Learning to take better photographs

I am going to begin a sessions on learning to take better photographs. Everyone these days has great cameras, even on their phones. But a great camera does not mean great photography. So little by little I’ll be including some hints on this blog.

Number 1.
Read the camera manual. People don’t do this and they miss so much. Learn the basic actions, such as using the flash (on, off, and auto), zooming in and out, and using the shutter button. Some cameras come with a printed beginners manual but also offer a free larger manual on the manufacturer’s website. If you don’t have a camera manual just go on line and you’ll find instructions.

Number 2.

Set the camera’s resolution to take high quality photos at the highest resolution possible. Low-resolution images are more difficult to alter later; it also means that you cannot crop as enthusiastically as you could with a higher-resolution version (and still end with something printable). Upgrade to a bigger memory card. If you don’t want to or can’t afford to buy a new one, then use the “fine” quality setting, if your camera has one, with a smaller resolution.

Number 3.

Start with setting your camera to one of its automatic modes, if you have a choice. Most useful is “Program” or “P” mode on digital SLRs. Ignore advice to the contrary which suggests that you operate your camera fully manually; the advances in the last fifty years in automatic focusing and metering have not happened for nothing. If your photos come out poorly focused or poorly exposed, then start operating certain functions manually.

That’s enough for today. Just these 3 hints will have you taking much better photographs and having more fun. Stay tuned for more.