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Tips for taking a better photo

There are lots of websites and books that offer tips, tricks and techniques for taking better photos, but here are some basic pointers to help you get started.

  1. Look at light.
    Watch which way the shadows fall.  Where is the light coming from?  It is best to shoot with the sun behind you - so your subject is clear.  Keep an eye on how the sun is affecting your subject.  The time of day can also make a big difference to the atmosphere.  Early morning and evening provide diffused light and will not get too much shadow or bright reflections.  If it is overcast, keep the sky out of the picture as much as possible.  This is often the best way to avoid both muted tones and washed out skies.  (Purchase a polarizer filter to help increase the contrast of your outdoor shots.)
  2. Fill the frame. 
    Having your subject fill the frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate your photo.  The interest is often in the detail so move or zoom in closer.
  3. Watch the edges.
    What is the subject of the photo?  Try to keep anything that may distract the viewer out of the picture.  Sometimes there are obstacles that you cannot move, like a lamp post or street sign.  You cannot move the lamp post - but you can move you!  If you just can't get a clean shot, minimise the impact by having it at the side of the frame.  It may not always be possible to completely exclude all distractions but you may make them less distracting by reframing your shot.
  4. Compose your picture with care.
    Strive to lead the eye along an interesting path through the photo with the use of strong lines or patterns.  Horizonal lines horizonal, vertical ones vertical and keep the horizon level.  Place your subject where you think it looks most interesting.  Work with the rule of thirds.  You don't necessarily need to take photos from front on.  Move around and experiment with angles. Get down low (or high) - don't just stand there!  Try squatting or standing on a stool to get a better shot.
  5. Focus on your subject.
    Practice using different depth of field.  A smaller depth of field focuses the attention on the subject.  This is great for taking portraits as the subject stands out on a blurred background.  Likewise a greater depth of field will make everything in focus - ideal for landscape shots.  Use a tripod when using longer shutter speeds and smaller aperture.  This will increase the depth of field, keep everything in focus and remove any camera shake.
  6. Be Quick.
    Your subject may move, fly away, stop smiling or just get tired of waiting.  Shoot first - ask questions later.
  7. Experiment with shutter speeds.
    You have the power to slow time or catch a split second.  Use a slow shutter speed to blur movement or a fast shutter speed to capture action.  A slow shutter speed also lets in more light so it brings out objects in the shadows.
  8. Keep your camera settings simple.
    Learn a simple setup that works best for you for most shots.  Use all the bells and whistles on your camera for those extra special shots.  You can also get creative with extras like filters and lenses.  Use a medium resolution.  You can always reduce a larger shot - but you cannot enlarge a small one.
  9. Take lots of shots.
    Don't just walk out, take a couple of shots and think you are done.  Take lots of shots from different angles and different focal points.
  10. Be Bold.
    Explore with your camera and try different things.  Don't let the fear of taking a bad shot hold you back (especially when you can always delete!).

The best place to start for more information is the website of the camera you have purchased.  They offer tutorials that can take you through the settings on your camera step by step.  You can also load and share your photos as well as look at other people's photos for ideas and inspiration. Test your photography skills and particpate in an online competion or workshop.

After you take your shots - don't forget to print some out for all your friends and family to see.  Your local Retravision store has many colour printers on display.  Ask the sales person to show you some of the printouts from different models.