Photo Studio

Try to take more pictures

The cost of taking pictures with a digital camera is low compared to conventional photography. If

you have enough batteries and memory card space then take extra shots. You can take more

daring and experimental pictures too. The ones that do not work out can be quickly deleted later.

Learn how your camera works

Many digital cameras contain a range of features to help take great pictures. This is especially

important when taking pictures in poor lighting conditions or taking pictures of fast moving

objects. Read the instructions that came with your camera and experiment to find out how to take

the best pictures. There are many differences between film and digital cameras and even if you

are used to using a film camera you may find it useful to learn about these differences.

Make sure you have adequate lighting

Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography. If your

subject is too dark for your regular camera, it may be too dark for the digital one also. And unlike

regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds directly. Digital

cameras will usually select shutter speed automatically - be aware when your camera select a

speed that is too slow to hold by hand and use a tripod. Digital cameras can also compensate for

low lighting conditions by increasing the gain on internal electronics (it is like using a faster ASA

film). But the increased gain will lead to increase in noise and poorer color performance.

Focusing your camera

Many digital cameras have advanced auto-focus features to help you capture the best possible

photo with the least difficulty. But sometimes the lighting or other conditions make it difficult for

your camera to focus effectively. Here are some ways to make sure that the subjects of your

pictures are as clear as possible:

Focus between the people This often happens when you take a picture of two people. The

camera will focus on a piece of background that is at the center of the picture between the two

people. Try to focus on one person first and then frame the shot.

Low contrast, strong backlight, or bright reflections If any of these conditions exist, focus on

another subject that is about the same distance from you and lock the focus on that subject. Then

return to your subject to take the picture. (See your camera's user manual for how to lock the

focus.)

Multiple distances If the subjects of your photo are at different distances from you, focus on the

most important subject. If you focus on a subject in between your primary subjects, chances are

that both subjects will be out of focus.

Too dark for the auto-focus to work Some auto-focus systems do not work in low lighting

conditions. When they cannot get focus lock they stop the camera from shooting.