How To Improve In Digital Photography

Have you already mastered the art of taking photos without ‘red-eye' syndrome? Are there some pictures that you know you should have turned out a lot better than they did? It happens to all of us - even the expert photographers. Few families would consider leaving home for a vacation these days without reliable, high-quality digital imaging equipment-whether it's a camera or a camcorder.

Here are some tips to help you move from beginner to master of digital photography, whether you're using your cell phone or a point-and-shoot camera to snap shots.

Always be prepared
Don't forget to bring backup camera batteries or memory cards so you'll never miss a shot.

Compose Carefully
One of the most basic digital photography tips is to pay attention to what's in the frame of the viewfinder. Fill the frame. Nothing but blue sky, for instance, behind a single subject throws off the proportions of the photo and decreases interest. You can also turn the camera sideways to see if a vertical photo might have more impact than a horizontal shot of the same subject. You can also try positioning your subject off to the side, rather than in the center of the photograph.

Creativity
Sunsets and mountain ranges are always great backdrops for family pictures. By using your surroundings in interesting ways, you'll be able to create images featuring an array of natural color and light while showcasing your happy family.

Take Great Close up Photos
Your digital camera has a “macro mode” - think of it as a super magnifying glass. An extreme close up of something like flower petals can bring out textures that you never knew existed, and will add excitement to your photos. Play with this feature, you will find dozens of ways to use it to enhance your pictures.

Share the fun
Take turns and let others control the lens for a while. A camcorder such as the Canon DC40 DVD Camcorder is so easy to use that anyone in the family can take great video. The camcorder records direct to DVD, is compact and takes high-resolution, 4-Megapixel digital photos.

Buy a Tripod
Digital cameras are prone to blurry photographs if your hands shake even a little bit. Several companies manufacture light, portable, inexpensive versions. Digital photography tips like this can save you hours of frustration and preserve otherwise perfect shots.

Get Active
Take your shot from the top of a teeter-totter, off the side of the boat, or standing on your head. Thinking outside the box can really pay off in unexpected ways. You will truly get once in a lifetime shots by adding a bit of creativity to your thinking.

Don't be afraid
Take your PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH camera with you on a scuba diving adventure. The 6-Megapixel camera has a 16:9 widescreen mode for full-screen viewing on widescreen TVs and computer monitors, and is the right size for taking along on any deep-sea adventure. Use the WPDC40 underwater camera case (to depths of 130 feet) to protect the camera and snap pictures in the surf.

Pack lightly
Hybrid digital products such as the PowerShot S3 IS let you capture still photographs and high-quality video. The 6-Megapixel camera has a 12x optical zoom lens, image stabilization technology for steady shots, a "movie snap" feature that lets you take still images while shooting movies, a widescreen mode for full-screen viewing and still leaves plenty of room for any souvenirs you might want to bring home. Hybrid digital products can take photo stills and shoot movies without taking up too much space in your luggage.

Hello from abroad
Print and send photos before you even get home: The SELPHY CP510 photo printer is small enough to pack in your suitcase and lets you print pictures in under a minute. And the paper used for printing photos doubles as a postcard! How's that for multitasking?

Take a Class
Are you still hungry for digital photography tips? There's nothing like practice to improve your photography - except practice plus experience gained by learning from a pro. You can find photography classes online, at your local recreation centers, and community colleges.

Becoming an expert at digital photography takes time; you won't become a professional photographer in your first week. Just keep trying new methods each time you use your camera, and before long, your friends and family will be admiring your newfound skills.