Yes, dodge those mistakes from now on.
Digital cameras is becoming more and more pervasive everyday. People starts to think that good cameras equal good photograph. It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go “Wow!”. Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you’ll get.
If you’re interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros,” a free report.
Now lets get to the commonly made mistakes you can easily avoid.
1. Not understanding your camera
Every cameras come with similar, but different features and settings. It is your job as the owner to know the limit and capabilities of your tool. Please do read the manual.
2. Not using a tripod
Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light because it eliminates camera shake causes by human body tremor. Use one as often as possible. Hey, you need one for your group photo anyway!
3. Pressing the shutter too fast
Any autofocus cameras need time to do their job. Good ones might take fraction of a second, average ones might take couple of second. Wait until you see the sharpest photo on your screen/viewfinder before pressing the shutter.
4. Using too much digital zoom
Listen to me: digital zoom is a bad bad thing. Turn it off whenever possible or just don’t use it. It makes your photo look pixelated and grainy.
5. Taking pictures against the light
It will make your subject look really dark in contrast with bright background. Except that you want to make silhouette.
6. Relying too much on the camera flash
Improper use of on-camera flash will result in a non-flattering photo. This is why you see the pro photographers use off camera flash. Heck, high end camera like Canon 5D Mk.II doesn’t even have on-camera flash.
7. Not taking enough pictures
With the power of digital, you can take 7 photo of the same setting with the same cost. It gives you some buffer for mistakes. You can just delete the bad ones later on.
8. Always putting the subject dead center
Plain and simple, boring. Now go learn the rule of third.
9. Diagonal horizon
When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it’s level. Horizon are supposed to be horizontal.
10. Forgetting to set highest resolution
Always always set your camera to take the highest resolution picture possible.
11. Including too many things in the photo
Simplicity is best. Try to frame the person without any distracting background. Maybe you can use the blue sky, the sea, or just plain white wall. It will direct your viewer’s eyes to the person.
12. Leaving the camera at home
You’ll never know when a good photo op will come up, so always bring your camera everywhere. Compact camera nowadays are small enough to fit in your pocket or purse anyway.
It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.
For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros.” It’s a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.
