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Basic photo-taking
This is a listing of the some of the most basic digital camera photo-taking techniques. Each is explained more fully in other areas of this site.
Use the shutter-release button correctly
The shutter-release button on compact digital camera must be pressed in two stages. The first step locks in exposure and focus. The second step takes the picture. Incorrect use of the shutter button may cause blurred images. [See also Composing and Focusing with a DSLR]
Avoid camera shake
Even slight camera movement causes blurred images. Movement can occurs when taking photos in low light, or when using a long telephoto lens. To help prevent camera shake, hold the camera very steady or use a camera support such as a tripod.
Learn to adjust sensitivity (ISO)
Rather than keep a camera's sensitivity set to auto, learn when and why to adjust ISO for (sometimes) improved low-light performance.
Use fill-in flash outside
Turn on the flash outside to fill in shadows when a nearby subject is back lit. Fill-in flash, also known as forced flash, provides a short burst of additional light.
Reduce red-eye
Red-eye can ruin an otherwise perfect picture. One of the main ways to help prevent red-eye when using a built-in camera flash is to ask subjects not to stare directly in the lens.
Adjust white balance
For more accurate photo color when taking inside photos, change the white balance settings according to the main source of light.
Use macro mode for close-ups
Macro mode is used to take close-up photos of small objects such as flowers, coins and insects. If you move the lens too close to an object without switching to macro mode, images will be out of focus.
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