Top 10 Techniques for Better Picture Taking - Big Y® World Class Market®

When you take a picture you want it to come out its best, right. Unfortunately the manuals that come with your camera usually say little about how to take a good picture. Here we have collected some ideas of how you can improve your picture taking.

As a general rule, the closer you get to the subject, the better your pictures will be. Getting close eliminates distracting, unnecessary backgrounds and shows the subject clearly.
Think about showing just enough of the scene to make the picture clear and interesting. Be sure to check your camera manual to learn the closest distance at which your camera takes sharp pictures. Many point-and-shoot cameras cannot focus closer than four feet from the subject.
When photographing people, keep them busy. Your pictures will have a feeling of lively spontaneity.
To avoid stiff, static poses, prompt your subjects to be active. Their expressions will be more relaxed and natural.
A simple background focuses attention on the subject and makes clear, strong pictures. Take control and move your subject or your camera to find a simple, uncluttered background.
There is nothing wrong with placing the subject in the center of your viewfinder. However, placing the subject off-center can make the composition more dynamic and interesting to the eye.
When taking scenic pictures, try including objects in the foreground. Elements in the fore ground a sense of distance, depth and dimension.
Adequate lighting is essential to expose film, but good lighting can make your pictures more interesting, colorful, dimensional, and flattering to the subject. Strong sunlight is only one of many types of good lighting.
Some people are surprised to learn that cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint, and it throws harsh shadows. On overcast days, the light is soft and flattering to faces.
Sometimes good pictures are missed by overlooking the basics. Holding the camera steady is vital for sharp, clear pictures. When your push the shutter button, press it gently rather than jabbing it. Even slight camera movement can rob your pictures of sharpness. Use a brace to steady your arm or use a tripod, if available.
You can improve your pictures by taking full advantage of the flash built into most cameras. It provides extra light when you need it, especially indoors, and it freezes action for sharp pictures.
Be sure to stay within the "flash range." this is the range of distance which will be properly exposed. A typical range is four to twelve feet. Check your camera manual for the effective range of your flash.
Flash can improve pictures outdoors, as well as indoors. Using flash outdoors will soften shadows and brighten colors.

source: www.kodak.ca