Digital Photography Tips
Five Unexpected Ideas to
Transform Your Digital Photos
When it comes to digital photography tips, the truth is that those of the photo-technique nature are much the same between film and digital. But there are a few differences that can make digital more fun, more versatile, more personal, … and more frustrating. So here are a few of the most unexpected AND useful digital photography tips I could find. Enjoy.
Don’t Take Unnecessary Chances
or Lose Your Precious Pictures
Back up – This doesn’t mean you need to back away from your computer screen. It means you should back up your hard drive regularly. It’s a very, real issue when it comes to digital photos. While you may think
precious picture memories
are tucked away safe and sound in your computer, researchers say the average hard drive lasts only five years. So don’t take unnecessary chances with your precious family photos, print them out, send to loved ones via email, get an external hard drive, a stack of DVDs or an online service. And copy them right away. You’ll be glad you did.
NOW, Back away – If you have a habit of getting in close for your pictures, you’re not alone. Many recreational photographers do (perhaps because they don’t trust the camera yet). But the problem with getting in too close (unless you’re photographing a baby less than 18 months old) is that you end up crowding your subject. Entering their personal space, as it were. And if you’ve ever had someone cross your invisible space barrier (which is about four feet for most Americans, by the way), you know how it makes you feel -- uncomfortable, agitated, irritable, claustrophobic … you get the drift. Not exactly how you want the people you’re trying to take pics of to feel (and look), is it? So take a little friendly advice, and back up a few feet (or yards), and trust your zoom. And the distance will give a better sense of the
background
, and how it works (or doesn’t) with your subject. You’ll also end up with a wider array of images and angles to choose from.
Embrace Your Camera's Manual
and Get More than You’d Hoped for
One of the really wonderful things about digital photography is that allows you to do your own printing, storing and editing (if you so choose). But there are a few quick digital photography tips you should know about before you stick the virtual Photoshop slicer into your treasured digital photos. Shoot high – In some cases, you’ll be transferring your images into your computer for the very reasons I just listed (ala storing, printing, editing). When that’s the case, be sure to set your camera at the highest resolution possible. While it’s true the larger file size will take a bit more space on your memory card, the added pixels will make editing a breeze and memory cards are getting cheaper it seems by each week! You can always lower the file size later on most digital cameras when you save the photo. What if you capture that perfect photo that you will want to blow up to a 8"x 10" photo or larger? You may want to remove the parts of the photo that you don't need or have someone else edit at a later date. See what is best for you with easy, new settings constantly being updated with every new generation camera and expanding email capability.
Something Surprising about Automatic Settings
Color by hand – This digital photography tip also has to do with scanning images. And it’s simple, if a little counter to what you’ve been led to believe. When scanning, TURN OFF the automatic color balancer. And adjust your color manually. I know, you’re thinking ‘but automation is good. It’s what speeds my paycheck from boss to bank with no effort on my part. It’s what washes and dries my clothes and leaves me with nary a hair out of place. It’s what allows me to drive without exerting my calves or my right arm against clutch and a stick shift.’ And I agree. All those things are fabulous and wonderful automations. Auto-color balance on your scanner is NOT. Color balancing by hand is easy on most digital cameras which allows you to apply various color schemes. It’s actually faster (don’t ask me why, but it’s true). Try "cloudy" on a sunny day for one example of mixing it up with warmer tones on your subjects' faces. So embrace manual labor just this once. Your pictures will be the better for it.
Putting it All Together for the Best Pictures Possible
Say "Watch the Birdie" and "Smile for Me" – And final your tip is to grab a
Smile for Me Toys™ Birdie
and pop it onto your digital camera. You'll get kids from 8 weeks to 80 years old smiling for the camera! The kit is so light weight and compact it fits lithely on even the smallest digital camera and you get great pictures in the process. Now, off you go to try out your new digital photography tips.
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