Tips for Getting Great Images Using A Compact

Compact digital cameras today come with advanced technology. So don't ever think that just because you only have a compact, you won't be able to achieve quality images similar to the DSLRs. In fact, some of the best photos you may have seen were captured using a simple compact camera.

On the internet today, you have a wealth of information available on photography tips. There are websites and blogs some with videos that provide tips and strategies on getting the best shots possible.

In using a compact, the manner of holding the camera is very important. Avoid holding it at arm's length as it is likely to cause the device to shake. To ensure stability, what you can do is bend your arms such that your elbows are braced against your body. It's also a good idea to hold the camera with two hands.

There are other ways you can avoid the common shake issue when using compact digital cameras. One effective method is to lean against a wall or a doorway when shooting. In situations when light is low and your shutter speed slows, you can place your camera on something steady to keep it stable.

Another tip is to use the self-timer so that you avoid shaking the camera when pressing the shutter. And for best results, you can invest in a durable and sturdy small tripod or monopod that you can fit in your camera bag. This way, you can have it handy when you want to take photos on certain occasions whether indoor or outdoor.

Putting your compact camera on automatic mode may not always give you the best results. There are compacts with manual controls allowing you to have more control on the quality of your images. If you don't go for the manual mode, though, there are scene modes available these days in compact cameras such as the focus mode, white balance, colour, sharpening and other settings. These scene modes normally adjust the parameters for the subject you're capturing to achieve the result you desire.

If you're after quality images, one good tip you need to remember is to use the biggest image size. Know that a small resolution may give you more shots but in terms of quality, it's not ideal particularly if you're planning to have your photos printed. What you should do then is bring extra memory cards whenever possible to allow you to capture more great images.

Using the flash is another great way to capture amazing photos. It's a misconception that the flash should only be used when light is low such as when shooting indoors. Keep in mind, however, that you can always use the flash even when shooting outdoors in bright light. This will help you avoid a silhouette in your images. But if you use the flash, it will balance the subject with the background.

Lastly, you can use the macro mode of your compact camera if you wish to get close-up photos. If you're capturing a flower, for instance, it will help you get close by one to two centimeters from your subject.

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What Makes a Great Photograph?

I'm sure this article will be controversial. I mean, after all, how do you objectively characterise what makes a good photograph? It's not like marking a mathematics paper, where there is always a right or wrong answer. Photography, much like any other art form, is very subjective. That said, I do believe that there are certain elements that all great photographs share in common. Here's my (subjective) attempt at defining them:

1. Great use of Light- I've placed this in position 1, because photography is essentially all about light. As has been said many a time, photography literally means 'painting with light', and to become a true master of this discipline requires that you can read and understand light in the same way that you read and understand language- Metaphorically, it is one of the linguistic building blocks of photography. When taking a picture, great photographers will consider the direction as well as the quality of light. Is the subject side lit, or back lit? Is the light source hard or soft? Will I set up the picture so that it is low-key or high key? Depending on the answers to these questions the overall emotional feel and aesthetic of the image will change radically, thereby changing its meaning. To give you an example, look at some classic pictures taken of jazz clubs in low light. Typically these are low key in nature and they create a very definite 'noir' aesthetic. Play around with light so that it supports the meaning you are trying to convey in the image.

2. Great Composition- As in great art, great photographs generally have a sense of compositional form and balance that is pleasing to the eye. As a starting point it's a great idea to understand the basic rules of composition, such as using the rules of thirds. Once you have learned them though, don't be afraid to play around with them and break the rules. It's a way of establishing your own unique style, and who wants to be limited by rules anyway?

3. A Sense of Timing- Take a look at the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the undisputed master of street photography, and you will notice that, as well as having complete mastery of composition, he was also a master of timing. He knew how and when to anticipate what he called 'The Decisive Moment'; that point in time when all of the elements of the image fall into place and when the emotional 'pitch' of the story is at its peak. Great timing is essential in photography. Practise being patient, and remember to try to anticipate the best moment at which to engage the shutter button.

4. A Clear Subject- Great photographs generally have a very clear idea of what the core subject of the photograph is. If you find that when you frame an image the subject is unclear then try taking out any unnecessary elements. Sometimes simplifying the image is the best way to improve it.

Try experimenting with these different elements to see what works for you. Don't forget you only get better with plenty of practise. Good luck!

Matt Foden Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Croydon in London. You can see more of his work at:

http://www.mattfoden.co.uk/

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