Five Tips for Taking Better Digital Photos

‘ve been taking pictures for a long time - you probably have too. And it’s always been my feeling that the picture was more important than the camera.

In other words, I want to know just enough about my camera to be able to catch that special smile on my granddaughter’s face or to capture a magnificent sunset at the beach. And then I want to be able to make a print that I can add to the family album, put up on the refrigerator door, e mail to a friend or - as I recently did - make a huge print for my dining room wall.

Of course the trick now is to learn to use our magical - but confusing! - digital cameras. So, here are my five top suggestions for making your digital photo experience easier and more fun:

Shooting Mode - Switch camera to “P” (Program) mode instead of using the “Green Box” (auto) mode. Think of “P” as being “Auto” on steroids. It does things the same way - fully automatically - only better! And, with most cameras, it allows you greater control of your flash and some latitude for controlling either shutter speed or aperture - while still retaining “automatic” performance.

Or choose a specific Scene Mode to fit the subject (”portrait,” “sports,” “landscape”). Just remember to switch back to “P” after you’ve used the Scene Mode.

Quality, File Size, Resolution - Always shoot at the highest resolution and file size your camera allows. Yes, this uses up more space on your memory card, but it gives the best quality photograph. If you want to reduce the file size for e mailing later, that’s fine. But shoot at the highest resolution and quality. Otherwise you might as well have bought a cheaper, lower quality camera.

ISO Setting - This is the camera’s sensitivity to light. Most cameras set themselves automatically to a fairly low ISO (100-200). But for most shooting situations, try setting the ISO to 400. It makes the camera more sensitive to light, allows it to automatically select a faster shutter speed, and increases the effective power of your flash. And I strongly recommend against using the so-called “Auto ISO” mode.

Flash - Turn OFF the “Red Eye” feature. This feature slows down the camera, doesn’t work very well, and is confusing to people when you use it - lots of flashes. Also remember that your little built-in flash works best from around 4 - 12 feet. Don’t use a flash when shooting scenery or long distance pictures. But DO use flash when you’re shooting people outdoors in bright sunlight. Yeah, REALLY! It will eliminate those nasty shadows on people’s faces when the sun is straight overhead.

Focus - “Point and shoot” digital cameras focus automatically. But NOT until you press the button. So develop the habit of pressing the button half way down to activate the auto focus. Then wait for everybody to smile, and finish pressing the button. This is also the best way to overcome “shutter lag,” when you press the button and nothing happens for two or three seconds.

Remember - even if you’re using a 3 or 4 megapixel camera, you can take great pictures that will make great prints. Try my five suggestions. I’m sure most (probably all) of them will work for you.

Jim McDade is a professional photographer and a Digital Photography and Photoshop teacher. For more great Digital Photo tips visit http://www.jimsdigitaldiary.com