Tips for taking good pictures with a digital camera

Tips for Taking Good Pictures

1. Move closer to the subject

Subject is the main focus and interest of a good picture, hence move closer to the subject.  If your camera has zoom function, use the optical zoom to get a close up shot.  Mover closer will result in less clutter in the image without drawing the eye away from the main subject of your photo.

Example: Move closer to the subject (flower)

2. Golden rule of third composition

Place the main subject on one of the four lines or four intersections (i.e the green dot). See picture above under the topics "Move closer to the subject"

Golden Rule of Third

3. Use camera "fill in flash" function under bright sun

Use the function of "fill in flash" to fill the harsh shadows under the sun. Almost every digital camera has this function.

Fill in with flash under bright sun to eliminate shadows on the flower.

4. Try vertical picture (Portrait)

Vertical picture of certain subject (e.g.building or portrait) sometimes look better.

5. Turn on the camera built in stabilization function or use a tripod under low light environment

Under low light, picture may appear not in focus due to lower setting of shutter speed.  If your camera has image stabilization device turn it on, otherwise use higher ISO or a tripod or use the flash (if possible).

6. Keep the background of the subject simple

Complex background diverts the focus interest of the picture. e.g. This picture has complex background.

7. Get a brand name camera not necessary expensive one

Nowadays, brand name point and shoot camera does not cost too much.  One can get a brand name for under $100 dollars.  Do not buy those no name camera. Even a brand name camera phone can take quite okay pictures for 4R size picture. Read camera review in the web and Google search.