Things we are learning

Tips and Tricks we are learning

1. Always mess with settings
- The P setting on many cameras is called program auto and is a step
between full auto and completely manual. I find this is helpful when I feel like
messing around, but manual is too complicated, or will take too long
- The menu button on many cameras has many features that you can choose
to match what you are taking pictures of. These can quickly and easily
improve your shots. Some include close up, sunset, snow, among many
others.
- Explore! And experiment with your camera. Even if you miss that sunset this
time, by messing with settings, next time you will know what to do!
2. Try to frame your shots interestingly
- If you see a flower try taking a picture from looking up the stem, down on top
of it, or so you have it silhouetted on the horizon. Be creative!
- You can look for tiny details like the bark on a dead tree and make them
come alive!
- Try putting your camera on ground level, as high as you can reach, or
pointing straight up!
3. Arrange your photos
- Almost all cameras have some sort of guide that shows the middle or thirds
that can help you rearrange your shots interestingly. Try to line your object of
focus on one of the lines of thirds. You can also line something out of focus
like a background vine, on one of the thirds, but put your main focus in the
middle.
- You can also frame things like using tree branches to frame a photo of the
sky.
4. Get good lighting
- If you are out of doors and it is sunny generally always put the sun to your
back, to keep from getting unwanted sunspots, damaging your eyes, and
having your shots turn out too bright. If you are trying to take pictures of the
sun I try to put my camera where a tree or building is blocking out most of
the light, but lets in sun beams.
- When it is cloudy outside, you can use flash, or there are many settings on
the camera that compensate for the low light.
- Indoors you can add light where it is needed and take away where it is not,
by adjusting curtains, and adding lights. Don’t forget to be adjusting camera
settings too! On some cameras there are even a specific setting for taking
pictures in doors.
5.Photographing people
- Make sure to get all angels
-  When taking a picture of somebody, make sure the picture really expresses who they are.
- Be creative in the locations in which you shoot. Make sure it expresses them. For example, if they are really country, do the shoot in the woods or a field.
6. Odds and Ends.
- Use Macro if you want to especially point out a certain thing.

Enjoy!
A&M