Before you can begin to enjoy photo sharing with family and friends, you need to take great digital shots that are razor-sharp and crystal-clear. After all, there's nothing quite so frustrating as when your photos of memorable events like a graduation or a vacation turn out blurry or fuzzy or just plain dull.
The good news is great photos can really be a snap -- if you keep in mind a few important tips. I guarantee that in no time you'll be having fun with photo sharing and easy photo printing!
Tip #1: Buy a camera you're comfortable with!
There are many digital cameras to choose from and, with all the bells and whistles, making a selection is not easy. While all these ?extra? features are great to have, ask yourself these two question: What do I really need and what can afford? Then make your selection and learn all you can about the model you buy. And keep the camera's manual close at hand so you can continually refer to it. You'll definitely want a camera that makes uploading photos to your computer a snap, as that allows for photo sharing.
Tip #2: Keep the camera steady
The #1 reason our photographs turn out fuzzy or blurry is that the camera is shaking. As you probably have found out, the slightest movement can be disastrous, especially when your looking for high-quality photo sharing and easy photo printing. You don't want to waste your time taking photos or end up with blurry prints.
But keeping a steady hand is not easy. So to ensure that you take photos that are really sharp and clear every time, you can do 3 things -- use a tripod (not likely but it is foolproof)...or simply put your camera on any flat surface (not always realistic)...or you can just lean back on a wall or tree and hold yourself steady.
Remember, a still holder and a still camera will make all the difference in the world if you want to produce clear, sharp photos share you'll be proud of.
Tip #3: When to use your flash
The flash is used to eliminate dark shadows. But it's also tends to create a barrier that can actually wash out the natural mood that's so important to capturing mood and feel. So the important decision is when to use it -- and not use it. Disregard the urge to use the flash when you camera tells you to.
Instead, whenever you can, use the natural light that's available. In a darkened setting, instead of the flash, turn out all surrounding lights to highlight the room. You'll be amazed at how easily your will create photos that are beautiful and poignant.
Be sure to know your flash's range. For most cameras, the maximum range is less than 15 feet. Keep this in mind and you'll enjoy photo sharing and easy photo printing because all your photos will be outstanding!
Tip #4: Bring your photos to life
Here's a simple way to turn ordinary photos into unusual and interesting shots. Don't keep your subject in the middle of the frame. Instead, simply shift the image slightly to the left or the right. You'll be delighted with the results.
Tip #5: Turn your camera sideways!
Now why would you want to do that? The answer shouldn't be a surprise. With a vertical shot, you can create a picture that is much more intriguing. Try it for yourself. You'll soon be taking all sorts of vertical photos ?- and enjoying the more! And the better the picture, the more you'll enjoy photo sharing.
Tip #6: Be creative!
Don't let the photo control you. You control the photo. Use your imagination and your creativity and you'll get plenty of compliments.
Change locations. Add props. Arrange your subjects and photograph them in different poses. You'll take photos that will be a source of pride and joy forever.
Tip #7: Preserve your memories
You never know where or when that next great photo op will present itself! So be prepared -- carry additional memory cards. Just like a computer, you need some backup. Believe me, sooner or later, you'll need that extra storage capacity. And when you enjoy photo sharing and easy photo printing with the people in your life and see the smiles on their faces, you'll be glad you had the extra backup.
Photographs can help you create wonderful family keepsakes that tell the stories of your life. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll look forward to years of photo sharing and easy photo printing, and preserve a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.
Be Prepared
Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you'll need into one place. A camera bag is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature tripod, extra battereis, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in wet weather.
Hold your Camera Steady
Blurry photos are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.
So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot.
Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your camera's viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.
Once you're all set, gently press the shutter release in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.
Get Closer
One difference in "snapshots" and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you're shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You'll like the results.
Take more Pictures
Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don't like, and only print the winners - so don't hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.
Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you'll get a few shots that will really thrill you.
Vary the Lighting
Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don't have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you'll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.
Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.
Eliminate Red-Eye
Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subject's eye and reflecting back. You'll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn't as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don't absolutely have to.
Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn't directed back at your camera lens.
If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.
Go for Candid
Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.
It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.
Create a Scene
Putting your subject in the center of a photo is just boring. You'll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off center when you frame the shot.
This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact center of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.
Anybody can practice these techniques. They're easy and you'll get better, more professional photos.
Both Cj Carroll & Brandon Layne are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Cj Carroll has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fundraising, Computers and The Internet and Guide Guitar. CJ Carroll writes for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that offers a to new members and is the easiest place to create. Cj Carroll's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Brandon Layne has sinced written about articles on various topics from Digital Camera, Digital Photos. Brandon Layne is a "serious amateur", using both digital and film cameras for action shots and outdoor photography. His web site contains , current di. Brandon Layne's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.