Tips for Better Digital Photography

Digital photography is quickly replacing film photography. While there are some hobbyists and even professional photographers that still shoot film photos, the many advantages of digital photos are winning over more photographers on a daily basis. Digital photography tends to be easier and faster to shoot. In addition, it gives the photographer more options in shooting the pictures, editing the photos and even printing and ways of sharing the photos. If you're ready to be a better digital photographer, here are some tips to get you shooting higher quality photos.

Tip #1 Be Aware of the Background

Not only do you have to be conscious of the subject you are shooting, but you also need to be aware of the objects or scenery in the background. The awareness helps you to keep trees from seemingly growing out of people's heads or a passing vehicle that draws the attention away from your subject. Even if it means moving the subject you are shooting over a couple of steps or adjusting the angle at which you take the photo, it can make all the difference in the outcome of the picture.

Tips #2 Use Available Lighting

If your digital camera has an option to turn the flash off and there is sufficient natural lighting, then switch the flash off. In general, the flash on a camera is harsh and it reflects in the color quality of the digital photography. Camera flash can make human skin look pale or can distort colors and make subjects blurry. Indoor photographs may not provide enough light for the picture to turn out, so you may need to use the flash. In these circumstances, shoot away from windows or bright lights inside of the home or area to avoid overexposure of what you are shooting as well.

Tip #3 Shoot at a Slight Angle

Rather than take the photo straight ahead, shoot at a slight angle. Even a three-quarter angle toward a person's face permits you to see more of the person's features and expressions than if you shoot the photograph right in front of the subject's face. Shooting subjects at a slight angle also has a slimming effect on the person that you are shooting and how they turn out in the photograph.

Tip #4 Focus

Not only can you use the focus feature on a digital camera, but you can also move closer or further away from what you are shooting to bring the subject into focus. When you get a little closer to your subject, the subject tends to fill more of the frame of the camera, and ultimately the photograph. This allows you to enhance the photograph and avoid taking photos with too much of a background and not enough of the subject you wanted to capture in the first place.

Tip #5 Avoid Dead Center Subjects

Never put the subject of your picture in the dead center of the frame. Instead, put the subject slightly off center; not a lot but just a little. When shooting a group of people, draw an imaginary line in the center of the group. Then, shift slightly to the left or the right of the imaginary line to take the picture.

Following these tips won't turn you into an award-winning photographer overnight. What it will do is get you on the right path to taking better and more powerful photographs that others will comment on for years to come. Digital photography may remain your hobby or you may be able to make a little cash from selling your photographs. Either way, these tips will get you where you want to be.

Taking Better Portraits - 3 Tips The Pros Know

Portrait photography is one of the most popular forms of the art. Whether it is a picture taken in a formal studio setting or something set in a more casual scene, you'll always want to do your best to capture the your subject in the best possible way. There are several tips that the professionals use in order to come out with some stunning photos.

Get The Lighting Right
Having the right lighting is probably one of the most important aspects in taking any type of photograph, but even more so in portrait photography. You'll want to insure that you have enough light, either natural or studio, in order to capture the photo correctly.

Avoid using the on camera flash, or hot shoe mount pointed directly at your subject. Indirect light is much more flattering on a person. A good back light source is also important if you want to avoid that annoying drop shadow behind the person. Try experimenting with lighting to achieve a variety of effects. You'll be surprised at how different your photos will come out just by varying the light source.

Blur The Background
One trademark of a great portrait is the softly blurred background behind the person who is ultra sharp focus. It really draws your attention to the person. There are several things you'll want to know to achieve this effect.

You'll want to shoot with as big as aperture as possible. If you have a lens that opens up to f/1.8 or f/2.0, that will give the best effects. If you have a zoom lens, try shooting at a larger range and standing back from the person. This will give you a shallower depth of field and increase the blur.

Have your subject stand away from the background instead of directly on it. If you are shooting in front of a wall for example, the farther they stand from it the better. It is also best to avoid busy backgrounds, as they will distract from your main subject.

Make Your Model Feel Comfortable
Often a forgotten tactic for taking a good portrait is making a model feel comfortable and relaxed. You'll be amazed at how much better your photos will look. Your subject will appear more relaxed, and you'll see more natural smiles and poses. You don't want your model to looked posed and stiff as a board.

A good way to do this is simply to talk and joke around with your model as you shoot. Show them a few of the photos and tell them how great they are doing. If you are relaxed and in control, it is much easier for them to go with the flow.

There you have it, 3 tips the pros know about taking better portrait photos. Give it a try and do some experimenting on your own. And as always, practice as much as possible and you'll be shooting like them in no time.