Digital Photography
Welcome to Digital Photo Facts - Learn about Digital Photography
Photography is also one of the most popular hobbies in the world. The advent of digital photography makes this even more accessible to the masses. Sales of digital cameras have skyrocketed as prices become more favorable to the consumer.
Almost everyone now owns a digital camera. But owning a camera does not make you a photographer. It's the eye for detail, composition, subject interest, color temperature and a multitude of factors that make the picture jump out from flat dimensionality to touch the human soul. We hope to impart this magical touch to you so that your pictures now speak with a voice and a purpose.
Every picture tells a story. Photography is merely "painting with light". But to be able to master this simple concept, you must equip yourselves not only with the equipment but the basic skills and knowledge of photography terms and conventions like exposure, aperture, depth of field and the simple but effective concepts like the "rule of thirds".
At DigitalPhotoFacts.com, you will be able to find the knowledge that is necessary to help you 'paint' what you see with your camera and the necessary tools to make your picture the best it can be.
Photography Tips
Before you point and shoot just follow these simple tips and your next photo will be much more satisfying:
Taking great photos is not difficult. It is a skill that can be learnt. You only need to be aware of the surroundings and lighting conditions and very importantly - think before you shoot. Here are some very simple photography tips to help you take better pictures.
- Use a plain background - Before taking a picture, check the background surrounding your subject. In most instances, choose a plain background. Avoid trees or poles sprouting from your subject's head. A cluttered background will be distracting while a plain background will accentuate your subject.
- Keep your subject at eye level - Capture the natural looks of their faces. For kids and pets, that means getting down to their level to snap the picture.
- Use flash outdoors - It is a common mistake for point and shoot photographers to just let their camera decide whether to use flash. Even outdoors, use the fill flash setting to improve your pictures. Use it on cloudy days to brighten up faces and make them stand out from the background.
- Move closer to your subject - To create more impactly photos move in close and fill your picture with the subject. For small objects, use the camera's 'macro' mode to get sharper close-ups.
- Take some 'vertical' pictures - Most photos are naturally taken in 'horizontal' or 'landscape' mode as it is the most natural way to 'hold' a camera. But some subjects look better in vertical (or 'portrait') mode. The Eiffel Tower comes to mind. So vary your picture taking and make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures.
- Lock the focus - Lock the focus to create a sharp picture of off-center subjects. Center the subject, press the shutter button half way down, re-frame your picture(while still holding the shutter button) and finish by pressing the shutter button all the way.
- Move your subject away from the middle - Bring your picture to life simply by placing your subject off-center. Imagine a grid with 3 sections horizontally and vertically in your viewfinder. Now place your subject at one of the intersections of lines. Since most cameras focus on whatever's in the middle, remember to lock the focus on your subject before re-framing the shot.
- Know your flash's range - Pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras that's only ten feet - about four steps away. Check your manual to be sure. If the subject is further than ten feet from the camera, the picture may be too dark.
- Watch the light - Great light makes great pictures. Study the effects of light in your pictures. For people pictures, choose soft lighting of cloudy days. Avoid overhead sunlight that casts harsh shadows across faces. For scenic pictures, use the long shadows and color of early and late daylight. The most moving pictures are usually taken at dawn or at dusk.
- Know your camera - A survey carried out recently shows that 65% of camera users (notice the avoidance of the use of the word 'photographer') only ever use one button on their cameras; also known as the 'shutter'. So if you are one of them, it's time to learn more about this amazing tool. If you learn to use it well, it will eventually be an extension of you. Then watch your pictures dramatically improve.
Photography Courses
Most digital photography courses will teach you the basics of becoming a great photographer and some advanced tips that can help you to create expert photos just by changing the lighting or some other changes that are necessary. The point is, if you are new to digital photography then you are going to have to learn a few things first before you start taking great photos.
Taking courses help you discover the features of your camera, learn how professional photo taking skills as well as how to edit your photos to dramatically improve the final look of your photo. There are many photography courses available online. This ebook in particular will help you further improve your photography and take some really awesome photos.
