Taking Better Digital Photos is a Snap

According to the NPD Group, a global provider of consumer and retail market research, nearly 75% of American households own a digital camera but most users have little or no photography experience or training. Here are a few tips for helping customers improve digital photographs:

1. Don’t miss the “moment.” Some cameras, particularly point-and-shoot models can be a little slow to capture the image. Autofocus and automatic exposure settings can delay the shutter. Try decreasing the delay by holding the settings. For example, aim the camera and press the shutter button halfway to set the focus and exposure then fully press the button when the subject enters the frame.
2. Get a little closer. When photographing family and friends with landmarks, it’s probably necessary that people appear distant, after all, it’s the background that’s the focal point. When the landscape isn’t the center of attention, use the camera’s zoom feature to get closer to the subject. A photo partly or largely composed of the subject is more compelling than a photo of someone far away with a living room or parking lot surrounding them.
3. Come down a level. When photographing pets, children or people, lower the camera’s position to a level more consistent with the subject. The result is a more personal and natural perspective.
4. Three is not a crowd. Many photographers use the Rule of Thirds when composing a photograph. It should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. Proponents claim that this technique creates more interest in the composition than simply centering the subject.
5. Back it up. Not long ago, people anguished over the loss of photographs due to flood, fire or storm. Today a personal computer hard-drive failure is all that’s needed to erase years of memories. Backup or copy digital photographs to an external hard-drive or other format to protect from loss. Some drive enclosures feature one-touch copy to easily transfer picture files.
   

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