Getting Pro-quality photos need not be a hit or miss proposition. Digital Cameras--even the basic ones--take the guesswork out of any kind of photography. Just snap the shot and see immediate results on the LCD screen on the back of the camera.
A camera IS NOT a complicated device. It has just three BASIC settings that should be of concern to you:
1. Aperture - This setting controls the AMOUNT of light reflected from your subject that passes through the lens onto the film or light sensor of a digital camera.
2. Shutter Speed - As the name implies--time is involved. The shutter controls the length of time the reflected light reaches the film or light sensor.
3. Focus - While aperture and shutter speed work in combination to create an exposure value (EV), that is the perfect amount of light for the correct length of time, if the image providing the reflected light is not in focus, the resulting shot will look fuzzy.
Focus Is The Most Critical Setting
For me, focus is the most critical setting because even if the photo is a little too light (Overexposed) or dark (underexposed), if it is out of focus...it is mostly useless.
The saving grace is that most all cameras today have an Automatic setting. Automatic exposure (aperture and shutter speed) is what many amateur photographers use. This setting removes most of the guesswork and you will use it most of the time.
Why Not Just Use Automatic All of The Time?
So why complicate things? Just shoot Automatic all of the time! Right? Well that depends on the outcome you expect. If you truly want to amaze your family and friends with professional quality shots, then you definitely need to learn what all of those other settings on the "main" camera dial will do for you.
Let's look at a few common settings that many cameras offer. But first let's examine a problem inherent to all photography--Depth of Field (or depth of focus).
What Is Depth of Field-How Important Is Ir?
Depth of field refers to how much depth or distance will be in focus at any particular aperture setting. Aperture settings are also known as f-stops, Examples are: f-1.2, 2.0, 3.5, 4.7, 8, 16. The math needed to come up with these numbers is explained in more comprehensive texts so for now let's just say that a low f-number like 1.2 means that a large volume of light reaches the film or light sensor. A high f-number like f-8 or f-16, means that a very small amount of light passes onto the recording medium.
So what? So for now you will have to accept the premise that a smaller aperture like f-8 or f-11 provides greater depth of field--meaning that a greater distance in front of the subject and an even greater distance behind the subject will be in focus. This means a lot when you are shooting closeups like a bouquet of flowers. By manipulating the depth of field, all of the flowers in the vase will be in focus.
If you were shooting a subject 10 feet from the camera and the automatic setting on your camera said it would use F-3.5, then objects a few feet in front of the subject and several feet behind would be in focus. To increase depth in the photo, change from the Auto setting on the main dial to one marked AV. This allows you to select a different f-stop using a different camera control (this is why you must first learn what every button, knob and wheel does). Select a higher f-number like f-5.6 or higher--depending on how much light is available. The shutter will automatically make up for the lower amount of light by slowing down. This allows for a longer exposure to give you the correct EV.
When To Use A Tripod
But a word of caution--do not attempt to use a shutter speed slower than 60 (1/60 second). You may get away with using 30 (1/30 second) but you may end up with a little camera shake, which will produce overall blurriness. It's best to use a sturdy tripod at speeds under 1/60 second.
A quick way to get good depth in your photos is to set the main dial on the "Landscape" setting. Most cameras have an icon depicting tiny little mountains.
It's worth repeating--read your camera manual and learn what all of the settings are and what effect they produce. And if you are really serious about getting super-quality photos, then consider taking a full blown course in digital photography. You'll find more information about the best program I have seen to date in the space below.
Digital photography has changed the way we take pictures. No more concerns about the cost of film amd processing. But to really get a handle on HOW-TO get professional quality photos, more than just the basic principles are needed. Amy Renfrey, publisher of Focus Magazine has complied one of the most effective A-Z photo courses I have seen in recent years. Her book "Digital Photography Success" has some truly stunning photography in it, plus, should you decide to purchase it she'll include 7 special bonus publications.
Even this old dog learned some new tricks from Amy!
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Expert EzineArticles author, Don Penven, is a freelance writer and professional photographer based in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC.
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