.Resolution
Resolution determines how sharp your image will be, how much you can enlarge a photo before the pixels start to becomedistracting, and how much you can crop a photo and still be left with adecent image that you can enlarge and manipulate.

2.Lens
The lens is the eye of your digital camera. Look for the following in your lens:
•You’ll want good-quality optics that focus a sharp image on yourcamera’s solid-state sensor. The best way to gauge the quality of the lens is to take a test photo or two. A vendor’s reputation or lab tests in magazines are other ways to evaluate a lens.

• The lens also needs enough light-gathering power to let you shoot in reduced light levels. A camera’s light-gathering capabilities are measured in something called f-stops.
• The magnification power of the lens (how large or small an image appears to be from a particular shooting position) is another factor. A digital camera’s lens magnification can usually be varied by zooming in and out to make the image larger or smaller.
• A related factor, the zoom range, is another key characteristic to look at. Where magnification tells you only how large or small the image can be made to appear, the zoom range tells you the difference between the two. As I mention under the discussion of general camera categories, some lenses have only a small zoom range, say 2:1,whereas others have a longer range, up to 12:1 or more (which means the image size can be varied up to 12X).

What’s the difference between magnification and zoom range?
Magnification deals purely with how large or small an image appears to sbe. For example, one lens may extend from a 28mm (35mm equivalent)to 85mm (35mm equivalent) magnifications, a 3:1 zoom range. Another lens might go from 35mm to 105mm (both 35mm equivalents) and also qualify as a 3:1 zoom range optic. However, the second lens would provide more relative magnification.

3.Storage
The kind and amount of removable storage is another key feature. The more storage space you have for photos, the more pictures you can take before “reloading” your digital camera. Most cameras use CompactFlash, Secure Digital, or other electronic “film” media.

4.Exposure controls
Except for the least expensive models, all digital cameras include automatic exposure controls that adjust the amount oflight reaching the sensor based on the lighting conditions of your subject. If the illumination is low, an auto exposure system uses a wider lens f-stop or exposes the sensor for a longer period of time. If there is a lot oflight, the exposure system reduces the amount of light reaching the sensor. Cameras with more versatile automatic exposure controls let you specify what type of exposure to use. For example, when shooting action, it’s often preferable to use the shortest shutter speed possible to freeze the motion and to adjust the size ofthe lens opening instead. Conversely, if you want a lot of your image to be in sharp focus (say, objects very close to the camera and very far are both important), you may be able to choose an exposure mode that favors maximum depth of field. You probably want a digital camera that can handle several different exposure modes and lets you set exposure yourself.

5.Focus controls
Most digital cameras also have an automated system for sharply focusing your images. Some are more versatile than others, and many cameras also let you focus manually to ensure that the subject matter you want to emphasize is the sharpest.

6.Viewfinders
Digital cameras generally have four ways to let you preview and compose your images prior to exposure. The color LCD panel on the back of the camera shows you the same image that the sensor is capturing. The LCD is often hard to view in bright light, so digital cameras also may have optical viewfinders that let you see a non electronic version ofthe frame. More-advanced cameras might include a second LCD (EVF) in the camera, where it is shielded from the glare of the surrounding light. Single lens reflexes (SLRs) let you see an optical version of the picture through the same lens used to take the photo.

7.Other equipment, other features
Finally, as you choose your digital photography gear, think about accessories, such as tripods, filters,add-on lenses, external electronic flash units, scanners, printers, and additional stuff. Even the storage media you use to archive your photos, such as CDs or DVDs, can all be important.

The Ultimate in Photography Tips - The Best Photography Tips Also Happen to Be the Simplest!

When we hunt for photography tips, we tend to look for something revolutionary. But often you don't need a revolution -- just a few small, simple changes in how you approach the craft of photography. Perhaps the easiest tip to remember -- although not always the easiest to practice -- is to consider your photograph as a photograph, and not just a subject.

This is not a pipe

You've probably heard people discuss what they take photographs of. They'll say things like, "This is a picture of my new baby." Notice that their vocabulary is giving them away: they're interested in the photograph for its subject, not for the photograph as a whole.

Many people are familiar with Margritte's famous painting of a pipe. Underneath the picture it says, "This is not a pipe." And it isn't. It's a painting. But our instincts scream at us to look at it in terms of its subject -- the pipe -- and not what it is. That's why no amount of photography tips can help us until we learn to view photographs as whole compositions, not isolated subjects.

