Photography 101: Tips to Improve Your Point-and-Shoot Digital Photography

Photography has changed tremendously over the past few decades. Despite the fact that the first digital camera was introduced in 1975, the digital camera did not become a staple in many photographer’s hands until the early to mid 1990s. With prices of basic point-and-shoot digital cameras becoming more affordable each year, students across the world are becoming more active in photography industry because of it’s accessibility. Bronwen Latimer said in National Geographic’s book, “Ultimate Field Guide to Photography,” that “ you must photograph what interests you rather than what you think you should.” These tips are basic, yet explore the many ways you can become a better photographer.

*Don’t always center your subject matter. Many photographers use what is called the “rule of thirds” while composing a photograph. This rule essentially divides the LCD screen or photograph into a tic-tac-toe board, with nine identical squares. The subject of the photograph should fall at one of the four intersecting planes. Off-centering the subject is an instant way to transform an ordinary photograph into one that is aesthetically interesting.

*Never be afraid to try different angles. For example, if you’re photographing your sleeping dog, don’t simply stand above Fido and point the camera facedown. Get on his level. Try lots of angles. Then, review the pictures and chose your favorites. “Taking pictures and reviewing them are the best ways to improve once you have the basics,” says Stephen Castile, Journalism Advisor at Cedar Shoals High School. “With digital film and cameras, that process is inexpensive and immediate.”

*ALWAYS pay attention to your background. You don’t want your subject matter to be overtaken by various objects in the background. Compositionally, try to arrange the photograph to where your subject stands out, perhaps against a neutral wall or

*Find an editing software that works for you. It’s amazing at the difference simply adjusting the color will make. iPhoto and Windows have great editing tools that allow you to convert your photos to black and white, sepia tone, or even Picnik.com is also a free and easy photo editing website that allows beginner photographers to edit their photos in unique ways.

*Wait for the moment. A good photograph should tell a story, and photographing someone in his or her natural environment is a great way to show emotion while telling a story within the photo, but it does require patience. “If you’re keenly observing your subject, the golden moment will unfold itself and you have to be ready for the shot,” says David Ragsdale, English and Journalism teacher at Clarke Central High School. If you are unable to work your camera, you could miss that moment, which brings us to our next tip.

*Know how to work your camera. Many point-and-shoot cameras have different settings on a turn dial at the top of the camera. Set aside time to learn what each setting on your camera does. “Utilize your cameras preset modes. If you are taking a close-up headshot style picture of your friend, switch the camera over to portrait mode,” says Courtney Rosen who owns Out Of Focus Studio located in Athens. Each camera comes with a manual. It isn’t necessary to read and highlight everything as you would for a biology test, but it is important that you understand the different settings and figure out what each button does. That way, you can make the most of your camera and improve the overall look of your photos. If you become comfortable using your camera, you’re more likely to never miss that “perfect shot” again. Mark Johnson, Photojournalism professor at the University of Georgia, emphasizes the importance of understanding your camera. “Understand the mechanics of photography so you can concentrate on the story,” says Johnson.

*This is the last and most important rule: don’t be afraid to take tons of pictures. Back in the film age, this would have been quite an expensive endeavor, but with digital technology, you have nothing to lose. “SHOOT. SHOOT. SHOOT. Take a camera with you wherever you go,” recommends Ragsdale. “Take hundreds of shots, especially for sporting events.” Many times, it takes hundreds of shots to get one that you like. The more pictures you take, the more comfortable you will become with you camera.

--Ashlee Culverhouse