Picture Perfect!

Do you remember having to buy camera film or even having to drop it off to the local Fotomat to have developed? If you do than, you have been granted a unique view of the advancement of digital camera technologies unlike the younger generation.
It was around 1994 when the first consumer digital camera was available to the general public. Since then, digital technologies have advanced faster than most of us can keep up with buying the newest cameras. No matter how many mega pixels you have or how big or small your camera is. There has been one question that no technologies can really answer well. How do I take a good picture? Seems like a point/shoot camera should be easy, just hold the camera up, press the button and I have a picture, but here are a few tips to help you avoid deleting bad photos.


1. Lighting: No matter how good your camera is. Light is essential to any great picture, putting the flash on is a good idea even if you think you have enough light. The flash can fill in some dark areas and put additional light onto your subject. Avoid placing your subject in front of a sunlit window.


2. What is that?: Look at your backgrounds in relationship to the person or object you are photographing. The pole sticking out of Uncle Freddy’s head is strange looking or maybe it is Uncle Freddy? Kidding aside, avoid background objects that look as if they are growing out of your subject. Try breaking up your pictures into thirds and placing your subject on the left third or the right third. Some cameras have grids you can see through the viewfinder or on the screen to help you with this.


3. Don’t be a wallflower: Don’t be afraid to get close to the subject. So many missed pictures are taken too far way. If you are photographing a flower you like, don’t include the entire garden. Physically get closer to your subject.


4. Tell a story with your camera: Take some surrounding shots, then move closer to the subject take a few more, then some close ups, this will give you the most images to work with and tell a story of where the objects are located.


5. Try unusually angles: When photographing children, try getting down at their level, or try standing on a chair to take picture of large crowds, the straight on eye level images are ok, but be adventurous, you will be amazed how better things look from a different angle.


6. Know your camera: Most point and shoot cameras have what is called an ISO setting (how sensitive the image sensor is to light.) when out in bright sunlight use an ISO of 100 - 200 this will give you the clearest pictures. Check your camera manual for instructions.


7. To zoom or not to zoom: Avoid using digital zoom at all cost. Digital zoom on even the most expensive cameras, does not work, instead approach your subject and only use optical zoom if you must.


8. Earthquake avoidance: If your camera is capable of shooting video, whether it is high definition or VGA, keep your hand steady. We all have seen videos that make us seasick. To avoid this prop yourself against a wall or rest your arm on a fence. Use the same technique (#4) taking some steady video of the entire scene, stop shooting, then walk closer to your subject and begin to shoot more video. Avoid using zoom or moving the camera too fast. Use a monopod or tripod for times where the camera needs to be absolutely still.


9. You aught to be in pictures: If you are on vacation, get some pictures of yourself too. Ask someone to take a picture of you and your travel companions. Also, take time to enjoy the scenery other than through your viewfinder or screen on your camera.

Digital photography can be a great way to capture moments in time and document special memories. Take the time to take great pictures and always have fun in the process.

-Sightseer