Learn Basic Photography!
Improve Your Vacation Scrapbook!

Take the time to learn basic photography and you will enjoy taking photos of your vacations and world travels! Just the basics will take an ordinary photo and turn it into a memory.

After all, why did you take the shot in the first place?

Everything you find here is geared at digital photography for beginners. Although some of the techs and tips might seem obvious, you would be surprised at how many people either haven't heard them or fail to use them. Either way, by following time tested tips and techniques, it is a snap to learn basic photography. On this page you will find tips and techniques designed for everyone holding a camera!

Bless the Polarizing Filter!

Every photographer shooting outdoors should utilize the benefits of a polarizer. Polarizers reduce glare and knock down reflections. Your landscapes will have more saturated, vibrant colors. The sky will have deeper blues. In case your camera doesn't accept filters, you can use your sunglasses.

Flashing Outdoors!

Use your flash to fill in the dark areas of your subject. If your subject is wearing a sun hat or sombrero, use the flash to remove shadows from the face. It is important to know your flashes effective distance (average is 6-10 feet). If the sun is behind your subject, you will have shadows. Unless you are going for a silouette shot, use the flash to fill in! A must learn basic photography skill.

Entering the Macro Zone!

Getting macro close to your subject opens up a whole new world. Simple subjects such as flowers, grass, wood grain, and a bag of marbles look totally different in the macro mode. Experiment with macro and you will find the possibilities endless!

Straighten that Horizon Line!

A common photo problem is angled horizons, especially at the beach! This creates photos that look lopsided. Make a conscious effort while shooting. Using the law of thirds in your composition each and every time you trip the shutter helps you to concentrate on technique. A must learn basic photography skill.

Use Big, Big Media Cards

When purchasing your media cards, budget out for the biggest you can swing. This allows you room to work and get the best photos possible by shooting at the highest resolution your camera allows! With these memory cards, you can shoot till content and still have some left for that glorious, once in a lifetime sunset!

Use Your High Resolution

The most important reason for a huge memory card is it allows you to use your camera's highest resolution settings. Using high rez allows you to make a much bigger print of that sunset you just shot!

Eyes Open for Color!

I'm not talking about the 150 lb surveyor's tripod used for 8x10 view cameras. I'm talking about the little ones that fit into your back pocket. A tripod is an excellent tool for photography. It holds your camera steady. It is a tremendous aid in composition, and a necessity for macro work. Small amount to pay for huge dividends!

Go Manual and Adjust that Shutter Speed!

Want some great photos? Adjust that shutter speed. Slow down your shutter speed for some great special effects. Turn moving water into satin ribbons. Make stars look like they are streaking across the night sky. Speed up your shutter to capture a snake striking or Tiger Woods in mid swing! Practice varying your shutter speeds and experiment. A must learn basic photography skill. You will love the results.

Empty Out that Background!

When composing your shot, pay attention to the background. Avoid any distractions you may find. You may have to move around a little but it will be well worth the effort in the end. Remember to use the rule of thirds. It helps you focus on the outcome.

Rule of Thirds!

It seems that the subject of a photo is more pleasing to the eye if it is placed off center rather than directly in the middle of the frame. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board in your viewfinder(the rule of thirds, three horizontal sections and three vertical sections). Try placing your subject on one of the points where these vertical and horizontal lines cross. By composing your shot in this manner, you will find that your photos will seem more interesting!

Eyes Open for Color!

Although I am a huge fan of black and white photography, I love subjects that are brightly colored and photos that are composed to showcase that color Vivid colors make your photos stand out. An example are the brightly colored homes on the Caribbean Islands! Food and flea markets have a plethora of colorful subjects. Always be on the lookout for mass quantities of color. It's everywhere!

Change Camera Position, Change Perspective!

Move up, move down, climb a staircase or lie down and shoot up. Squat, lay your camera on the ground and take a shot. Experiment changing angles and points of view in your photography. You will start producing some very interesting results.

Learn Basic Photography!

There are just a few basic skills a person needs to greatly improve their joy of photography. Most can be self taught with practice and experimentation. Or, you can take classes. There are many great photographers out there ready to show you the ropes! Either way, learn the basics. You will find a new shutterbug emerging!

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