Considering how it blends together

When you start to consider photographs in terms of a whole, instead of as a picture of something, then all of a sudden far more factors come into play. It's no longer only important how the light strikes your subject, but how it filters into the background. You're no longer concerned solely with the expression on your subject's face, but with how the trees bend behind them.

The simplest sounding photography tips often turn out to be difficult in practice, but there's no real trick to viewing a photograph as a composition instead of a subject. All it really takes is attention to detail and the ability to train your eye.

The Marvels of Modern Technology

Fortunately, if you're using a digital camera -- and at this time, most people are -- you have a built in cheat to help you consider your photograph as a whole. It's called an LCD screen, and it lets you step back and look at the image just like you would an actual photograph. You can move it around, mess with colors, lighting, and exposure, an all the while get the full effect of the eventual shot.

The key to remember? That you're not just looking at your subject but at your shot. Instead of asking yourself if the subject looks good, ask yourself if you like the photograph as a whole. Once you take that step, you won't need photography tips to help you create the perfect shot.

Want to take your photographs to the next level? Learn from the pros the tips and tricks they use to take amazing photographs and how YOU can use them to take photos that will make you say WOW in this fantastic mini-course Secrets of the Master Photographers.

4 Family Photography Tips!

This is a modern world, and we are modern...families! No matter who the members of your family are, chances are you love capturing their smiles, laughs and happy times with our age's newest and latest technology. Cameras and photography have come a long way since they were first invented, so don't feel bad if you're not quite caught up with all the techniques out there.

While the "traditional" family portrait may cut it sometimes, we think your gorgeous family needs some modern shots to preserve precious moments. If you've been looking for fast, easy and fun techniques to help you catch all of your modern family's great memories, we've got a treat for you today!

Sarah Sloboda is a lifestyle photographer from New York City who is committed to inspiring people by showing them how beautiful their lives really look—with great-looking photos! Award-winning, trained in filmmaking and documentary-style photography and with a passion that's clearly evident, Sarah doesn't keep all her talent to herself; in fact, she shares photography tips online to help families take the most beautiful photos of their own members on her crazy-useful blog the University of

We've gathered our top four favorite family photography tips:

-Don't be shy

Sarah suggests getting down low to your baby and kids' level by getting right down on the ground with them to capture their great smiles and expressive faces. Also get in as close as your camera will allow: you'll capture all those precious emotions better. 

-Act normal

Don't resort to funny faces or waving stuffed animals to get your kids to "perform" on camera. Just take photos as usual and let them eventually grow used to having a camera around. You might not always get a smile, but you will always get genuine reactions from your kids!

-Find a rhythm

Sarah's brilliant idea of putting on some music for your kids for a casual photo shoot in your home is right on target, and she suggests bringing out costumes and just letting your kids having fun dancing and moving.

-Turn off the flash

Our personal favorite tip of Sarah's (and one we can't underscore enough) is to turn off the flash!

You'll see the photograph in natural light and get to experiment with the composition, producing beautiful, natural and flash-free photos! What are your favorite tips when photographing your family? What's the best photo you've ever taken of a loved one, and the story behind it? Share with us your own great family photography ideas!

Jennifer Gruskoff is a screenwriter who lives in Los Angeles. Earlier this year she launched a company called Goodkin http://www.WeAreGoodkin.com a website that focuses on the lifestyle and trends of non-traditional families, where she is currently Editor In-Chief.

http://wearegoodkin.com/article/4-family-photography-tips

Photography Tips For Newbies

This article explains a few things about photography, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know, especially when you want to join some of forums and discussions about this topics, then this article will be useful for you more or less, in order for you to get some of new ideas from the discussions you have joined.

As there are so many photography novices are very concerns about their techniques to get good quality photographs. As we all know that there is no one who can be called the photograph expert, who could come to us and give some tips and techniques for novices like us, unless you pay a bit of money to join photograph school. What we are doing when we take photo graph is to find the best quality camera, and believe that that magic functions of the camera (as advertised) will help us to get good quality pictures without having other specific technique of photography.

In fact, this is quite true but just some part of the whole truth. We take photograph by ourselves only when it is informal occasions, such as when you are traveling to other places with your friends or take photographs during family part. However, in our life time, there are still so many occasions that need formal picture and may need a photograph professional to take care of this stuff, the example of there occasions are weeding ceremony or wedding reception, graduation ceremony etc. That is precisely why at most important occasions people hire the services of a professional photographer.

Therefore, we may need a professional for these occasions but in the mean time, the cost for hiring a professional photographer is very high and very difficult for someone who has very limited budget. So for many photograph newbies, then try to find photography tips in order to help them to get good quality pictures without paying fortune for professional. Here is some tips for you, which I have gather some of them for professionals that I have known recently.

