10 TIPS TO BETTER DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Using a digital camera is very similar to using a conventional film camera, with the added attractions that come with it. By that I mean things like being able to instantly review your pictures for instance, or not having to buy film and pay to have it processed. Additionally, photos taken with a digital camera can be edited through software applications to correct flaws, as well as being instantly suitable for internet uploading. In short, photography has become a much more affordable activity since the advent of the digital camera.

A digital camera in the $500 - $700 range is near professional in quality, and most inexpensive ones will give you an acceptable image.

· Learn to use the manual settings on your digital camera. You will almost always get better images when you exercise full control over the settings as opposed to the automatic mode of the camera. The camera will always choose the "blandest" setting. When you have full control, you can file tune the settings for much better results.

· The basic attribute of a digital camera that determines image quality is its megapixel rating. The higher the megapixel rating, the better image quality. If you plan to enlarge your photos or publish high quality images to the internet, you will need a camera in the 8 to 12 megapixel range. At five megapixels, image quality is similar to that obtained with the use of film.

· Learn to adjust aperture and shutter speed settings on your digital camera. By aperture, (f-stops), you control the amount of light getting into the camera, as well as the depth of field. A higher f-stop means a smaller aperture, and hence less light entering the camera. One-sixtieth of a second is about as slow a shutter speed as you can use when taking a hand-held shot, and not get any blur.

· Shutter speed is the length of time the shutter stays open allowing light to enter the camera. An extremely fast shutter speed is 1/2000 of a second, while camera settings usually allow up to about one second, which is very slow. Shutter speeds can range from a fraction of a second to several minutes or even hours. Practice and experience are the best ways to figure out which combinations of aperture and shutter speed are best for different kinds of photos.

· Some photographers force their camera shutters to stay open for much longer to create various special effects. Using a slow shutter speed lets in more light, but it also makes it very difficult to get a crisp picture. Any movement at all (of either the subject or the camera) will cause blurring. Sometimes you may want this effect, but for a clear picture of a moving object, you need a fast shutter speed.

· Decide on the composition of the subject matter within the frame of the viewfinder. This will determine the ultimate outcome of the finished product. Try to "picture" the result you are trying to obtain, and arrange the elements of the photograph to suit.

· Master your digital camera. By that I mean read the manual that came with the unit and familiarize yourself with all the available settings and the location of the controls for them.

· Use a tripod. You should always try to use a tripod when using your camera. It will ensure there is no movement while the picture is being taken. If it's impractical to use a tripod, try to find a stable surface upon which you can rest the camera. If that too is not possible, at least try to brace yourself against something solid while you are holding the camera. Any of these methods will reduce camera shake and result in better photos.

· Use a polarizing filter. If there were one single thing you can do to improve your pictures, using a polarizing filter would be it. This filter darkens an overly light sky, providing an image that's much more pleasing to the eye.

· Decide on your subject. If you wish to perfect your skills, you will have to "specialize" in the type of photos you will capture, much like a medical specialist who concentrates his efforts in a small niche category. You too will become an expert in the field you choose. It's much better to specialize than to generalize.

by Art Icles | goarticles.com