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
Recommended