First Time Photography Tips

There’s nothing more precious than a collection of family photos in an array of different poses and situations. However, before you get started snapping away, there are a few things you need to know about framing your shot, using your digital camera’s settings and how they can affect everything from posed family photos to those you happen to catch in a more natural setting.

Digital cameras use memory, allowing you to delete shots you’re not happy with on the spot. With a good sized card, you’ll be able to take hundreds of pictures. Remember before starting any photo session, whether impromptu photos at a reunion, or posed photos during the holidays, to have spare batteries and an extra memory card to ensure you capture all of the memories possible.

Before taking the picture, you need to consider the composition of your subject, as well as your choice of frame. Taking a picture of a person can vary from an up close headshot to a full body photo. Once you’ve decided which type of photo you want, place your light source in front of the person being photographed. The use of a flash should always be reserved for situations when you have no other options. The ideal lighting source for any picture is sunlight.

You can have the person centered or slightly to the side, depending on the style of image you prefer. An important aspect of framing your shot is to ensure you don’t cut the top of people’s heads off, as well as leaving between one to three inches below their shoulders. Another good rule of thumb is to remember not to take pictures with your camera sideways. While this practice was necessary with film cameras, digital pictures can be manipulated with various software programs to achieve the look you want.

If the camera does not have a manual focus, you need to use its autofocus on the person’s face first by holding the trigger half way down. Once the camera’s focus is set, keep holding the trigger. Readjust the placement of your subject within the frame and then push the trigger all the way down to take the picture. Try to have the person to hold the expression that you want to capture, making sure that it’s a natural look for them so that they don’t end up looking frozen in an unnatural expression.

For full body shots, focus on the face first, followed by framing your subject, which can include other items or scenery, and again, remember to leave some space between the subject and the edge of your frame.

When your focus is nature shoots, it’s important to know that a smaller aperture will give you sharper details at average speed. Take a moment to think about what you would like to capture, and consider the angles and the lighting needed to get that perfect photo.

Photos taking at sporting events require settings at faster speeds to prevent blurring. Try to have your focus set beforehand, enabling you to catch the subject of your desired photo as soon as they come into view. Otherwise, the time it takes your camera to refocus could mean you lose out on the perfect shot. People move so fast in various sporting events your timeframe is very limited.

It’s important to know your camera before any big event. Your comfort, knowledge and familiarity with your camera will heighten your chances of getting those special shots needed for making perfect memories. Spending your time fumbling with your camera could mean a lot of precious moments missed.

Read my my review of the Nikon D60 DSLR camera