Simple Ways to Improve Any Photo

Thanks to digital cameras photography has never been as easy as the present. But, there's quite a difference between shooting an image that is a fair representation of a subject and creating something that is exciting. A few simple tips in the areas of composition, lighting or exposure will help you improve you images quickly, simply and sometimes even dramatically.

Don't forget that when trying to improve your photography, do it small bites. In the same way as the old adage says you should eat an elephant. Simple steps to a goal will get you there quicker and easier than trying to remember everything at once and getting nowhere. A logical and systematic approach will allow you to work at each simple step, conqueror it and then move on to the next. Don't forget though to evaluate along the way to see if you've learnt each step or if you need to revise.

Remember to take your time with each step and master it before moving on to the next. So here goes:

1. Every photo needs a focal point

Without it the image is dull and uninteresting and does nothing for the viewer. You need to get the viewer's attention and hold it, drawing their eye into the photo. Remember the subject is king. Without one is like a wedding missing a bride or a coronation missing the queen.

2. Create a sense of depth in your photo by using a frame

For example, a hole in the wall of a broken down house, a window frame or a natural or man-made archway. Shoot through these objects focusing on a subject on the other side. Place a frame around the edges of your image that the draws the viewer into the image.

3. If your photos aren't good enough then you are probably not near enough to your subject

Get in closer. Use your feet first and then if that is not possible, use your zoom. The closer you are to the subject the greater the impact of the image. We tend to stay too far away from our subject thereby including too much unnecessary clutter. If you want to remember people

4. Before your press the shutter look for clutter

While looking through the viewfinder check the edges of your frame and see if there is anything unnecessary you want to exclude from the image. It may be easily removed by zooming a little or walking in closer or perhaps you may need to change your viewpoint or the angle. Find a way to exclude the messy edges and your image will improve a hundredfold.

5. A more dynamic image can be created by having diagonals running through the image

Like a fence or a pathway. These tend to lead the eye to a point so make sure that it disappears into the distance and is not cut short at the edge of the image. Diagonals will add a new dimension to your photos and look fantastic as well.

6. If at all possible use natural light in your images

The humble flashgun is not the answer to all of a photographer's lighting challenges. The flash is always and only a substitute for natural light. You can't compare the quality of natural light to a flash. So when inside shoot near a bright window. Bright overcast days are perfect for shooting outside as the cloud cover acts as a large diffuser giving you natural and even light.

7. In most situations keep the direction of the light coming from behind the camera

Shooting into the light has many challenges and you need to have a greater understanding of lighting to use it to its best advantage. Don't always worry about shadows either. Strong light from the side gives great character to otherwise bright flat images. Always be aware of your lighting source whether indoors or outside.

8. Always shoot using the highest quality image resolution settings on your camera

Never shoot for e-mail in a low resolution format. You can always lower your quality but you can't increase it once the shot has been taken. Often when reviewing your images on a computer you'll find a great shot that cannot be printed because you shot it in a low resolution.

9. If you're shooting action shots set the shutter speed to fast in order to capture frozen movement

By slowing it down you'll create blurred movement. Both these techniques can give you amazing shots if your overall composition is right. Panning is a technique where you move your camera evenly while tracking a moving object and then pressing the shutter. This blurs out the background and keeps your subject sharp.

10. When taking portraits get in really close and exclude clutter

Focus on your subject's eyes and make sure that you focus carefully. Sharp eyes stand out in a good portrait. Even if the face is sharp and the eyes are out of focus, the whole image will look out of focus. As they say, the eyes are the window to the soul. Make sure they are sharp, clear and sparkling with colour.

So there you have it. These are just some of several techniques I use to improve any photo. They might seem basic but they will improve your images immediately.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_G_Turner

10 Digital Photography Techniques

Digital photography has revolutionized picture taking, no more old school film and driving to the drug store and waiting for film to develop. Digital cameras allow the photographer the luxury of concentrating on taking pictures and simply delete away those that are not up to standards.

Prior to looking at effective digital photography techniques, it is important to understand the difference between the old school film cameras and the new digital technology. Same as the old school film SLR (single reflex lens) cameras, digital SLR or DSLR (digital single reflex lens) camera use lenses and mirror. But instead of a film that records the image, a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory. In other words, a DSLR camera is the computerized version of the traditional SLR camera.

Using these simple and effective digital photography techniques can aid those taking photographs with a DSLR cameras in capturing the best images using the new art of digital photography.

10 Digital Photography Techniques

1. Probably the greatest feature of digital cameras is the fabulous LCD screen that allows for real time preview of pictures as you take them. One of the best and most practical digital photography techniques is to make sure to utilize the LCD to its fullest potential by previewing each each picture and making sure it is perfect, if it's not just click delete it and re shoot.

2. Try to get a digital camera with image stabilization. If you don't have that feature then here is a digital photography technique to get clearer pictures without any blur. Hold your hand steady when taking pictures to prevent it from shaking and moving. Also, it is better to hold your eye up to the optical viewfinder when taking pictures, rather than the electronic viewfinder. This helps you to see exactly what your capturing and also helps to keep the camera steady when taking pictures.

3. Flash seems to be a challenge for most beginner photographers. Most flash technology can only light up a up a subject within an average of 10 to 15 feet. Make sure to move in closer, or add more light to the subject area.

4. Because digital cameras can take slightly longer to focus than film cameras, a good digital photography tip to avoid blurry and out-of-focus shots is to half-depress the shutter button until the camera has had time to lock the focus, and then completely press the button to take the actual shot.

5. The law of optics remains the same whether using new digital photography technology or an old camera. For instance, if the sun is behind an image, the picture will be silhouette. If light is in front of the image, the picture will appear squint.

6. Another digital photography technique is when using a polarizer, be sure that the source of light is perpendicular to the object. If you do not have polarizing filter capability then a good digital photography technique is to use a quality pair of sunglasses. Place the sunglasses as close to the camera lens as possible, then check their position in the LCD viewfinder to make sure you don't have the the sunglasses rims in the picture.

7. Instead of film, digital photography uses memory cards to save shots. A good digital photography technique that can prevent lots of regret is to always have back up memory with you. There is nothing worse than missing that great shot because there is no more storage available in your camera.

8. A good digital photography technique for shooting bright landscapes and outdoor portraits is to change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy, this will yield brighter and clearer shots. This will give a warming filter on your camera and increases the reds and yellows resulting in richer and brighter pictures.

9. Zoom in to emphasize a certain asset or characteristic of the subject being captured. Avoid getting too large of a focus shot, evaluate what you want to capture and focus in on that image, avoiding backgrounds like buildings and landscape, this will give you clearer and better pictures of the object you want.

10. Practice is probably the best tip. The best digital photography technique is to practice using your camera. Get to know it and all the controls and what they do. Take lots of pictures and analyze what works best with your camera and soon you will be an expert with your own list of digital photography techniques.

Digital cameras have really simplified photography and made picture taking so much more mobile and convenient. And employing some of these digital photography techniques will deliver the best pictures of life's memories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JR_Lang