I got a new camera for Christmas, but I’ve yet to experiment with all of its features. According to the owner’s manual, I won’t be able to snap the “best” images possible if I don’t utilize the camera’s advanced options. Whereas I agree that it’s easy to hit the “auto” function instead of experimenting with different modes, I don’t believe a camera alone makes or breaks a photo.
For starters, a stunning image includes a balance of colors, shapes, and lighting. If you don’t feature contrasting colors in a shot, you won’t get that “pop” which draws attention to an image. For example, if your subject is wearing a light-colored outfit, place her in front of a dark-colored background. The contrast will allow your subject to stand out. Likewise, by shooting at different angles you can capture a plethora of colors in a single frame.
In regards to shapes, it pays to fill your viewfinder with a variety of objects. For instance, rather than taking a static shot of a horse standing by itself in the middle of a field, position yourself so that you can include a fence, tree or barn in the same photo. While you don’t want to overcrowd the shot, it doesn’t hurt to feature a few objects to make the image more visually appealing.
As for lighting, use as much natural light as possible. If you are forced to shoot indoors, position your subject by a door or window before pressing the shutter button. Ideally, you want to flood the area with sunlight and avoid using your camera’s flash.
Finally, even if you don’t get the chance to use all of your camera’s features, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the most important nuances, including shutter lag. If you are working with a point-and-shoot digital camera, then you’ve likely experienced that annoying delay between the time you press the shutter button and the moment when the camera takes the picture. That’s shutter lag. When you’re trying to capture action photos, it is vital to anticipate this lag time and plan your shots accordingly.
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