Firstly, try to get everyone into the picture frame. It is the fact that sometimes when novice taking photograph, they did not ask everyone who want to take a picture included in the picture frame, then when the film is developed there is someone is not included in the picture and this is really ashamed. For you, as a beginner this mistake is usually happened, Therefore you have to make sure that you guide everyone to include themselves in the frame before taking a shot because they will never know until the photographer tell them.

Secondly, when you shooting outdoor, many of beginners have trouble with sunlight direction which really effect to the quality of picture. You have to make sure that you will not shooting directly with the sunlight, which will create the dark shade on the picture. You can see that there's practical value in learning more about photography. Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far.

Sarn Anattar:For article about photography tips [http://www.articlephotography.com/photography-tips-for-newbies] information, please visit www.articlephotography.com, a popular site providing great insights about photography training, camera types, and more.

Digital Photography Tips

Digital photography can be a lot of fun and it can be frustrating. There will times where your camera won't focus fast enough, images are blurry, or eyes will come out red. Each digital photography tip below will help you to cure these and other common frustrations.

Shoot Lots of Pictures


One of the best things about digital photography is that there is no cost associated with taking a picture. With traditional film photography you had to buy film and pay for development. Take advantage of this digital photography tip by taking multiple shots of the same scene. You can always delete the bad ones later.




Learn Your Cameras Settings


Chances are you shoot most of your pictures utilizing your camera's "automatic" mode. This will get you average results. If you are striving for great shots, you'll need to learn about other modes too. Take the time to read your camera's manual to understand when to use each shooting mode.



Pre-Focus For Instant Shots


Ever try to capture a momentary expression of a child? The time it takes the camera to focus is often too long. Next time you are trying to catch a momentary event try this digital photography tip...pre-focus the camera. Aim the camera at your intended subject (or something the same distance away) and depress the button half-way until you get a focus lock. Hold the button there until you are ready to take your picture, then depress the button fully and the camera will take the shot instantly. It may take a little practice, but this tip is well worth it.




Learn Basic Post-Processing


Pictures don't always turn out the way we want: sometimes people have red eyes, sometimes unintended objects come into the background. Here's a digital photography tip to use after you've taken the picture. Many things can be cleaned up by doing some post-processing. Many tools are available that allow you to edit your photos. Each tool is different, but correcting red-eye is usually pretty straight forward. More advanced techniques (creating depth of field by blurring the background, removing unwanted items from the picture, etc.) also come in handy.

There are many other resources for digital photography tips [http://www.mydigitalphotoclasses.com/digital-photography-tips.html] and tricks to make your experience more enjoyable and to improve your picture quality.

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Darren Rivers is an avid digital photography hobbyist. When he's not out shooting pictures he spends his time maintaing a digital photography website that teaches others about digital photography equipment [http://www.mydigitalphotoclasses.com/digital-photography-equipment.html], how to find and evaluate digital photo classes, and much more.

Wedding Photography Tips - Taking Advice on Techniques

Wedding photography tips are as varied as weddings themselves. You can now seek tips and advice from numerous sources on the internet.

However please be careful who you take advice from.

Some points to look for before taking advice.

Check that the person giving the advice has practical experience of successful wedding photography and hasn't just read about it or been commissioned to shoot just a few weddings.

Look through photographer's websites, in particular look at their wedding galleries. Do you like the shots? Go by your own gut feeling. In wedding photography it's important that you are comfortable taking the types of shots that you will be marketing.

Having done this you should decide on your preferred style and only then proceed to look for tips and advice.

The main skills and abilities that you need to look for tips and advice on are: -

1. Posing

2. Controlling groups of people

3. Marketing your photography

4. Presenting your photography

5. Camera technique

Camera technique, however, is not something that you should be lacking in to start! When I say look for advice on techniques, I mean advanced technique. Before you even consider shooting a wedding you must be very comfortable with all basic technique, from exposure, flash, lighting, posing and getting on with people. Only once you have these basic skills should you seek further advice from more advanced photographers.

Some of the forums on the web are ok for advice, however once again check the amount of experience that the person giving it has, and the style they follow.

Take advice and tips from others but don't ever believe it until you've tried it yourself! Often people give advice and it is not until you have tried it you realise that you either misinterpreted what they said, or their advice was bad in the first place!

So, before trying any new tips at a wedding make sure you practice first until you are comfortable with the tip and perhaps even adapted it a bit to suit your own style of photography.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.

Visit my site for more information Wedding and Group Photography Guide

Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.