Trifter

It doesn’t matter whether you have an analogue or a digital camera, a small compact or a big SLR with lots of exchangeable lenses – everyone can learn how to take better images. It is not the camera that takes the picture but the person behind the camera.

Image via Wikipedia

• Know your equipment. First of all a rather obvious suggestion- read the manual of the camera you are using. Even the simplest compact cameras nowadays usually have an array of functions that you can use to improve your photography. But to be able to use them, you need to be able to find them on the camera. The most useful functions on any camera are the various flash settings and on compact cameras the close-up functions are also very handy. Make sure you know where to find these functions. Most cameras have direct buttons for both flash and close-up functions but on some models you find them in various menus. Once you have found where the functions are, make sure to try them out before you go on holiday so you know what result you get from the various settings.

• Framing and angle. When you see something interesting to photograph, take a spontaneous shot immediately so you do not miss any action, facial expression, light beams or whatever grabbed your eye in the first instant. Then take a closer look and take shots from various angles and heights. Climb up on to park benches. Lie down on the floor. The more creative you are when framing your image, the greater the chance of an interesting image that really stand out. Do not forget to take both landscape orientated images as well as portrait images. Some subjects will only be suitable in one format while other subjects might look nice both formats.

Image via Wikipedia

• Timing.  The best light to photograph in is early morning light and the warm light that comes just before sunset.  Avoid taking photographs in bright midday sunlight which gives harsh shadows and images with too much contrast. A grey sky will give soft light and soft shadows but it will also reduce the colors and images taken under a grey sky will often look dull. Try to focus on details rather than big landscape scenes if the weather is bad.

• Use flash. If you use the automatic setting on your camera it will probably tell you that you do not need flash in bright light. But in some cases flash really can improve pictures taken in sunlight. Use the flash settings on your camera to override the automatics and turn the flash on to soften harsh shadows created by bright sunlight. Remember that the flash on a compact camera only reaches a few meters so makes sure the subject you are photographing is within the flash range. Use flash to take portraits in bright sunlight when the sun is behind the person being photographed to avoid the person appearing as a silhouette. If you would like to bring out details such as inscriptions and relief sculptures, turn the flash on and take the image from an angle.

• Get close. The famous war photographer Robert Capa once said “if your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough” and there is a lot in that quote.  Begin to take an overall shot of the subject and then work your way up close. For example you might take a shot overlooking a market place to introduce the scene. Then you take some shots of individual stands and finish off with some detailed shots of some interesting items on sale. Details always add interest to a story and images of details and close-ups will give a greater depth to your own photo story.