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A bit of advice
By Gail Bjork
Owner/editor, Digicamhelp
I've read literally hundreds of comments though the years made by new and novice digital camera users in online forums. It's been interesting. The vast majority of new users ask this question regarding their very first digital photos:
"Is there something wrong with my camera?" In almost all cases, the answer is NO!
The problem usually lies in two areas: unfamiliarity with their camera and not understanding how to obtain proper exposure and focus. Here's what I suggest:
1- Become familiar with your digital camera
Just shoot away.
Take hundreds snapshots and don't worry one iota if the pictures turn out yucky. Become familiar with camera settings, menus and modes. Keep the camera manual nearby to use as a reference when needed.
The purpose of this exercise is to become comfortable with your digital camera so it eventually becomes an extension of your hands. Before you know it, you'll be concentrating more on subject matter than fumbling with the camera when taking photos.
2- Understand light and how it affects exposure
The key to a great photograph is proper exposure. If an image has the best composition in the world, what does it matter if it's poorly exposed?!!
Take plenty of practice shots of subjects and scenes in bright light, low light, back light. Take inside photos with and without a flash, and even outside with a flash (fill-in flash). There are many ways to control exposure but learning how to use focus and exposure-lock is fundamental. Learn this technique before any other.
It is well to ponder the words of Kodak founder, George Eastman:
"Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography."
Visit our Taking Photos section for more information about digital camera techniques.
