How to take digital photos

I thought I would throw out a few tips on how to take better digital photos.  Hopefully this will make all of our shots better.  I know this stuff is really basic, but sometimes I need basic!  If you have any additional tips for everybody, please leave them in the comments section.  Thanks!

1.  Pick subjects that are interesting.  Your photos will be more interesting, your enthusiasm will show through in your work.

2.  If you want to take a shot of something and have it occupy most of the photo, then fill up the frame (as you look through the camera) with the subject.  You can do this either by getting up close to the subject, or using the zoom feature on your camera.

3.  Watch what you cut out of a picture.  You don't want to be cutting off people's legs, or their head, or half a Christmas tree, or, well you get the idea.

4.  Watch what setting you put the camera on.  There are different settings for different distances.  There is a landscape setting for photos that are far away, and a macrosetting for things that are three feet and closer.  And many settings in between.  Choose your settings carefully.

5.  Sometimes shoot your subjects vertically.  Especially when photographing people.  What this means is, turn your camera vertically (not horizontally).  That way you will not be cutting person's legs off and just getting half their body in.

6.  Take more than one photo!  Take lots!  You have the luxury to snap away with a digital camera.  This way you can choose which photo(s) you would like to keep and which you would like to discard.  You will have a much better chance at getting a good shot this way.  You may just come away with many good photos.

7.  Don't always take a picture shooting head on in front of your subject.  You can take the picture from below looking up, or from above looking down.  Try different angles.

8.  If it is dark, and you can't see your subject, turn on the light, or use your flash! 

9.  Before you shoot, check out the background.  Is it untidy or distracting?  Perhaps you need to clean it up, or move the camera to take your shot from a different angle.

10.  If you are photographing a person, look at your model for a moment.  Is there a last minute thing on your model that needs to be taken care of?

11.  Consider joining a photography community on the net.  Others will give you an honest opinion on your work.  This will help you take better photos.

12.  Learn from others.  What do you like in their photos.  Really think about it.  Is it the composition?  Angle?  Style?  Lighting?  Colors?

13.  Learn from yourself and your own successes and mistakes.

14.  Consider using your photo shop program to enhance your photos.  I am not talking about going hog wild here and changing colors of your photos.  I am just talking about cropping them, and simple things like that.

15.  Read the Owner's Manual that came with your camera!!!

16.  Have fun! 

Krissy :)
Tags: How to take digital photos, photos, photography, digital camera