Twenty Tips to Terrific Pics

Janice Hickman

Southwest High School

TCEA 2009

Tip 1Read your manual

I know it’s embarrassing to admit you need help,

but read it anyway

Tip 2Move in Closer

Fill the frame with your subject

Shoot at eye level to create intimacy

Which is better? Lots of lilies...

or just one?

Rochelle hugs my Mom

Kat hugs a basketball(by the Professional)

Kat hugs a basketball(by Me)

Take parts of the whole, too.

Tip 3

Use the Rule of Thirds to Compose or Crop Images—think Tic-Tac-Toe...

Put the important pieces of the photo where the lines intersect—not in the center box!

Eyes on the top line, faces at the intersections

Tip 4

Place your Subject Off-Center and Something Interesting in the Background

Tip 5

Use the Optical Zoom; Turn off the Digital Zoom

Tip 6

Take More Shots—it’s the best feature of your camera!

Tip 7

Half-push the Shutter Button to pre-focus the camera

Tip 8 Hold It Steady—use a tripod,

monopod, table, friend, don’t breathe when you push the shutter button.

Tip 9

Take Photos from Unusual Angles

Tip 10

Get Down to Kid Level

Lucy Kate

Graham

Michael and the cats

Tip 11

Use the Continuous Shooting Mode to capture action—with children, pets, and sports

Tip 12

Use the Flash Outdoors to eliminate shadows

Tip 13 Anticipate Predictable Moments;

“Zone focus” on where the action will occur or “Follow focus” on the subject and pan the camera.

Tip 14 Look for the Light; use

available light to photograph babies and the elderly; early morning or late afternoon light is best.

Tip 15 Look for Lines and use

them to frame your photos

Sometimes you want lines...sometimes you don’t...

Tip 16

Look for Reflections

Tip 17Use Red Eye Reduction

And get on Kid Level

And move in closer!

Tip 18 Learn the Predefined

Modes in addition to Automatic

Landscape

Portrait

Macro

Night

Landscape: everything is in focus

Portrait: blurs the background

Macro: super close up

Night: uses available light; hold still!

Tip 19 Tell a Story—include

everyday elements, signs, landmarks...

Tip 20

Always Be Prepared with extra batteries and memory cards