USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA

Posted by Justin Haich on June 2, 2009

Are you new to digital photography? Here's a quick overview to help you use your digital camera and get the best shots possible.

A couple of things to remember…
Point and shoot digital cameras are easy to use. With most of them, you press the button and the camera software does the rest. Couldn't be simpler. However, there are a couple of things to remember to ensure you'll always be able to get the shots you want.

Read the manual. Your camera is probably capable of a lot of things that will help you take better pictures. A quick read will help you understand it, and use it to its full potential.
Check your batteries. Make sure you always have fresh batteries on hand. There's nothing more disappointing than missing a perfect shot because your camera just ran out of juice.
Empty your memory card. Not being able to take a picture because your card is full can certainly be frustrating. Clear your card regularly, and carry an extra with you, just in case.

With digital, more is always better.
Want to get great shots? Think like a photojournalist, and take LOTS of pictures so you can use them to tell a story. Shoot from different angles, and perspectives, and feel free to go crazy. After all, it is digital – you can always delete the stuff you don't want.

Here's a great example of taking a “photojournalist” approach. For a family bringing home a new baby, there are lots of possibilities for telling a story with pictures – and preserving some very precious memories. Of course, photograph the baby in its new home, with parents, grandparents, etc. But don't forget to shoot other parts of the experience as well – the nursery, the baby's toys, blankets, her tiny feet and hands, his hair, the cute little shoes lined up in a row, the first bath, first feeding, first nap. Use your imagination to make it interesting and fun.

Compose your shots.
Whether you're shooting with a digital or film camera, it's easy to get better pictures by following one simple strategy: the rule of thirds. Place your subject slightly away from the centre of the picture. Here's how: imagine your photo divided by a tic-tac-toe grid. Simply put your subject (person, tree, shoe, whatever…) on one of the grid's intersecting lines, and you'll instantly have a more interesting picture.

Get in close.
Zoom in (or physically get closer) to the person your photographing – focusing on faces adds intimacy and makes for memorable photos.

Manage your photos as you take them.
Don't wait a year to load your pics onto your computer. Do it regularly, and they'll be easier to manage, and there will be less chance of losing them. You can edit them later. And, of course, don't forget to do a backup. You can use a CD – or take advantage of the online backup services out there.

And now you're ready to use your camera. Happy shooting!

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