Top Tips For Fantastic Photos Every Time!
Posted on December 25, 2009
Filed Under Digital Camera Features, Good Digital Cameras |
The time for friends and family to gather and enjoy the holidays is upon us. So this week’s digital photography tips are all about capturing the magic of the holidays with some picture taking pointers.
- Play with the Depth of Field – Instead of snapping a picture in front of the tree, place your subject in the background, increase the aperture on your camera to the lowest setting (like around f/5.6 to f/1.4). Focus on your subject in the background and the tree in the foreground will be twinkling and blurry.
- Work in the background - Candid shots are more natural and can be amazing.Stand back from the group and record the natural moments.
- Accessorize - Clever props are a great way to spice up photos during the holidays. Think Santa Hats, wrapped presents and even large ornaments.
- Capture the Action – Gift opening can be hectic enough without worrying if you got the shot or not. To take the stress out of the moment, put your camera into “auto-mode” or better yet “Continuous mode” and just start snapping away.
- Avoid the red eye – Whenever you use your flash you’re more than likely to get that evil red eye. Use the “red-eye reduction” mode on your camera.Some cameras do have automatic red eye correction which is nice.
- Embrace the darkness – To get a sharp photo of twinkling tree lights or candles, turn off the house lights and turn up the ISO setting on your camera.Using ISO 800 or 1600 should work just fine. You’ll need to hold the camera steady so your photos don’t come out fuzzy. Either use a tripod and your cameras timer function or try setting your camera down on a solid surface.
- Head outdoors - To get crystal clear pictures at night use a tripod. Turn up the ISO setting to 800 and lower the aperture so lots of light gets in. And don’t forget to turn off the flash.A word to the wise; if it’s extremely cold outdoors.The chilly temperture outside can quickly drain the charge from your battery.Be sure that you charge up your batteries. And if you are going to be outside for a while, be sure to keep your camera warm.Try to keep the camera warm inside your coat while setting up for the picture, and take it out when you are ready to start shooting.
- Let there be peace – Don’t forget to photograph the quiet moments this holiday season.Nothing can be more magical than watching a child listening to their grandparent reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
- Know when to use the flash – Sometimes you just need to use your camera’s flash.Try to stand about 12 ft from the subjects of your photo so that the flash is bright enough but not so bright that they are blinded by it or overexposed.
- Capture the preperations - We sometimes forget to record the experience of everything behind the scenes while preparing for the festivities. Do include the baking of the treats, shopping for gifts, decking the halls and the wrapping of the presents.
- Try a new angle when taking photos – Stand off to the side and zoom in to capture the moment.
- Be in the pictures too! - Many photographers end up not being in any of the pictures, give your camera to others and let them take some snapshots also. Remember your family won’t care how you looked but they will remember you were there, not only in their memories but in the photos as well.
Hopefully some of these hints will help you create better photographs and get more enjoyment from your camera!
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