Point and shoot cameras have a reputation for being intuitive. However, if you really want to get the most out of your new camera, you need to understand some of its basic functions and settings, as well as some tips for keeping it in good working order.
Basic functions
- Camera Modes: Icons, usually located on a dial on the top of the camera, that allow the user to switch between landscape, portrait, macro and other types of photos.
- Shutter Priority: Halfway between automatic and manual mode, shutter priority allows the user to control the shutter speed while automating the rest of the process.
- White Balance: Combats over-exposure and yellowing in photographs.
- Histograms: Small digital graphs that allow the user to see a visual representation of light distribution in a given photo.
- AEB: Automatically selects the right exposure settings for the type of photo being taken.
Camera handling
- Holding a Camera: Balance the camera between both hands, providing a steadier base from which to take shots.
- Shutter Release: Practice holding down the shutter release for difference lengths of time to let different amounts of light in.
- Focal Lock: Most digital cameras automatically lock on to the focal point of a shot. Practice holding the camera steady until the lock is complete.
- Sharpness: Adjust the aperture manually to choose what the lens focuses on and get the sharpest possible shots.
- Flash: Avoid blown-out, overexposed images by turning off the automatic flash on your camera and controlling it manually.
- Field of Depth: Use the aperture to bring the foreground of macro or portrait shots into focus.
- Exposure: To get the perfect exposure, combine the ISO, aperture and shutter speed settings.
Maintenance
- DSLR Sensor: Clean the DSLR sensor regularly to prevent issues with your camera’s automatic settings.
- DSLR Lens: Use a camera cleaning kit to clean lenses without scratching them.
- Camera Protection: Steer clear of sand, salt and dust, all of which can get inside your camera and cause it to malfunction.
Composition
- Rule of Thirds: Imagine each shot divided into a three-by-three grid to get the most balanced images.
- Interest Points: Choose a central feature to focus on in each image.
- Horizons: Keep the horizon horizontal, or risk a picture that looks off-kilter and strange.
- Framing: When shooting portrait or macro photography, get as close to the subject as possible to completely fill the frame.
- Backgrounds: Choose backgrounds that are interesting, but not so busy they detract from the overall shot.
- Original Compositions: Don’t be afraid to take risks with your images and create original shots.
With a little practice, you can take beautiful, professional-looking pictures. However, it’s important to first learn how to work with your new camera rather than against it.
Photograph by Mohamed Muha