Many people will tell you that you need an expensive camera to get excellent images. While that is based partially in truth, you don’t need a fancy camera to take images that are beautiful and frame-worthy. Whether you’re taking them of landscapes or family, these few tips will help you get the most out of whatever camera you have without needing expensive equipment. And if you do have expensive equipment than these tips will help you only improve your images even more.
Don’t Use Digital Zoom
Whether you’re shooting with an iPhone or an expensive DSLR or bridge camera with optical and digital zoom, you should never use digital zoom. This isn’t a real zoom and is essentially the equivalent of zooming in on a photo that’s already been taken. It will only decrease the quality of the image. Using digital zoom no matter what camera you have will make the photo pixelated and not very appealing and it will also make it impossible to blow up to anything larger than a 4×6 photo.
Follow Rule Of Thirds
This isn’t a rule that always has to be followed to get a good image, but it can make it much more aesthetically pleasing. Following the rule of thirds can take a relatively drab photo and turn it into something more interesting and nice to look at.
Take a photo of a tree, for instance. A tree in a landscape that’s just smack in the center of the photo might look a little weird, but if it’s off to the right or the left, it gives the photo a bit more depth and makes it more interesting to look at.
Follow Subject’s Eye Line
If you’re shooting photos of people than this is an excellent way to make sure the photo doesn’t feel awkward. Having your subject look off to the side of the camera rather than straight at it gives the photo an air of mystery, but what you should never do is place your subject off to the side looking in the wrong direction of the extra space. So if you’re subjecting is looking to the left, place them in the right hand side of the photo. This draws the viewer’s eye along the side of the photo and gives a specific point of interest.
Focus
Whether you’re shooting with an expensive DSLR or simply a point and shoot or phone, the most important aspect to an image is focus. Have a primary focus to the image and make sure everything is sharp. If you fail to do this, your photo will not come out well regardless of the equipment you’re using.
Photography is a great subject to explore and although it can be an expensive one everyone can enjoy photography with what they have. You just need to make sure you follow a few simple tricks to ensure your photos come out the best they can be.
