Did you get a new camera for Christmas? Make a New Year’s resolution to learn how to use the fancy camera you got last year or the year before or a few years ago? Let me get you started. This post is for those using a digital SLR, mirrorless or advanced point & shoot cameras. You can tell they are advanced if they are able to dial or select the modes P, A, S and M.
In fact, I wrote about each of these modes in the following posts:
When I am asked by someone or out leading a photo group, I go over my three biggest tips to improve one’s photos. They are to get in close and fill the frame, use the rule of thirds for composition and read the camera’s manual. I go over each of these tips in depth here: Scott’s Photography Tips.
Something else I get asked a lot is how I and others get such beautiful night time photos at Walt Disney World. The answer is simple: use a tripod. I know that seems like a real bother while on vacation. Here are some tips on how to make using a tripod at a Disney park easier: Using a Tripod at WDW.
If find you do not want or happen to not have a tripod handy. Use the old Joe McNally Da Grip!.
Here is one more bonus tip for you which comes in handy in Floridia: Sunny 16 Rule.
If you are new to photography, I highly suggest heading over to the Digital Photography School for this list of reference articles called Some of the Best Beginner Photography Tips of 2016.
Hope these links to tips help to get you started or refreshes your knowledge as we head into 2017. Happy Picture Taking!
If you have any questions or need help with something, use the Comments link below and I will get back to you.
Great summary Scott. I’m not one to use my camera all the time and therefore get somewhat rusty on the settings. My wife wanted to take the camera to the zoo the other week for some night time shots and asked me to pre-set the camera….oh boy…that took some deep thought. She managed to get some good pictures because I remembered one of the best tips you provided…the magic hour…so I sent her out before sunset and she managed to get some good shots of our children with the lights in the background. Happy New Year!
Scott replies: Hey, glad it helped and a Happy New Year to you, too, Steve.